Convention/event season has begun and you might be considering attending one in your niche for your podcast. During this episode we'll discuss what you may want to consider before attending and how to maximize the audio if you're electing to go that route. In this week's Better Podcasting Download we'll discuss a recent interview conducted by Blubrry with Blubrry CEO Todd Cochrane about Blubrry's "Own Your Own Podcast Feed" Credo. Finally, in Better Podback we'll discuss your podcast even experi...
Apr 19, 2017•54 min•Season 1Ep. 75
We've talked before about how it's important to prepare for a show, but what does it take to make a good set of show notes for you to work off of? During this episode we discuss different styles of Show Notes, the pros and cons that come with them and tips for making them fit your show. During the Better Podcasting Download we'll share with you the way iTunes Podcasts Connect has been a pain in the butt for Stephen. Finally, in this week's Better Podback we'll discuss the latest happenings in YO...
Apr 11, 2017•50 min•Season 1Ep. 74
This week we're please to have an interview with Mathew Passy of podtopod. We'll discuss Mathew's experience and history in both broadcasting and podcasting. We'll also discuss the New DMR/Texas A&M 'Download On Podcasting' advice for podcast newcomers and Stephen will also tell you about how his experience with some In-Ear Monitors. Finally, Stephen and SP are redoing their Rode Procaster test - find out why. Not familiar with Better Podcasting? We talk about podcast tips, tools and best pr...
Apr 05, 2017•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 73
This week we have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for a project that has been on our minds for a very long time - one that we hope will help the entire podcast community. BUT BEFORE WE GET THERE, today we're going to discuss some places where you can discuss podcasting and the pros/cons that comes with them. We'll also tell you about some changes that have been made with Google Search and how it affects your podcast and website. Finally, we'll also follow up about one specific listener's podcast promotion we...
Mar 29, 2017•56 min•Season 1Ep. 72
During this week's show Stephen and SP discuss how to build a podcast checklist for your show. Whether you're doing one show or many, building a custom list is sure to help you keep organized. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, the topic is the 2017 Edison consumer research and what it means to you as a hobby podcaster. Finally, in the Better Podback, listener of the show, Scott Smith, tells you about his experience using Facebook Live as a promotion tool. Not familiar with Better Podcas...
Mar 22, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 71
We've often spoken about how it's important to keep in touch with the latest in podcasting, but it's also important to keep up with how people are consuming podcasts. This episode we run down a variety of changes that both directly and indirectly podcast consumers. First though, we have to get to a HOW I SAVED MY PODCAST story involving a domain fiasco. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, we're please to say that we've finally answered a problem we previously discussed about Skype video. ...
Mar 15, 2017•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 70
It's a very full episode today as we run down a WHOLE BUNCH of different services and software options available for recording your podcast (bonus, we even have some for video shows too). During this week's Better Podcasting Download we'll discuss the SiriusXM Podcast service and what you need to know as a hobby podcaster. We've also got information that you want to know about before purchasing your next Audio-Technica ATR2100. Finally, in Better Podback, we'll take a listener question about our...
Mar 08, 2017•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 69
Special guest Emily Prokop of The Story Behind podcast joins us this week to discuss the topic of conducting research. Among Emily's endless amount of advice for researching topics for your podcast, she'll also share what it was like to end a podcast as well as converting to a solo short-form podcast. During the Better Podcasting Download, we'll give you the latest information about SoundCloud and what it might mean for you. Finally, we'll take your feedback to discuss what keeps you listening t...
Feb 28, 2017•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 68
While there may be a lot (and we do mean a lot) of similarities starting your second podcast as there were you first, there's also a variety of additional considerations and best practices too. This episode Stephen & SP discuss how you can maximize the launch of your second podcast, including leveraging your existing fan base. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, we discuss how it's really easy to drive away your audience by using polarizing topics within your show. Finally, in Better ...
Feb 22, 2017•59 min•Season 1Ep. 67
A lot has changed in the world of podcasting since it first began - one area is the competitive factor. Whether we wish it were elsewise or not, podcast has become a competitive hobby and this week we're going to discuss how it's become this way and how you can be aware to minimize the impact on your show. In the Better Podcasting Download we'll discuss a recent article on the basics of what you need to start podcasting and in your feedback we'll discuss your inspirations for starting podcasting...
Feb 15, 2017•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 66
Have you ever considered self-hosting your podcast RSS and/or media? During this show Stephen and Stargate Pioneer talk about the controversial topic that is "self-hosting" your podcast. There are definitely both pros and cons to going this route and we'll discuss both along with best practices and also some hosting providers you can use. If you're about to launch your podcast, we suggest you take a listen to this episode before you submit your RSS feed as it might make you reconsider which RSS ...
Feb 08, 2017•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Stargate Pioneer and Stephen are pleased to have special guest Bandrew Scott (from his Podcastage YouTube Channel and The Bandrew Says Podcast) to get his insight on podcasting while learning about his history taking his hobby to a professional (or if you'd prefer "hobbyist plus") level. Topics include the difference between commercial/professional and hobby podcasting, how he manages his schedule and some of his favorite experiences with his over 100 microphone tests and reviews (not to mention...
Feb 01, 2017•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 64
SP and Stephen wrap up their guest arc by discussing ways you may have to adapt to your guest. BUT before we get there, let's take a moment to find out how one podcaster SAVED THEIR PODCAST with a little creativity. In this week's download we've got a hot topic posing the question about hobby podcast standards. Finally, we'll take your feedback about your week in podcasting. Do you have something to say about the art of hobby podcasting? Do you want to chime in on an episode of Better Podcasting...
Jan 25, 2017•59 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Stephen and SP continue their arc discussion guesting - this time talking about setting expectations (both for your guest and for you). We also discuss some of the changes within the podcatcher world and what they mean for you. In Better Podback we take your feedback on what your first topic was, as well as where you get your source of podcast industry statistics. Finally, we'll close up the show with Stephen sharing a story of a purchase that he podgrets (ie. a podcast regret). Not familiar wit...
Jan 18, 2017•55 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Welcome to the first 2017 episode of Better Podcasting. We'll kick off our show this week discussing some of our more frequently downloaded episodes (have you checked them out yet?) and then of course we'll get right to the draw for our Audio-Technica ATH-M40X headphone give away! We'll also kick off our guest arc, this time discussing the considerations you have when preparing to accommodate a guest on your show. Finally, we'll run through a bunch of fan feedback with topics including your insp...
Jan 11, 2017•57 min•Season 1Ep. 61
During our final episode of 2016, we continue on our discussion of our gear purchases of 2016 - this time with Stargate Pioneer's list. SP discusses not only his buys but also the decision factors that came with them. He's got quite the list, but some of them may make you think about some of the indirect changes you may make to keep up with your hobby. In Better Podback we'll close the year with a voicemail submission from a listener for our ATH-M40X headphone give away contest. As a friendly re...
Dec 29, 2016•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 60
With this episode we officially begin a Better Podcasting annual tradition - closing our year talking our podcast purchases. While we believe you don't need a lot of gear to podcast, the reality is that we do seem to acquire a fair amount through the year; however, we do think through our purchases before we make them and we want to walk you through our decision process. This episode we'll run down Stephen's list of 2016 and share what he purchased and why he purchased the items. In the Better P...
Dec 21, 2016•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 59
We know that last week SP teased you talking about free food samples, so we had to deliver this week! This show we share some actual samples of different styles of audio processing you may want to consider within post-production - including some that are "don't do this". We'll discuss noise reduction, audio gating, equalization, rough cuts vs soft cuts and even some deverb. In the Better Podcasting Download we'll tell you why there's more writing on the wall about the future of SoundCloud. Not f...
Dec 15, 2016•52 min•Season 1Ep. 58
We kick off our two part arc on Editing and this episode we're discussing a few methods you may use for your show. We'll provide some pros, cons and best practices to help you maximize these techniques. In the Better Podcasting Download we'll tell you why your Christmas break my be a bust for launching your podcast entirely. Finally, we'll take listener feedback about hitting up the podcast circuit this year, an update from an iTunes listener AND an update about SP's switches. Not familiar with ...
Dec 07, 2016•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 57
In the final installment of our planning 2017 arc, Stephen and SP discuss Podcast Infrastructure & Promotion Planning for the year. The crew have some considerations for you if you're looking at how to promote your show in 2017 including appearances, website changes, patreon and a few others. Since this episode was recorded on Black Friday, it would make sense for our Better Podcasting Download to be all about sale shopping this holiday season. Finally during Better Podback we take a questio...
Nov 30, 2016•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 56
In part two of three of our arc on 2017 planning and this week we're talking software and structure. If you're looking to make some changes to your podcast software or even your entire show structure, we'll talk about some considerations you have. During this week's Better Podcasting Download Stephen finally wraps up his Shure SM7B vs Audio-Technica BP40 test. Take a listen and judge for yourself! Finally, in this week's Better Podback we'll take some feedback from a couple listeners who were in...
Nov 23, 2016•44 min•Season 1Ep. 55
This episode we'll kick off with two personal stories about how last week we took our own advice as hobby podcasters when personal struggles occurred in our lives this week. In our main topic this week we'll kick off our three part arc on Planning 2017 considerations you may have. This episode we'll discuss Hardware & Services. During our Better Podcasting Download we discuss how scientists are riding the podcast wave. Finally, in Better Podback we'll take a listener question about iTunes an...
Nov 17, 2016•54 min•Season 1Ep. 54
During this episode Stephen and SP discuss some areas of consideration if you want to make a companion website for your podcast. Stephen and SP have some experience working side websites and they want to share it with you. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, Stargate Pioneer tells you about a recent experience with Facebook and why he really has little choice but to no longer be on it. Finally, in this week's Better Podback Stephen shares a secret he's had over the last few weeks. Not fam...
Nov 11, 2016•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 53
In our conclusion of the "Breaking the Backlog" arc, Stephen and SP discuss different ways to help you get caught up and move forward after getting behind in your podcast releases. Before we get there though, we'll debut our latest contest and we'll also take some listen feedback in How I Saved My Podcast, this week coming from THE Dave Jackson. During this week's Better Podcasting Download we run down some information comparing the Audio-Technica AT2005 and the Audio-Technica ATR2100 -- includi...
Nov 03, 2016•58 min•Season 1Ep. 52
There's a recent trend with some new podcasters - creating a backlog of podcasts (batching the podcast) before launching. This is an area that was very intriguing to both Stephen and SP when they first heard about it and this episode they'll discuss some pros, cons and best practices if your'e going to follow this concept. In the Better Podcasting Download this week, Stephen and SP share some recent problems that have plagued podcasters AND some issues with them specifically (such as the recent ...
Oct 27, 2016•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Stargate Pioneer has developed a list of considerations and recommendations for hobby podcasters, he refers to this as his "Golden Rules of Hobby Podcasting." What better time for him to share this than for our 50th episode? In the Better Podcasting Download we discuss some recent reports of issues which should highlight why you may want to finally move off of Feedburner. Finally, we take some listener feedback about double end recording. Not familiar with Better Podcasting? We talk about podcas...
Oct 19, 2016•59 min•Season 1Ep. 50
While Stargate Pioneer is away this week, GonnaGeek Network's Chris Ferrell helps hold down the fort to discuss some common next step considerations - including some challenges which SP, Stephen and Chris have all encountered. We'll discuss Double End Recording, Live Broadcasting and Video challenges and considerations. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, Stephen and Chris discuss why you don't want to use a drop-service (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, etc) to store your media files. In a...
Oct 13, 2016•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 49
It's time, it's finally here. If you've been on the edge of your seat like the one and only Stargate Pioneer, waiting to find out the feedback in Stephen's Mic Shootout Blind Test - well you're in luck. In this episode Stephen takes you through each microphone reveal, sharing information on the feedback of the listeners, as well as SP's feedback and guesses. How many mics did SP get right? You'll have to listen to find out. In this week's Better Podcasting Download, we discuss the newly announce...
Oct 05, 2016•58 min•Season 1Ep. 48
In this episode Stephen and SP are going to boldly go where no podcast-about-podcasting has gone before... discussing the gasp CONDENSER MICROPHONE. For this episode we are going to temporarily put aside our solid recommendation that you podcast using a Dynamic Cardiod Microphone to discuss some methods on how those who do use Condenser Microphones can make it the best it can be. We'll share some personal experiences including both successes and failures we've had. In this week's Better Podcasti...
Sep 28, 2016•51 min•Season 1Ep. 47
This show Stephen and SP start off taking another HOW I SAVED MY PODCAST story. For our main topic we discuss different types of podcasts. We'll start of discussing some formats and why you may want to consider them, then we'll discuss another important part - the tone of the podcast and we'll discuss why it matters to know your podcast type. In this week's Better Podcasting Download we discuss some fun facts about the Shure SM58. Finally, we take a couple pieces of listener feedback following u...
Sep 21, 2016•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 46
