Podcast Method - podcast cover

Podcast Method

Podcast veteran Dan Benjamin answers your questions about podcasting and recording, audio and video equipment, software, mic technique, pre- and post-production, workflows, and more.

Episodes

Episode 30: Podcasting from Home

Dan talks about the best microphone for recording at home, presidential mics, Zencastr, post processing (compression, normalization, and EQ), and your questions.

Mar 16, 202056 min

Episode 29: Recording Fort

Dan talks about the best ways to record a podcast with remote guests, route and record multiple audio sources with software, podcast industry statistics, niche podcasts, my current recording gear, and my favorite mic. Please support this sponsorless podcast on Patreon. I need your support to continue producing this program.

Mar 07, 20201 hr 7 min

Episode 28: Born In The Halls

Dan talks about the Podcast Academy Awards, the podcast gold rush, new mics from Rode, transcription services, in-browser recording and editing, and your questions.

Feb 19, 202057 min

Episode 27: Waking Up

Dan talks about Spotify and The Ringer, rising podcast revenue, the size of podcast audiences, Chartable and IAB, SiriusXM and SoundCloud, Audio Hijack, travel USB/XLR mics, 4-input audio interfaces, and listener questions! Please support the show on Patreon! (https://patreon.com/podcastmethod)

Feb 14, 202052 min

Episode 26: One Take

Dan talks about podcast networks (and the evolution of 5by5), and answers listener questions about how sponsorships really work and what sponsors want (guaranteed numbers, CPM, ROI), audience engagement, Skype vs. double-enders, building audience, and finding inspiration. Links for this episode: CPM Calculator ~ brought to you by BuySellAds ~ 5by5 | Unwound Call Recorder for Skype - The Skype Audio/Video HD Call Recording Solution for Mac - Ecamm Network Brought to you by: Squarespace (Start you...

Mar 30, 201743 min

Episode 25: Stand Up

Dan talks about improving sound quality, motivation, mute switches, how and when to end a show, syncing audio and video, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Pro Co Sound CDSS Short Stop Mute Box: Musical Instruments Mute My Mic Amazon.com: Rode NTG1 Condenser Shotgun Microphone: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Andoer Acrylic Clapboard Dry Erase Director Film Movie Clapper Board Slate 9.6 * 11.7" with Color Sticks: Electronics Brought to you by: Squarespace (Start your free trial s...

Mar 08, 201742 min

Episode 24: Get Pumped

Dan talks about staying organized, working with a co-host, commitment, live streaming, sound dampening, budget friendly live call-in solutions, New & Noteworthy, iPhone/iPad recording solutions, and transcripts. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Apogee MiC 96k Professional Quality Microphone for iPad, iPhone, and Mac: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: 3 Meter iPad/iPhone Lightning cable for JAM and MiC: Musical Instruments The Apogee MiC: Hands-On Review - YouTube IKEA PS 2017 Room divider -...

Feb 13, 201737 min

Episode 23: Production Values

Dan answers your questions about affiliate codes, post production tweaks, video skype calls, gain staging, audio interface migrating, trying out new microphones, and starting new shows. Links for this episode: Host Your Podcast - Fireside Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Musical Instruments Apollo Audio Interface with Realtime UAD Processing and Thunderbolt Call Recorder for Skype - The Skype Audio/Video HD Call Recording Solution for Mac - Ecamm Network Amazon.co...

Feb 01, 201754 min

Episode 22: The Future

Dan talks about the start of 5by5 and its CMS, sticking to your wheelhouse, and answers listener questions about recording a double ender vs Skype recording, minimum downloads that appeal to sponsors, how the future of podcasting compares to blogging, how to get guests on your show, how hosts get paid per show, and cover art. Brought to you by: Linode (Visit Linode.com/podcastmethod and use the promo code 'podcastmethod20' for $20 credit). Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/podcastmethod and use...

Jun 03, 201654 min

Episode 21: Versatility

Dan talks about gear for recording in the field and in the studio, making specific vs. general podcasts, versatility in podcasting, the Cloudlifter vs. DBX, Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, using Zencastr instead of Skype, writing good show notes, and guidelines for good gain. Links for this episode: Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter - Apple Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Digital Multitrack Recorder - 2015 Version: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone: ...

Mar 31, 201643 min

Episode 20: Balance

Shifting the focus back to listener emails, Dan talks about finding a good co-host, balancing levels, story-style podcasts, replacement episodes, DMCAs, lavalier mics, a Fireside update, and the right way to end a podcast. Links for this episode: 5by5 | The Pipeline 5by5 | Back to Work Fireside - Podcast hosting and analytics by podcasters for podcasters Amazon.com: Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor: Musical...

Mar 11, 201648 min

Episode 19: New Tools

Dan talks about new tools for podcasters, mic technique, naming your podcast, standing out as an independant podcaster, and answers your questions. Links for this episode: Rogue Amoeba | Loopback: Cable-Free Audio Routing Fireside - Podcast hosting and analytics by podcasters for podcasters Rogue Amoeba | Audio Hijack: Record Any Audio On Mac OS X Welcome to Cast USB Audio Interfaces | Focusrite Amazon.com: DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor: Musical Instruments Brought to you by: Linode (Vis...

Jan 29, 201649 min

Episode 18: Commodities

Dan answers questions about interviewing Weird Al Yankovic, how podcasts are disruptive to radio, the importance of iTunes reviews, creating guest contracts, the Rode Podcaster, nice podcast audiences, getting a fair CPM from your sponsors, how to measure a podcast's success, a low-end recording computer, the progress of the hosting/stats platform, and more. Links for this episode: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Amazon.com: Apple MGEM2LL/A Mac Mini Desktop - (1....

Nov 20, 201536 min

Episode 17: Independent Voices

Dan talks about the importance of independent content, configuring Skype for optimum results, noise gating and compression for noisy rooms and environments, recording panels and live performances, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Digital Multitrack Recorder - 2015 Version: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Zoom H5 Four-Track Portable Recorder: Musical Instruments Skype | Free calls to friends and family Call Recorder for Skype - The Skype Audio/Video HD Call Recording Solutio...

Nov 11, 201535 min

Episode 16: Eliminating Barriers

Dan talks about techniques, websites, and apps you can use to prepare for podcasts and interviews, eliminating barriers between you and your listeners, Google Play and podcasting, and listener questions. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone - Silver: Musical Instruments 5by5 | Road Work 5by5 | The Pipeline Charlie Rose | charlierose.com Brought to you by lynda (Visit lynda.com/podcastmethod to get free 10-day trial access to their 3,000+ courses) and Hover (Yo...

Nov 04, 201546 min

Episode 15: Back to Basics

Dan talks about the importance of getting back to basics, mastering mic technique, understanding your room's audio presence, icecast and nicecast, having a pre-flight checklist, ad blocking in podcasts, and more. Links for this episode: Podcasting Microphones Mega-Review – Marco.org Patreon: Support the creators you love Brought to you by Squarespace (Visit squarespace.com/podcastmethod and use the code PODCASTMETHOD at checkout for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase) and lynda (Visit ...

Sep 25, 201549 min

Episode 14: Rapport

From desktop mic booms to mix-minus, Dan answers listener questions about equipment, digital audio interfaces, how to apply effects to multi-track recordings, how to handle USB mic latency, developing a rapport with co-hosts, workflow and file-sharing, when to use the amazing Levelator, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: ProLine MS112 Desk Boom Mic Stand: Musical Instruments The Levelator® from The Conversations Network Levelator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Amazon.com: Telefunk...

Aug 31, 201544 min

Episode 13: Media Figures

Dan talks about the affect "media figures" (aka famous people) are having on podcasting, the recent Midroll acquisition, Ira Glass going independent, and a preview of his upcoming Podcast Movement talk about the past, present, and future of podcasting. He also answers questions about recording software, sports podcasts, and more. Sponsored by Lynda . Please visit http://lynda.com/podcastmethod for a free 10-day trial....

Jul 24, 201540 min

Episode 12: A Level Playing Field

Dan talks about the importance of independent podcasts, guest contracts, booking your first sponsor, one-person shows, guest and co-host compensation, and the Spotify podcasting situation. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire Audio Interface: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Focusrite Saffire Pro 26 Firewire Audio Interface: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Professional ...

May 22, 201556 min

Episode 11: "The Essence of Podcasting"

Dan answers listener questions and talks about recording great interviews, making the switch from hulking desktop mixers with faders to digital mixers, the importance of monitoring your own voice, and more. Links for this episode: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Edward Snowden on Passwords - YouTube John Oliver and Edward Snowden talk password security. WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Saffire PRO 24 | Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 | Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 | Focusrite Apollo 8 Thunderbolt 2 Audio Inter...

May 07, 201543 min

Episode 10: Don't Hold Back. Except Sometimes.

Dan talks about interviewing, holding back content, daily and weekly vs. evergreen episodes, the best day to release an episode, minimum downloads needed to get a sponsor, tips for transitioning your feed, and workflows. Special guest Jordan Cooper joins the show to reveal his tips and experiences with growing your audience. Links for this episode: The Dan Benjamin Hour My new daily show. Back to Work Jordan Cooper on Twitter Tech Douchebags on 5by5 The Morning Dump Sponsored by lynda (Visit the...

Apr 25, 20151 hr 16 min

Episode 9: Saving Time

Dan answers listener questions about mic technique, affordable microphones, digital mixers, headphone amps, streaming video, USB vs. XLR microphones, radio's influence on podcasting, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: DBX 286s Microphone Pre-amp Processor: Musical Instruments 5by5 | The Dan Benjamin Hour #21: Being Jeff Veen Amazon.com: Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire Audio Interface: Musical Instruments ? Mic Technique - YouTube Amazon.com: Blue Microphones Icicle XLR to USB Mic Co...

Apr 03, 201556 min

Episode 8: Show Up!

Dan talks about growing your listener base, if podcast networks are right for your show, getting new listeners, recording multiple guests, the basics of mix-minus, digital vs. traditional mixers, testing new gear, getting mired in editing, recording better audio vs. editing in post, and more. Links for this episode: The Dan Benjamin Hour My new show! Podcast Method Website Amazon.com: Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire Audio Interface: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digit...

Mar 26, 20151 hr 5 min

Episode 7: Time Shifted Radio

Dan talks about podcasts as creations vs. time shifted radio, recording (and not recording) when you're sick, ID3 tags, managing wires, the benefits and downsides of pre recording intros and outros, interviewing techniques, using affiliates as sponsors, acoustic panels, and more. Links for this episode: 5by5 | 5by5 Specials #31: The Hulk Doesn't Kneel Dan is joined by his 7 year old son, Cash, to talk about being a big brother, Google, the iPhone 6 and 6 , phablets, the role of iPads and co...

Feb 13, 20151 hr 4 min

Episode 6: Hijacking

Dan talks about download tracking with podtrac and libsyn, other tools like Showbot and the topics engine, recording screencasts, the new Audio Hijack, fair use in podcasting, patreon instead of sponsors, and more. Links for this episode: Libsyn - Podcast Hosting Services Podtrac - Premium Online Shows and Audiences 5by5 Showbot The Podcast Method Podcast Method Topic Suggestions - Jackal Suggestion Machine Meet the Command Line – Pluralsight Training Amazon.com: Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Micro...

Jan 23, 20151 hr 9 min

Episode 5: Content First

Dan Benjamin answers your questions on topics including how to put content first, working with remote guests, keeping focused, a Skype tips for good quality audio, effective recording techniques, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390 (Black): Electronics Amazon.com: Plantronics .Audio 478 Stereo USB Headset: Cell Phones & Accessories Amazon.com: Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Blue Microphone...

Jan 15, 201548 min

Episode 4: Fine Tuning

Dan Benjamin answers listener questions about the importance of a regular show, submitting shows to iTunes, counting downloads and listeners, affordable podcast hosting solutions, building a custom podcast CMS, interview style, soundproofing your home and podcast studio, broadcasting from a closet, and more. Links for this episode: Next Acoustics Amazon.com: Sewell Sound Dampening Foam, 2" Thick, 1ft x 1ft, 6 Pack: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Auralex D36 Designer Series Roominators-DST ...

Jan 01, 201552 min

Episode 3: Get Excited

Dan answers questions about promoting a show on iTunes, working with advertiser content, the importance of theme music for a podcast, how to handle Skype issues, and more. Links for this episode: Amazon.com: Zoom H5 Four-Track Portable Recorder: Musical Instruments Amazon.com: Zoom H5 Handy Recorder Kit with a Custom Windbuster, AD-17 AC Adapter, Closed-Back Stereo Headphones and a 16GB SDHC Memory Card Ultra: Electronics Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder: Musical Instruments ...

Dec 19, 201450 min

Episode 2: If It Sounds Good, It Is Good

Dan talks about recording multiple people remotely and in the same room, the importance of cover artwork, editing as a crutch, streaming live, and answers listener questions, and for the special Tech segment, he is joined by guest Jim Metzendorf to explain audio compression in podcasting. Links for this episode: Fair use - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Rogue Amoeba | Nicecast: Broadcast Any Audio To The Internet, Right From Mac OS X Call Recorder for Skype - The Skype Audio/Video HD Call Reco...

Dec 11, 20141 hr 14 min