Getting started with podcasts

Below you can see a recording of the Livestream which was originally broadcast on 22nd May 2020

Contents

1) What is a Podcast?

"A podcast is an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening. Streaming applications and podcasting services provide a convenient, integrated way to manage a personal consumption queue across many podcast sources and playback devices."


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast

2) Introducing Audacity

Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder.

You can use Audacity to:

  • Record live audio.

  • Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.

  • Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, and WAV sound files.

  • Cut, copy, splice, and mix sounds together.

  • Change the speed or pitch of a recording.

  • And more! See the complete list of features."


http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

3) Adding Sound Effects & Music

If you want to add more sounds and music to your podcast then you can download royalty free clips and sound files from these websites:

  • Flashkit - Free Music Loops.

  • Free Music Archive - Inspired by the ideas and ethos behind Creative Commons licensing, the tracks on the FMA are offered for whatever use you want.

  • Freeplay Music - A great site with hundreds of free to use sound effects & music clips.

  • FreeSFX - A uk based side where you can download lots of free sound effects.

  • Sound Bible - They bill themselves as an "Encyclopaedia of Sounds".

  • Sound Gator - You need to sign up to this service to download the free sound effects it offers.

  • SoundJay - Lots of nice free samples on this site, but please do check their terms of use before you use them.

  • Wiki Media Sound Page - A huge searchable repository of free sound effects and music.

  • World Hip Hop Beats - Offers a selection of free samples which can be used to make music

4) Introducing Anchor

Anchor is a free app that lets you create a podcast and distribute it everywhere (including Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts).

Features

  • Record high-quality audio, either with your device’s built-in mic or by plugging in your favorite external microphone

  • Record with friends or cohosts, anywhere in the world

  • Take voice messages from your listeners, and add their questions/submissions to your next episode

  • Add a variety of transitions and sound effects to your podcast

  • Import audio from any app on your device to use in your podcast

  • Add any song from Spotify (playable on Anchor only)

Audio Editing

  • A visual episode builder makes it easy to edit and rearrange the audio in your podcast episodes

  • Trim or edit your recordings with editing tools designed specifically for podcasting

  • Add flags while recording to remind yourself which parts to come back and edit or remove

Sharing Options

  • Easily distribute your podcast to all major podcast platforms (including Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts) with just one tap

  • Share the permalink for any episode or segment anywhere; anyone who doesn’t have Anchor installed can listen in their favourite podcast player or on your Anchor web profile without needing an account

  • Embed any episode on your own website (or embed your podcast and it’ll always play the latest episode)

  • Turn any short segment (anything under 2 minutes) into an automatically transcribed, animated video!

Audience Statistics

  • Track how many people hear each episode and which specific segments get the most plays

  • See who on Anchor is listening to each segment

  • Access even more detailed analytics on your desktop dashboard at www.anchor.fm

5) Summary

The purpose of the live-stream and these notes is not to tell you which a podcasting tool is best for you, but rather make you aware of what is possible and to signpost you toward a free tools that you can experiment with right away.

After taking a look at the tools showcased here, you may wish to cast an eye over some alternatives and then pick one that best meets your needs: