How I Plan and Create my Podcast Episodes | Susanne Rieker

Are you able to imagine it’s been almost 5 years since I began the Blissful Biz podcast? I began it in January 2020, and this week I printed episode 232! One just about each week. I simply checked the stats and I’ve had 109,189 downloads since I began. That is so loopy. I nonetheless get thrilled once I see my little present listed on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Let’s dive into how I plan my episodes and truly create new content material each week!

Hearken to this episode:

My Content material Planning Course of

One factor I really like about podcasting is the construction it provides me. I do know I’m publishing a brand new episode each Tuesday, and that’s that. No wavering, no delays. It merely will get completed.

All of it begins with a content material calendar. I exploit Asana for planning and scheduling my podcast episodes, and it’s superb.

>>> Right here’s a weblog publish how you can get began with Asana

In Asana, I’ve created a challenge with a board view and columns for content material concepts, scheduled episodes, modifying, and printed content material.

All through the month, I seize each podcast concept that pops into my head within the “content material concepts” column. On the finish of every month, I sit down and evaluate these concepts to plan the subsequent month’s episodes. I think about strategic components like what I’m promoting that month and potential company, however I additionally tune into my intestine emotions about every subject. I ask myself: Which concepts mild me up and make me excited to start out researching? What subjects do I really feel my viewers wants proper now, even when they haven’t explicitly requested for them? Are there any concepts that hold resurfacing, virtually demanding to be explored?

My Weekly Podcast Creation Course of

Mondays are my devoted podcast days. I do know some folks prefer to batch their episodes and create 6 episodes in a single large lengthy juicy session, however this simply doesn’t work for me.

Right here’s my typical Monday routine:

Script Improvement

I begin with a tough define, then use Claude.ai to assist develop a full script. It’s like having a writing buddy who by no means will get drained or wants a espresso break. We trip, refining every part till it feels good. This course of usually takes about two hours, nevertheless it flies by once I’m within the zone.

Recording

As soon as the script is prepared, I transfer on to recording. I exploit Descript (Affiliate Hyperlink) for this section, specializing in audio-only content material. I discovered the laborious manner that attempting to look camera-ready whereas studying a script is just not my forte. Audio-only permits me to focus solely on delivering the content material with out worrying about visible distractions.

Enhancing

I used to have a podcast editor, however now I’m dealing with the modifying myself, additionally by Descript. I find it irresistible – it’s so quick and straightforward and actually simply takes a couple of minutes. The software program transcribes the audio, after which I can edit the textual content. After I make a mistake whereas recording, I pause, repeat myself, and in Descript I can simply delete the phrases I stated improper. There’s even a “studio sound” characteristic that enhances audio high quality, making my residence workplace recordings sound extra skilled.

Tools

For recording, I exploit my Macbook Professional and Blue Yeti microphone – nothing fancy. I’ve been recording in my lounge, however I plan to arrange a small desk in my visitor bed room for higher audio high quality.

Publication and Promotion

As Tuesday rolls round, it’s time for publication and promotion. I add the audio file to Buzzsprout (Affiliate Hyperlink), my podcast internet hosting platform. I add the shownotes and publish it. That takes round 5 minutes.

Then, I create a weblog publish, e-newsletter content material, and social media captions. I’m utilizing Claude for this too, and it’s so superb – actually, it takes me lower than an hour! It’s unimaginable how AI can help us; it makes the entire course of lots simpler to deal with.

Lastly, I schedule the supporting content material to exit all through the week, guaranteeing my podcast will get most publicity.

Are You Able to Begin a Podcast?

In the event you’re contemplating beginning a podcast, there are a number of indicators that you just is perhaps prepared. You need to have a transparent message or space of experience to share, and be genuinely captivated with your subject – sufficient to speak about it for hours. That you must be prepared to decide to a constant manufacturing schedule, and have (or be prepared to spend money on) some fundamental gear. Most significantly, you have to be enthusiastic about connecting with an viewers by audio.

Keep in mind, perfection isn’t a prerequisite for beginning. My first episodes had been removed from good, and I nonetheless cringe just a little once I hearken to them. However I’ve grown as a podcast host and gotten extra comfy and assured. You actually solely get there by doing it!

Beginning a podcast might be daunting. I spent over a yr enthusiastic about it earlier than I lastly recorded my first episode. You would possibly end up doubting your authority, feeling overwhelmed by competitors, fearing you received’t appeal to listeners, or feeling uncomfortable with your personal voice. These are all regular emotions!

Keep in mind, your distinctive perspective is efficacious. There’s room on your voice within the podcasting world. Give attention to offering worth, and your viewers will discover you. With time and observe, you’ll develop into extra comfy together with your voice and magnificence.

Your listeners are there on your content material, your persona, and your experience. I promise – with time, your authenticity will shine by.

Preserve Listening