Prologue
The $158 Podcast Studio
This month, I'm recording episodes of my podcast with a $99 mic and a $59 interface.
I'm doing this because so many podcasters do one of two things:
- Try to cut costs on everything.
- Buy the most expensive equipment they can, giving the price way more credit than it deserves for improving the quality of a podcast.
There's a middle ground. You can't just buy your way into a great podcast, but you do need to invest something if you want to compete.
If you want to go deeper into this philosophy, read Steve Albini’s Lessons for Podcasters. It will give you a nice perspective on how to capture a moment in time without going overboard.
And if you want to make a $139 microphone sound like a $3500 microphone, keep reading ...
Sponsor
Big Podcast AMP
If you like the newsletter, you'll love Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program).
This personal coaching program helps you do three things:
- Grow your podcast audience.
- Get people talking about your podcast.
- Make more money with your podcast (and podcasting skills).
You can get details here.
Podcaster Opportunities
How to Get More Listeners in Apple Podcasts
The new OS for iPhone included new category personalization for Apple Podcasts, meaning that your podcast will be easier than ever for people to find.
Assuming you have the correct category selected, of course.
Do you? You might want to verify your feed to be sure.
Which category is your podcast? Reach out to me via Bluesky and let me know! This will help me tailor Big Podcast Insider content specifically for you.
Steal This Idea
The McPodcast
This page of "local" items from McDonald's got me thinking of how important it is for us to modify our delivery and content to fit the needs of the people we are serving.
To be clear, I stand by Podcast Rule #1 and believe you need to "fly your flag," but do understand that you'll have more success reaching people if you're skillful in how you do this.
Sometimes that means modifying your approach. And it always means talking to people in their language.
Podcast Production
Make a $139 Mic Sound Like a $3500 Mic (With One Tiny Mod)
The Neumann U87 is a legendary voiceover mic and often imitated.
It costs about $3500.
Don't have that kind of money for a mic? A $10, single capacitor mod gets the $139 AKG Perception shockingly close.
If you do this, reach out to me via Bluesky and let me know! I am considering it ...
Podcasting Deals
AudioHero - Unlimited Licensing for 300k+ Music Tracks
Get 300,000+ premium, royalty-free music tracks and sound effects with unlimited licensing for a one-time fee of only $99.
I have used this service for 4-5 years with good results. They've got some quirky music that's great for fiction podcasts, but also a ton of options for non-fiction, news, and interview-format podcasts as well.
What you get:
- Unlimited downloads of royalty-free sound effects and music
- Access to over 300,000 tracks of premium royalty-free music and award-winning sound effects
- Licensed for all media and worldwide rights
- Licensed to be used in any synchronized production (television, movies, etc)
- Tracks are licensed (royalty-free) in perpetuity
- Audio embedded with metadata for easy searching
- Advanced AI search tool to help you find just the track you need
It's got a 60-day money-back guarantee, so dig in, take a listen, and see if it works for you. If it does, you'll save yourself a ton of money on music licensing.
Podcast Humor
Just Browsing ...
The end of the year is always a great time to find "deals" on mics and other podcasting gear, but before you buy anything to replace your current equipment, ask yourself these three questions:
What are my specific audio needs and goals?
Determine what you want to achieve with your new microphone. Are you looking for better sound quality, more noise reduction, or a particular type of sound signature that your current microphone doesn't have? Understanding your goals will help you choose a microphone that meets your specific requirements.
What's my budget, and what features are essential within that range?
Assess how much you're willing to spend and identify the essential features you need within your budget. Consider factors like durability, connectivity options (USB vs. XLR), and any additional features such as built-in pop filters or supplied shock mounts.
How does the new microphone integrate with my current setup?
THIS IS IMPORTANT! Consider how the new microphone will fit into your existing podcasting setup. Check compatibility with your recording equipment, software, and environment. Ensure that it complements your workflow and any other gear you use, such as mixers or audio interfaces.
Good luck!
Classifieds
Book Like a Boss - Automated Guest Booking for Podcasters
Tired of guests missing interviews? Book Like a Boss handles all the little details when it comes to guest booking.
- automated guest scheduling
- automatic reminders (including text messages) sent to guests
- integrates with all email and calendar software
Riverside - Remote Recording Studio
Riverside records high-quality audio (and video) directly from your browser. No special equipment is needed and connecting with your guest is as simple as sending a web link!
You can try Riverside free (no credit card is needed) and, if you like it, save 15% on any paid plan by using the coupon code BIGPODCAST.
pCloud - Lifetime Backup Storage
Don't lose your hard work! Make sure you're backing up your podcast.
The Wrap Up
When you're ready, here's how I can help you even more ...
If you want the shortcut to building a podcast people care about, here’s how Big Podcast can help you …
Free of charge ...
- Big Podcast Extra – Short emails to help you build an audience, attract clients, and make money via podcasting
- Build a Big Podcast – The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
- Podcast Growth Toolkit – The "Swiss Army Knife" of podcasting ...
For budgets under $750 …
- Big Podcast AMP (Audio Monetization Program) – Personalized coaching for indie podcasters to help you grow your podcast audience and build your authority, brand, and reputation
For budgets of $3000 or more …
We offer a range of podcasting services including:
- Full-service podcast production and marketing
- Podcast and radio hosting
- Podcast launch and development services