In this episode, I respond to a question from Cheddar Bunny on Reddit, who's just released two podcast episodes and isn't happy with the sound quality. They're recording everything on an iPhone and editing with Ferrite, but their voice track sounds way too muffled. The music sounds fine, but they're asking about Bluetooth microphones and how to improve things on a zero budget.

I get where they're coming from, trying to be frugal and do everything on a phone. I've been there myself—I've filed for bankruptcy in my twenties and know what it's like to count every penny. That said, recording a podcast using only a phone is tough. The screen is small, editing is hard, and everything takes more time. Honestly, every podcaster I know who's tried going phone-only has ended up quitting because it just puts too many hurdles in the way.

Sure, you can try improving your quality by exporting and cleaning up your audio with tools like Adobe Enhancement, but that's still extra steps and time. I really believe you'll save yourself a lot of frustration by moving to a computer. Even if you don't want to spend much, you can pick up something like the Samson Q2U microphone for under $100, and use free software like Audacity (which you might even be able to use at a library).

If you do stick with your phone, here's a tip: speak directly into the phone as you would on a call (with the mic close to your mouth), instead of using speakerphone from a distance. I've done this myself in a pinch and it worked, but it was nowhere near ideal—took a lot of cleanup and definitely wasn't pristine audio.

So while it's technically possible to podcast on a zero budget and just your phone, the end result often falls short of what you'd get with a small investment in some basic gear and a computer. In the long run, you'll thank yourself for making the process easier.

If you want more help, head over to schoolofpodcasting.com—I offer coaching, tutorials, and an amazing community. I've been helping podcasters for 20 years, and I'm always here to help!

Samson Q2U

Audacity Software

Podtrak P4

In this episode, Dave Jackson addresses a common question from a Reddit post: "Which are the best podcast websites to post our work and get paid for it?" He dives deep into the realities and mindset of podcasting with a special focus on family projects. Dave emphasizes the importance of enjoying the podcasting journey itself, rather than fixating solely on making money.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Initial Motivations for Podcasting:
• Dave reacts to people interested in podcasting primarily to get paid, sharing that he personally didn’t make money from his podcast for the first three years.
• The Real Value of Podcasting:
• Drawing parallels to family game night, Dave highlights the long-term sentimental value of recording family podcasts, describing such memories as “much more valuable than...the .005 cents you will make from someone like Red Circle.”
• The Journey vs. the Destination:
• Using a story about driving to his brother’s house to admire the changing fall leaves, Dave likens podcasting to enjoying the journey instead of fixating just on the end goal.
• Practical Podcasting Advice:
• Dave discusses hosting platforms like Red Circle, Buzzsprout, and Captivate as options for those needing free basic websites, while noting that making money through podcasting typically requires more investment and planning.
• Skills and Benefits Beyond Monetization:
• Dave lists numerous benefits to podcasting—improved public speaking, increased confidence, networking, and even unexpected professional opportunities—emphasizing that these skills often precede financial gain.
• Monetization Mindset:
• He advises potential podcasters to enter the field with realistic expectations about monetization, noting that it can take years to build an audience substantial enough to generate revenue and that focusing solely on money often leads to podcasters quitting early.

Memorable Quotes:

• “You don’t monetize a podcast, you monetize an audience.”
• “There are all sorts of other benefits besides money when you start a podcast.”

Support & Resources:

• Interested in starting or improving your podcast? Visit School of Podcasting. Use coupon code “listenr” for a discount on subscriptions.

I spent some time the other night updating some show notes that AI generated. There were at least seven words that not only would I never use, some of them I didn't even know what they were.

I know many people will blame the prompt. Learning to prompt takes time, and updating content that isn't even close to sounding like you also takes time. So with this in mind I ask,

"Is AI really saving us time?"

It surely does when it generates images for me as I am very much a "stick figure theater" kind of artist. But I've been typing since I was in middle school, and I have a brain. So I don't need artificial intelligence, I have actual intelligence.

So the text you are reading right now came from my brian, and is now going to you. Stevie Ray Vaughn called this "Soul to Soul." For me, having ai right a few paragraphs for show notes makes no sense when I can do it better, and in the same amount of time (I'm at 19:31 for recording, editing, creating an image and now writing show notes)

So let AI do the things you can't, and consider doing the things you can so you don't have to worry about it sounding like you. It will, because YOU did it.

Are you looking to start your own podcast but don't know where to begin? Look no further than the School of Podcasting. Our comprehensive online courses and one-on-one coaching will teach you everything you need to know, from equipment and editing, to marketing and monetization. With our proven methods and expert instructors, you'll be creating high-quality, engaging content in no time. Say goodbye to the frustration and uncertainty, and hello to a successful podcasting career with the School of Podcasting.