From Zero To Podcast In 2 Weeks
Jun

Let me preface this article by saying that I am the farthest thing from an expert when it comes to Podcasting. This is merely a post outlining the exact steps I took in order to have my own Podcast up and running and on iTunes in 2 weeks, with virtually no knowledge about how any of it worked prior.
A few weeks ago, I introduced my first (and very humbling) Podcast interview with Seth Godin. When I started this blog, I never had any intentions of starting a Podcast. There were 2 main reasons for this:
- I am not comfortable interviewing successful people nor do I like the sound of my recorded voice.
- I didn’t want to take the time to learn what I needed to in order to start a Podcast.
Well, thanks to my post asking for your suggestions on how I could improve my blog in February and some great feedback, I was on the hook to start one!
Time To Step It Up A Notch
I basically put off learning how to Podcast for as long as I could. After a couple of months of not introducing anything new on the blog, I decided it was time.
The first thing I did was get ahold of a buddy of mine who has a very successful tennis instruction Podcast and asked him for help.
Our initial conversation went something like this:
- Me: I need to start a Podcast ASAP, Um..what am I supposed to do?
- Him: Buy a microphone, download Audacity, install the lame encoder, download Skype recording software, and make a call on Skype.
- Me: WTF are you talking about???
Fortunately he was patient and I took some notes. I had committed myself by this point to starting this Podcast no matter what, so it was ON!
How I Got My Podcast Up and Running In 2 Weeks
After I published my first Podcast a few readers/listeners emailed me asking if I would write a post on how I did it. Clearly I am no expert when it comes to Podcasting when just a few short weeks ago, I knew virtually zero about it!
I know many of my readers are fellow bloggers with aspirations of becoming successful online entrepreneurs. Podcasting is a phenomenal way to get in front of huge crowds (think iTunes). I’ve seen bloggers like Pat Flynn and Srini Rao grow their blogs significantly with the use of Podcasting.
So here is my step by step process of how I went from someone who didn’t know one single thing about Podcasting to interviewing Seth Godin, remembering to record it, and publishing it, all within a few weeks.
Step 1
I wanted to use Skype for all my Podcasts and had never used the “call” feature. I know, it doesn’t sound hard, but I was still resistant to it. The text feature seemed so much less complicated. As it turns out, calling is ridiculously easy. You just plug in your mic, find the person you want to call, and hit call…
Step 2
If I was going to record calls, I needed a recorder. Makes sense. I Googled ” Free Skype Recorder” and found this one. There a bunch of free ones and this one seems to work just fine.
Step 3
I bought a microphone from Amazon. Some of the well known Podcasters will suggest high end products, but for the newbie, the Logitech USB Desktop Microphone works great (affiliate link). It cost me about $20.
Step 4
I downloaded Audacity, the free audio recorder/editor software software. For all you Mac users, Garage Band does the same thing (only better). Audacity can be a pain in the ass, so here is a link to a great tutorial to get started.
Step 5
I was told I needed a lame encoder to help with exporting MP3 files from Audacity. I don’t know what it does, but you definitely need it! Luckily, you can download it right on the Audacity website. Just make sure you follow the directions! I screwed it up the first time and had to uninstall it and then reinstall it.
Step 6
I downloaded PowerPress, which is a free WordPress plugin for facilitating your Podcast. The most well known plugin is PodPress, but I have been told by several pro’s that PowerPress is much better. I’m not going to lie, the back end of PowerPress is overwhelming!
Instead of spending hours trying to figure it all out, I hired Daniel Clark from QAQN.com. I paid him $60 for an hour (great deal!) and he helped me set up everything I needed to publish my Podcasts. He also walked me though the process of submitting my show to Itunes and recorded it all on video. Very professional and definitely knows his shit!
Step 7
Prior to getting accepted on iTunes, I needed cover art to submit along with my Podcast. Since I know very little about this area, I had my web designer Mike from 107 Designs create a graphic for iTunes. By the way, I have worked with Mike for 6 months and he is incredible. Seriously!
Step 8
Daniel pointed me to MusicAlley.com, where there are tons of free music clips for Podcasts. You can also Google “Royalty Free Podcast Music”and find sites there. Of course you don’t need to add an intro, but it does add a little flavor!
Step 9
Once I had the interviews recorded in MP3 format and the intro music I wanted, I spent a little time messing around on Audacity trying to edit and mix it. I finally figured out how to get the intro music to play before the Podcast.
Step 10
Once I had my MP3 edited and ready to go, I uploaded it to my server through Filezilla. It’s a free FTP client for those who are not familiar with it. Once in Filezilla, open the public_html folder, then open your website folder. Now create a folder for your Podcasts and drag and drop your MP3 into it!
Step 11
Now from the back end of PowerPress, I uploaded that file and Bam! it’s ready to go. Just write your post, add your Podcast, and you’re good to go. This actually a bit confusing the first time so here are a few tips.
- You have to manually type in the URL of your podcast. In my case, it’s https://www.endingthegrind.com/podcast/nameofpodcast.mp3. Obviously, change “nameofpodcast” to the mp3 file name.
- Use the ” iTunes Summary” field to describe your Podcast episode. I didn’t at first and when I went to iTunes and looked at the description, I saw my entire post! Not good.
- To insert your media player anywhere in your post, just type (powerpress) where you want it. You actually need to use the [ ], not the ( ) brackets.
- Here is a pretty decent Powerpress tutorial, but it’s a little outdated.
Done!
Total cost was under $100 and I now have access to some of the most successful people online! What a great investment.
I also want to add that I started emailing people I wanted to interview after step 5 . The response was surprisingly excellent and before I knew it, I had about a dozen interviews scheduled. Once I took the time to think about what just happened, I started freaking out a bit because I wasn’t even ready for them. Well, it got done quickly and the rest is history…
A Few Notes
As complicated as all of this sounds, it’s actually really pretty simple once you do it a few times. I hope the steps I laid out are clear enough to understand and that this actually helpful in getting you started.
If I have been unclear or wrong about anything (certainly a possibility), let me know and I will try to help or correct myself.
Also, there a few additional tips I want to share:
- Don’t forget to ask for your interviewee’s Skype name. Nothing is more embarrassing than getting ready to call someone and realizing that you don’t have their number. Not good.
- Always check to make sure your call is being recorded. Some of my interviewees offered to record my calls as well just in case I blew it.
- Have a list of interesting questions at the ready. During one interview, I ran out of questions and my mind went blank. It sounds easy enough to just keep talking, but when pressure is on to produce a good interview, it’s very helpful to be fully prepared!
So if you were thinking of starting your very own Podcast, I hope this helped a little!
Please leave me a comment with any questions or send me an email if you prefer.

Graham Lutz
Another reason why I need a MacBook Pro…
I’d like to have a podcast on my sites at some point, just not sure of the ROI. What kind of stats have you seen since you posted yours?
Steve
Graham,
To be honest I am not tracking the stats right now. I can tell you that regardless of what they are, the ROI is incredible. What do you think the interview I got with Seth Godin has done for my credibility? I couldn’t buy that if I wanted to.
I’ve spoken with millionaires, mentors like Yaro Starak, and will be interviewing people like Pat Flynn and Ash Ambirge. If nothing else, I am learning a ton from these people!
Just do it, man!
Graham Lutz
What a great way to look at it – you’re learning a lot and intuitively you know it’s worth it, whether you’ve tracked it or not.
I’ve always said you should value learning over successes any day!
Graham Lutz
There are just so many things that I have planned – I can’t be adding something like this to the mix. I get easily distracted.
Steve
I think it might be well worth it! What’s more important than networking with the most successful bloggers online?
Benny
Srini said in an interview with someone on Blogcast FM that doing all those interviews is like getting thousands of dollars worth of free consulting. Very true.
Steve
Benny,
I remember that interview and it’s so true. Even if nobody listened to the Podcast, it’s still worth all the effort I put into it.
Keshav
I have to give it you. You put the information out there as raw and as useful as can be. Thanks again steve for the excellent HOWTO.
Steve
Thanks Keshav! I was hoping to make it simple for people that think it’s too difficult to do. As it turns out, setting up a Podcast isn’t that hard at all 🙂
Harriet`
I understand about not liking the sound of your own recorded voice, I HATE the sound of my own voice, its just one of those things I can’t bloody stand!
Steve
Yea, I try not to think about it. Hopefully, I will get better with speaking clearly. I tend to mumble and talk too fast, especially when I’m nervous.
Benny
Great overview Steve! I don’t think anyone like the sound of their own recorded voice. Makes me cringe.
What the traffic been like for people finding you on iTunes? I know Pat said he gets a lot of people finding his blog through iTunes.
Steve
I actually don’t know. I haven’t even looked. I’ve got another update post coming up soon, so I may include the info in there if I can find it!
Justin | Mazzastick
Hey Steve,
Interviewing big time bloggers is a step in the right direction.
I want to eventually do some podcasts and you have saved me some time on trying to figure it out.
I will have to look into everything that you referenced in your post.
Steve
Justin,
My intention wasn’t to try to reach the big names, but rather the people who I felt would inspire and help my listeners the most. It just so happens that some of the big names are very helpful!! I’ve got an interview with Ash Ambirge from TheMiddleFingerProject.org tonight and I’m stoked. She rocks!
Eugene
Great instructions here. I’ve been kicking around the idea of a podcast recently. It seems like if you don’t have one soon you’ll be on the backburner.
Steve
It does seem like a ton of people are doing Podcasts now. I think one would fit well with your blog!
Lance
Steve,
Just discovered your site – and am loving it!
And this is just excellent – what a great write up on how to podcast! And…I have half of these things already…
Steve
Glad you are digging my blog Lance! If you’re thinking of doing a Podcast, I say go for it. It’s been great for me so far and it wasn’t all that hard to get started. Keep me posted on your progress and if/when you get one going.
Adrienne
Wow, you really shared everything with us Steve. Want an excellent post and one I have already saved for future use.
By the way, I use that same mic and it’s so clear. I’ve been complimented several times on how clear my videos and audio is. See, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be good.
Adrienne
Steve
Adrienne,
I always thought it was going to be so difficult to get a Podcast up and running but it’s really not all that hard.
As for the mic, I’ve been very happy and it works out great that we didn’t have to spend too much 🙂
Keith
Awesome tutorial Steve! I have recorded a few podcasts (not that great at it LOL) and have interviewed a few people myself, the process is frustrating and I wish this had been posted before I started LOL!
Steve
Keith,
The process IS frustrating. That was the main reason I was putting it off for so long. Looking back, it wasn’t all that hard, but going through it was a pain in the ass….
Jayne Kopp
Hello Steve, what a wonderfully detailed post!
Everything seemed quite effortless… until steps, 6, 7, 8…. lol. I am sure though as you say, once the steps have been practiced a few times, it would get easier.
I am so impressed with your interview from Seth Goddin … as well as your upcoming posts.
That is what my coach did… he interviewed big names and published a book. Now he’s a big name!!
I think sometimes it’s just breaking through that ‘barrier’ that opens doors you never thought possible.
I am so excited for you.
Thanks for sharing everything. BTW Adrienne sent me!
Best,
Jayne
Steve
Thanks Jayne!
It seemed so much easier after I actually did it and I’m sure it appears overwhelming to some. I’m not trying to make a name for myself by interviewing big names, I’m just reaching out to people that I think can offer insightful ideas to my listeners. I certainly won’t turn down big names either…unless they’re assholes 🙂
Thanks for visiting, Adrienne is awesome (as you already know)