Podcasting: What & How

What do English class, cassette tapes, fried beef, and Keanu Reeves have in common? Read further.

In class this week, we will be learning how to create podcasts. Podcasts can be about virtually anything - in a sense, they are radio shows broadcasted on the Internet. 

The program in focus is Audacity, a free audio recording/editing program. We'll also cover use of music beds and sound effects. In order to better understand this range of topics, I scoured the interwebs for some tips. Here are the gems I stumbled upon regarding podcasting:

General Podcast Tips

Mashable has a great list of what a successful podcast entails. I am a little biased because I really enjoy the aesthetics of the website. The layout of this tech-savvy site is simple and clearly showcases the plethora of eye-catching articles. The content is helpful, cutting edge, and quirky. Here is a list of the tips that made most of an impression:

1. Your topic should mean something to you. This is a 2-step process. First, ask yourself, "what interests me and what is the purpose of this podcast?" Think about the benefit you are providing listeners. Second, research your topic and related podcasts on iTunes. What is out there and how is what you have to say different and interesting? (Note: iTunes also has a podcast webpage with tips, FAQs, and more)
2. Brand, plan, structure, and grow. Brand your podcast like you would a product: pick a memorable name and logo. Next, plan what you are going to say because your content is the point of the podcast. Make sure you give it structure as well. Imagine reading an 8-page essay that is all one big paragraph. Last, continuously work on building an audience. Promote it on other social media websites. Consider creating a website devoted to the podcast. Your goal is to form a community of listeners, and having a space for the community to interact is key.
3. Fine tune the tech. Record and edit your podcast. For this, I will use the essay metaphor again (I like writing). When completing a writing assignment, would you say editing it before turning it in yields a better grade? Many times I have forgone editing a paper due to laziness. However, my grades are undoubtedly higher when I do edit. If you take the time to edit the podcast you are already putting in the time and effort for, listeners will notice. 

Source: http://mashable.com/2011/03/25/podcasting-tips/

How do you edit and record podcasts? Use a program like Audacity. 

Audacity

It works with Macs and Windows users alike, as well as the GNU/Linux crowd. The best part is you can download it for free. Audacity does not have all the bells and whistles of a beautiful designed website because it really is not necessary.

I recommend clicking on the About tab at the top of the homepage. Here you can learn more about what Audacity is. Next, click on the Features tab on the left. This will tell you what Audacity does and how to use it. Here are the basics:

1. Recording
• Through a microphone, line input, or USB/Firewire device, Audacity can record live audio
• It can also digitize cassette tapes, records or minidiscs. Perfect for a podcast focusing on music from the last millennium!
• Streaming audio can be recorded if you have Windows Vista, Windows 8, or Windows 7 or particular sound cards (more info here)
2. Import and Export
• Import and edit sound files, as well as combine them with new recordings
• WAV, AIFF, AU, FLAC, and Ogg Vorbis files can be imported and exported (Ogg Vorbis is an open and patent-free audio encoding and streaming technology)
• Certain programs can be used to import and export other types of files
3. Editing
• Cut, copy, paste, and delete (a given)
• Unlimited undo and redo
• Can use multiple clips in a track and label tracks
• Envelope tool fades volume up or down
• Automatic crash recovery, so no need to panic if your computer freezes
4. Effects
• Change your pitch without changing the tempo, and vice-versa
• Eliminate background noises
• Change frequencies
• Alter volume
• Create voice-overs

Source: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/features

Music Bed/Sound Effects

I had to look up the definition of "music bed" for this one. The consensus of the web is that a music bed is a sample of a song sans vocals that is implemented in a commercial or informative setting such as an advertisement, radio show, or podcast.

Music beds can be costly. There are many websites that offer music beds from recording artists for a fee. Do not fret, though - there are free music beds out there! Websites like Free Music Beds and Free Stock Music offer a wide selection of cool tracks.

FriedBeef's Tech compiled a list of 7 best sources of royalty free music for video and podcasts. The bottom line is you can find free music for your podcasts, but ensure that you credit the musician based on the guidelines of the download.

Sound Effects

Free sound effects can be found on iTunes, such as this compilation by user SoundByter.com. Whether you want booming dubstep or smooth jazz, you can find it here.

SoundBoard also has some fun sounds, ranging from the basic applause to Keanu Reeves talking about global warming.

I can already tell that I am going to thoroughly enjoy adding in music beds and sound effects to my podcast. You might be wondering what my topic is. 

The guidelines of the assignment included that a partner and I must choose a topic in emerging communication methods. While not necessarily the newest social media community on the block, we decided on Tumblr. Why? 

1. Tumblr has been in the news lately concerning its desire to implement ads throughout the website, amid user angst
2. Marissa Mayer, President and CEO of Yahoo! acquired the popular blogging site for $1.1 billion
3. Because of #1 and #2, Tumblr is surely worth talking about

I did not realize it at first, but this is actually a good segway into next week's topic! Get ready to learn about the mystical land of social media.