How to Create a Podcast

In order to create a good podcast, I would first recommend you visit some other podcasts already out there. This will give you direction and ideas. Take note of what makes those podcasts good. Make sure you consider your audience, and write a script. Once your script has been completed make sure to take the time to rehearse!

As far as necessary equipment, you will need a computer with audio recording software installed. Our county has provided Audacity for this purpose. A mic and headset works great, and you can find them reasonably priced.

You will also need a file called LAME in order to export your audio file. You can download this from http://audactiy.sourceforge.net.

I will not profess to be an expert on podcasting, but here are some brief instructions on what you need to do to create a podcast. For more detailed instructions, I would encourage you to visit some of the resources listed below.

Record

	Launch Audacity and select microphone as the recording source.
	Test the microphone by clicking on the mic icon.
	Talk into the microphone and make adjustments (If you get a solid red bar at the far right, the audio will be distorted).
	Press Record and record your text.

Add Music

You can import .MP3 or .WAV music files to add interest to your podcast. For example, you can add music to the beginning of your voice track or in the background.

	First locate your music. Be careful about copyrighted music. There are sites that provide copyright free music, or you can write to the author of the music for permission.
	Go to Project and click on Import Audio.
	Browse to your music.
	To adjust the volume of the music click on the Envelope Tool.
	Use the Envelope tool to shape the volume of the music tracks. The skinnier the wave the softer the music will be.
	Save your file as a project so that you can always go back and make changes.
	A saved project contains 2 separate files. Do NOT delete the data folder!

Time to Upload

In order to upload your file to the web it needs to be converted to an MP3 file.

	First open up Audacity
	Go to Project and select Import Audio
	Import the clean "output.WAV" file
	Once file has been imported to under File and click on Export as MP3.
	Now is the time you will need to click yes and find the lame_enc.dll file that we mentioned earlier.
	Click Open and the MP3 export should be complete.
	The Podcast should now be saved as an MP3 file on your computer.
	Now, post your podcast MP3 file on a website.

RSS Feeds

What makes a podcast a podcast instead of just an audio file on-line is the ability to to subscribe to it. This will make it possible for people to keep up with the updates you make to your podcast automatically. If you are going to podcasting on a regular basis, you may want to post them with RSS (Really Simple Syndication) so users can subscribe and receive new episodes automatically.

You can create an RSS feed using FeedEdit, a free download creative by Steve Banham. Go to http://www.banham.cc/feededit/index.htm

	Open up FeedEdit
	Go to File and New.
	Click on Edit Channel Properties.
	Complete the form.
	Click OK and Apply.
	Select the document icon.
	On your second podcast you will select "Add Item."
	Complete all the information for the podcast.
	The information you type is what will be displayed when the viewer clicks on the RSS feed icon.
	Save
	Upload your XML file to your website

There are a bunch of sites that offer help with Podcasting. Take the time to check out some of these sites to get the best tips and tricks.

	Everything You Need to Know About Podcasting!
	How to Podcast
	Podcasting Tools
	Podbean