*👩🏽💻 Book a free 20 minute call with me here:* https://calendly.com/hiwote/discoverycall
📥 *Download your 10 steps to launch your podcast:* https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/
Want to start a podcast but feel overwhelmed by all the tech, tools, and steps? In this video, I walk you through how to start a podcast in 2025 — from idea to launch — using the exact process I teach inside my Emerging Voices Accelerator.
🎙 Tools I mention:
– Mic: Blue Yeti Nano
– Recording: SquadCast, Riverside, Descript
– Editing: Descript (text-based)
– Music: Epidemic https://share.epidemicsound.com/4906m4
– Hosting: Substack (for beginners)
Whether you’re creating a solo show, an interview series, or just want to explore your voice — this guide has everything you need to get started with clarity and confidence.
Videos mentioned:
https://youtu.be/devdnWQCQd4?feature=shared
https://youtu.be/qWktatmoC_Q?feature=shared
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvkmVENzz7Q&ab_channel=PodcastingwithHiwiG
### *🙋🏾♀️ Who am I?*
Hey, I’m Hiwote, but my friends call me Hiwi! 👋🏾
I’m a podcast producer, and I’ve worked on shows like *Where Should We Begin?* with Esther Perel, *This is Dating* (featured in TIME Magazine as one of the best podcasts of 2022), and other projects with brands like The New York Times, TED, and The Gates Foundation.
My goal? *To help aspiring podcasters gain the creative clarity and confidence they need to create shows that are as unique as they are.*
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### *Ready to start?*
✅ *Subscribe* for weekly tips on how to create and grow a podcast that feels like you.
📥 *Grab my free 10-step podcast launch guide:*
https://www.newsletter.depthandcandor.com/
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*Want to Stay Connected?*
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingvoicesstudio/
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hiwote.getaneh
00:00 - Overwhelmed by Podcasting? Start Here
00:28 - Why You Can Trust Me (Producer Background)
01:26 - Step 1: Clarify Your Podcast Idea
02:31 - What Makes a Podcast Worth Listening To?
03:12 - Step 2: Write a Script or Episode Outline
04:47 - Why Structure Matters in Podcast Episodes
05:24 - Step 3: Record Your Podcast
06:34 - What Mic & Tools Should You Use?
07:36 - Should You Start a Video Podcast?
08:30 - Step 4: Edit for Clarity, Not Perfection
09:53 - How to Edit Like a Pro (Even as a Beginner)
11:04 - Adding Music to Your Podcast
11:37 - Step 5: Publish & Distribute Your Podcast
12:02 - Creating Podcast Cover Art
12:16 - What is a Podcast Host?
13:02 - Recommended Podcast Hosting Platforms
13:34 - Why Substack is Great for New Podcasters
14:15 - Build a Newsletter for Your Podcast Audience
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🎤 Want to make your podcast truly unforgettable? Podcast Storytelling Masterclass is your guide to using stories as powerful tools to captivate, connect with, and grow your audience. This class dives deep into the essential techniques that transform your delivery—helping you craft stories that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
You'll learn how to choose the right stories, use them instead of traditional interview questions, and guide your guests to share meaningful experiences that engage listeners. Storytelling isn't just popular—it’s how people relate to your message. This course shows you how to harness that connection to elevate your podcast from ordinary to exceptional.
👉 Click here to join the online course now and start building stronger, more emotional connections with your audience through storytelling.
Music and sound effects can significantly enhance the quality and appeal of your podcast when used appropriately. Select intro and outro music that reflects the tone and theme of your show, creating a consistent auditory brand identity. Use background music sparingly during episodes to complement the conversation without overpowering it. Incorporate sound effects to emphasize key points, transitions, or humorous elements, adding a dynamic layer to your content. Ensure that all audio elements are balanced and do not distract from the primary audio, maintaining a professional and polished sound. Thoughtful integration of music and effects can make your podcast more engaging and enjoyable for your listeners.
Utilizing social media is a powerful way to promote your podcast and reach a broader audience. Identify the platforms where your target listeners are most active, such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Create engaging posts that highlight episode highlights, guest appearances, and behind-the-scenes content. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and join conversations related to your podcast’s niche. Share audio clips or short video snippets to give potential listeners a taste of your content. Encourage your audience to share episodes with their networks, and interact with followers by responding to comments and messages. A strategic social media presence can significantly enhance your podcast’s reach and listener engagement.
Choosing the right hosting platform is essential for distributing your podcast efficiently and reaching your target audience. Evaluate platforms based on factors such as storage capacity, bandwidth, ease of use, and analytics capabilities. Look for services that offer reliable uptime and fast upload speeds to ensure your episodes are accessible to listeners without delay. Consider platforms that support multiple podcast directories, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, to maximize your reach. Additionally, assess whether the hosting service provides tools for monetization, such as advertising integration or subscription options. A robust hosting platform simplifies the distribution process, allowing you to focus on creating quality content for your audience.
Encourage listeners to leave reviews, conduct surveys, engage on social media, and create a feedback form on your website. Constructive feedback helps you improve and grow your podcast.
Develop a unique voice, focus on a specific niche, deliver consistent quality, and engage authentically with your audience. Creative content and distinct branding also help differentiate your podcast.
Background music and sound effects can enhance your podcast by setting the mood and emphasizing points. Use them sparingly to avoid distracting from the main content and maintain a professional sound.
Maintaining legal compliance in podcasting is essential to avoid potential issues and protect your content. Start by understanding copyright laws, ensuring you have the rights to use any music, sound effects, or third-party content featured in your podcast. Obtain necessary permissions or licenses for copyrighted material to prevent infringement. If you interview guests, have them sign release forms granting you the rights to use their voice and contributions. Include disclaimers if your podcast provides advice or information that could be acted upon by listeners. Additionally, comply with advertising regulations by clearly disclosing sponsored content or advertisements. Familiarize yourself with privacy laws, especially if you are collecting listener data through newsletters or websites. Staying informed and adhering to legal requirements safeguards your podcast’s integrity and longevity.