SALTZMAN: How to start a podcast

Launching your own show is easier – and cheaper – than you think

Published Apr 25, 2026  •  Last updated 29 minutes ago  •  6 minute read

Marc Saltzman, host of Tech It Out, explains how to start your own podcast. Photo by Supplied

Along with the usual tech questions I receive from readers – “Is the new iPhone worth it?,” “How much RAM do I need in my next laptop?” and for 30 years now, “How do I fix my @#$% printer?!” – increasingly I’ve been asked how to start a podcast.

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Indeed, even as a listener, podcasting is a hot trend, as these episodic series are free to stream or download, they can be enjoyed on multiple devices, and there are countless podcasts of all topics to subscribe to.

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Unlike radio, the shows are delivered whenever a new episode is available; you can play (as well as pause, rewind and fast-forward) the episode; and you can hear podcasts from all over the world and in your native tongue.

As for creating and hosting your own podcast, you aren’t at the mercy of a radio station’s program director for putting you “on the air.”

Podcasts are a free soapbox, plus there’s inexpensive hardware and free software to get going, and it could even bring in revenue, too – if my Tech It Out podcast is any indication (forgive the shameless plug).

If you’re old enough to understand the reference, here’s a “Coles Notes” walkthrough at taking your podcast from a vague idea to a published feed.

Marc Saltzman host his own podcast called Tech It Out. Photo by Supplied

Part 1: Ideation, format

The first step is to figure out what your podcast will be about. What’s your passion and expertise?

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Granted, just like Seinfeld was billed as “a show about nothing,” you don’t necessarily need to dive into one specific topic – like tech, politics, fashion, or sports – as people may tune in for you and your personality. But it’s harder to gain an audience without a focus.

So, it helps to narrow down your subject matter – and desired audience. Don’t be discouraged if there are existing podcasts with the exact same topic, as it’s likely to be the case.

After you choose a podcast topic (and perhaps a catchy name), you now must decide on a format.

For example:

– Are you flying solo or do you want a co-host? A regular co-host or rotating spot? Will your podcast be interview-heavy, with experts, or is it just you (and/or a co-host) musing over topics yourselves?

– What’s your desired length and frequency? A weekly hour-long podcast or daily five-minute episodes? There’s no right or wrong answer. But consistency is key. See below.

– Do you want to host a video podcast or keep it to audio?

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A good microphone is essential for podcasting, but a USB mic can be purchased for as little as $40. Amazon

Part 2: Essential hardware, software

Honestly, your podcast setup could cost you $50 or $5,000. As a beginner, I’d see what you can do without breaking the bank.

Your first decision should be a good microphone. You should not use your laptop’s built-in mic. But you don’t need to buy anything elaborate either, as you can find a professional-sounding USB microphone for as low as $40. Some are better than others at cutting out ambient noise.

You don’t need a soundproof studio but try to record in a smallish room and, if possible, a room with “soft surfaces” like carpets and curtains, to absorb echo. Some podcasters record in a closet, no joke.

Headphones are good to wear while recording, which prevents an “audio bleed,” where the mic picks up sound from your speakers, and it allows you to better catch common issues like “plosives” – the loud popping sound often made by words that start with the letter “P.” A mesh microphone cover (pop filter) can also help soften out those sharp peaks. (And you can train yourself to go lighter on those letters, too.)

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Compared to a phone or tablet, most podcasters record on a computer since it’s easier to edit. Personally, I just use the free Audacity software to record my show. It’s super easy to use. Mac users may also opt for the free GarageBand.

When interviewing people in another location, which is usually the case, I use Zoom to record the chat (audio only). It’s free to schedule a chat, send the calendar hold and Zoom link to the interviewee, and record the interview. Some people use tools like Riverside.fm or SquadCast to record high-quality audio locally on both ends – and then compile later.

While I don’t use any, some podcasters also leverage AI to help edit the podcast, be it stripping out background noise (like the murmuring sound of people talking, or traffic or birds), or removing deep breaths (or even “ums” and “uhs”). Tools like Adobe Podcast or Descript can shave off hours of your time.

It’s easy to record your show using free software such as Audacity. Photo by Supplied

Part 3: Hosting, distribution

A common misconception is that you upload your podcast directly to Spotify or Apple. In reality, you upload your audio to a “Podcast Host,” which then generates an RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication) that tells the platforms when a new episode is ready.

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Popular options include RSS.com, Buzzsprout, Libsyn, and Spotify for Creators. These platforms store your large audio files and provide analytics so you can see how many people are actually listening.

Once you’ve uploaded your first episode and filled out your show’s details on your host, you will be given an RSS Feed URL. Now you submit it to directories (like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, etc.), which you only have to do once, and wait a day or so for approval.

After the initial setup, every time you click “Publish” on your hosting platform, the episode (with your show notes) will automatically appear on all platforms within minutes.

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Part 4: Promoting, monetizing

Don’t launch with just one episode. Aim to have three to five episodes ready to go, as this gives new listeners a chance to “binge” your content and also helps you climb the charts faster.

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Publish regularly. Many people start a podcast and then drop it after a couple of episodes.

A podcast is a marathon, not a sprint.

It can take a long time before gaining an audience, so don’t lose hope. Unfortunately, the Field of Dreams adage – “If you build it, they will come” – doesn’t usually apply to podcasts. You need to bring people’s attention to it.

Promote your podcast on social media – on the platforms that make sense – like LinkedIn for a business-centric podcast. Being a guest on other people’s podcasts is a good way to spread the word about your own. Apply to win awards. Why not? Research and contact journalists and broadcast media who cover the subject you specialize in and offer to be interviewed for an article – in which your podcast can be promoted.

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To make money via your podcast, you can do one or more of the following:

– Seek out sponsors you’ll need to talk about on the show (but they will likely require you to have some audience already).

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– Run advertisements during your podcast.

– Earn a commission through “affiliate marketing,” such as recommending products or services to your listeners to earn money for every sale or sign-up.

– Charge guests to be interviewed.

– Ask listeners to chip in, utilizing platforms like Patreon or Buy Me a Coffee donations.

– Charge a podcast platform for exclusivity, which is rare, but possible if/when you’re big enough.

The most important thing to launching your own podcast? Have fun, enjoy it.

– Marc Saltzman is the host of the Tech It Out podcast and is the author of the book, Apple Watch For Dummies (Wiley)

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