Broadcasting Strengths: Equipment for Podcasting
Do you want to start a podcast?
If you said, “Yes, Dr. Kortni.” I am so happy to share my favorite technology with you. These are some of the tools that I use for the Kourting Happiness Podcast. In this article, you will learn about equipment, marketing approaches, and more.
As a former tv reporter, radio personality, and news director turned podcaster and professor of journalism, I understand programming and production.
Here are some of my recommendations that will allow you to podcast happier.
Microphone Check
My favorite microphone is the Hyper X. It was one of the best gifts ever from my fiancé, Ken Lemon, an award-winning journalist. As a television reporter, Ken is an expert in production. He found the perfect microphone for my podcast. Later, I purchased a scissor arm stand that made all the difference for interviews. It allows me to be hands-free and truly focus on the interviewee.
My microphone is so beautiful that I can’t stop taking pictures with it. It is the performance that is magnificent. I have other microphones, but I can’t stop using the Hyper X.
Headphones Are Essential
As a former radio personality and news director in public radio, I believe in quality audio. My mentors in radio would often share this rule, which is to purchase a pair of professional headphones. I have a couple. I started with Boise QC35II. Later, I added Boise 700. You don’t need two, but focus on one that fits you. As you can see, I love Bose.
My interview with visionary and transformative leader, Perrine Farque, for Episode 40 of the Kourting Happiness Podcast. I love using a video element for greater human interaction and visuals.
Recording Interviews
Currently, Zoom is my preferred platform for interviews. Once a podcast guest pitch is approved, I send them a link to my Calendy calendar. It’s integrated with my Zoom account, which means as soon as they book their podcast recording session, Calendly provides them with the Zoom link. It is like having a personal booking assistant. I can’t live without it. Learn more about how I prepare my guests for their interviews.
As a former TV reporter, I highly recommend having a ring light when recording video in Zoom, Skype, or any platform. It will create richer visuals for you to use for marketing purposes.
Music for Your Introduction
You will also need music for your introduction. My favorite company for royalty-free music is Epidemic. You will find 35,000 tracks and 90,000 sound effects on the site. There is a monthly subscription, but it is so worth it. You can use my affiliate link to get started.
Editing Platform
My favorite editing tool for my podcast is GarageBand. When I started, I didn’t have any experience using it. I searched on YouTube to find out how. One of my favorite videos is from a middle school teacher. Unfortunately, I don’t know his name, but I am so grateful for his knowledge and how he taught the material. Another YouTube video that was beneficial is by Ben Leavitt. He does a great job with teaching editing and workflow. His approach helps me organize content.
These are a few images that I have created for marketing purposes. It helps to promote the episode and the brilliance of guests like Zenica Chatman.
Images like the one above are used on the podcast guest’s episode page. Once the content is shared, potential new listeners can see where to find Kourting Happiness.
Create a Marketing STrategy
A marketing strategy is essential for your podcast. I have learned a lot by studying other podcaster’s best practices. My favorites are Amy Porterfield of Online Marketing Made Easy, Jenna Kutcher of the Goal Digger Podcast, and Elise Escobar and Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts. Watching these phenomenal female podcasters showcase their brilliance has inspired my journey.
For example, I learned about the importance of social sharing from Amy and Jenna. I love creating audiograms to do just that. I enjoy using Wavve, which is an audio share for social media. You can use my affiliate link to learn more.
Check out one of my Instagram posts with Wavve.
I am Canva obsessed. Yes, my hands are up, and I admit it. Some of my dear friends call me “the Canva Queen.” I am still learning, but what helped me earn that name was practice and the power of templates. Yes, that is my secret — templates.
The inspirational template behind this image was found on Pixistock.
I utilize Canva to design social quotes, images for Wavve and various forms of marketing. It’s an exceptional tool for advertising. Pixistock is one of my favorites to leverage. It is a membership platform that provides stock images, graphics, and templates for social quotes, ebooks, and more. In addition, Pixistock has a diverse selection of stock images. Check out my affiliate link to get started.
I am also an affiliate partner with Canva, feel free to begin your journey with the platform that I live on — by leveraging my link.
A Fun Fact: I designed my own Podcast Cover Art in Canva.
Podcast Host
A podcast host is needed to distribute your podcast. I have a few options for you. Kajabi gives you the options to produce podcasts, products, and control your email marketing — all in one place. You can even create a premium podcast to sell. I am a proud Kajabi Partner. You can use my affiliate link to learn more. Kajabi just announced adding audio to its services. Like many loyal customers, I am in the process of moving my podcast to Kajabi. I already use it for my membership, online courses, and freebies.
For my first solo podcast, I started using Libsyn. It publishes my podcasts to multiple players such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon’s Audible. One of the perks with Libsyn is that it will distribute my podcasts to YouTube too. I can also create posts for LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out the Kourting Happiness podcast website by Libsyn.
Online Courses Help
One of the best investments that continues to bring me the greatest return are online courses. My first was B-School with Marie Forleo. As a happiness scholar with an MBA and a Ph.D., I will admit that the experience was worth it. It provides skills concerning creating an online business. In addition, I have lifetime access. B-School developed my marketing strategy with a clear focus on content creation, community, and collaborations.
The course that helped me with building my podcast was The Podcast Lab by Jenna Kutcher. It will show you how to launch a show, promotion, and communication. Jenna has you covered.
Before investing in a course, spend time listening to prospective coaches via podcasts, YouTube, and social media. It will give you an idea of teaching style, philosophy, and content value. It will provide insight if the coach is a good fit for you. I spent almost a year watching and listening to Marie, Amy, and Jenna before investing in their courses. I have no regrets. For me, they were already serving as my coach before transitioning from raving fan to loyal customer.
Join A Facebook Group And/or Paid Membership Community
The hosts of She Podcasts, Elise and Jess, have created a true movement with their podcast, Facebook group, and membership community.
Before starting my podcast, I joined the She Podcasts group in Facebook. It is a free community that has more than 20,000 members, and countless resources. This was one of the first places where I asked about best practices. Questions like, “What is the best platform for interviewing guests especially when you have a cohost in another state?” Or, simply sharing, “Woohoo, we have launched.” Members not only share their strategies, but they are extremely supportive. You will not feel alone with this army of empathetic podcasters.
I have enjoyed the She Podcasts Facebook group experience so much, that I joined the paid membership created by the founders. It is called the She Podcasts Super Squad. The community has provides online courses, networking opportunities and live coaching sessions with Elise and Jess via Zoom.
No matter what you choose, find a community that will empower and helps you feel supported.
Your Happy Cheering Squad
I am so happy that you are starting your podcasting journey. The Kourting Happiness Team and I are cheering you on.
Continue to inspire. Happy Podcasting.
