How can you prevent technical issues during podcast interviews?

Before each interview, have a pre-call to verify equipment, compatibility, connections, and recording spaces. Check mics, software, and wired internet; avoid Wi-Fi dropouts. Have guests test equipment and acoustics, sending an audio sample. Confirm ability to locally record quality audio separate from video software. Solid fundamentals prevent disruptive technical delays. A little planning makes seamless discussion flow possible.

Checking your equipment and testing things out will ALWAYS help you avoid mistakes during or after the episode. There's nothing worse than spending time recording a podcast episode, only to find out the wrong mic was being used, or even worse, the audio didn't record. Test. Test. Test. You'll be glad you did!

After more than a decade behind the mic, I have processes in place to ensure technical issues are kept to a minimum or avoided where possible. I have backup plans in all possible fail situations, including equipment replacement, software and multiple backups for recordings. I no longer use Zoom as its reliability was horrible and is not keeping up with the podcasting world, so I have moved to Riverside to provide me with a more customised podcast centric remote recording experience. I have backup recordings on my computer and Rodecaster Duo, along with the recording with separate audio and video files for each participant. There has been the odd occasion where a backup has saved the day and nobody ever knew there was an issue! Test always!

Take the extra minute to double check your equipment. Head into zoom’s or Riverside’s settings and look at those audio levels. Make sure your camera is on the HD settings you want. I have made all the mistakes. I’ve unfortunately forgotten to hit record, had a microphone accidentally disconnected, or the wrong camera on. All of it could have been avoided by taking an extra minute to check again.

In my experience, clearly communicating expectations and logistics to guests before interviews prevents confusion and disruptions. I send prep emails confirming date, time, duration, format guidelines and technology specifics. This sets the stage for a fluid discussion. Once live, I reintroduce myself, reiterate podcast goals and suggest simple rules of engagement - like muting when not speaking to minimize audio issues. I may share a non-verbal cue to pause if needed as well. Crisp upfront planning and graceful guidance throughout encourages guests to shine.

I've saved myself multiple times with backup recordings. If you're connecting with someone, see if the service has a record option. Also, make sure you record with your equipment. For instance, let's say you're recording via Streamyard, don't rely on streamyard to get the best recording - also utilize hardware. Look into the Zoom L8, it's a mixer with a built in recorder.

The best way to have a backup plan for your podcast recording is to: Use redundant equipment: Have a spare microphone, headphones, and recording device in case of technical failures. Backup power source: Ensure a backup power supply like a UPS to prevent interruptions due to power outages. Cloud storage: Upload recordings to cloud storage for safekeeping and easy access. Guest availability: Confirm backup guests in case your primary guest cancels last minute. Scheduled backups: Set automatic backups during recording to prevent data loss. Test regularly: Check backup systems periodically to ensure they work smoothly when needed.

Backup recordings (multiple) have been a lifesaver for me, so having this process in place covers me in most situations. If I know there is an issue, I let the guest know and am completely transparent with them and in most cases they appreciate this honesty.

As part of my automated booking process, guests receive a thank you email immediately after the interview. We then connect via social media and sometimes swap numbers to keep in touch. Then when the episode is released they receive a promo kit via email to share the episode with further gratitude for their contribution.

If you have a technical issue during an interview. Or if the interview wasn't very good. It's OK to not publish it. It's your podcast. You decide what you publish. If you release something that is subpar, you are only hurting yourself.