15 Popular Techniques for Releasing an Unprofessional Podcast

Want to produce a podcast, and you want to sound like an amateur? Follow these steps.

1: Announce publicly, "What should I make a podcast about?"

No one cares, but go ahead and ask. You don't want to set audience expectations too high.

2: Announce publicly, "Who wants to be a guest on my podcast?"

Let everyone know you have zero quality control.

3: Make sure host has a crappy microphone

Use the microphone on your computer, webcam, Bluetooth headset, or speakerphone. It sounds "good enough."

4: Make sure guest has a crappy microphone

Can't expect the guest(s) to know what audio equipment they should have. Don't bother telling them.

5: Don't let host or guest(s) position their microphones correctly

If participants make the mistake of purchasing quality dynamic microphones, then it's best to place it as far away from their mouth as possible. It would be uncomfortable to put the microphone a couple of inches from their mouth even if it does sound a lot better.

6: Take your time. No need to get to the content right away. Tell us about your weekend.

Got some opening banter about your respective hobbies, families, or anything else completely irrelevant to the podcast's content? Most listeners need a two to nine minute ramp up before they want to hear the meat of your show.

7: Let the guests introduce themselves

Since your guests know more about themselves than you do, don't bother writing an introduction showing you appreciate them being on your show. Also, let your guest tell their life story as it will eat up more time before you get to the content.

8: Don't let show format get in the way of your conversation

If you want your guests to talk for a long time, it's best to eschew a show format. Remember, your audience is really eager to hear the sound of your voice.

9: Let the guest wrap it up

Ask the guest if there's anything they would like to plug, then end the show.

10: Do NOT edit your show

It takes a long time and people love hearing how the sausage is made.

11: Do not filter out background hiss

Since most people listen to podcasts with headphones, challenge them to hear your voice through persistent hiss and/or crackling.

12: Don't add any music

You don't want anything to detract from the audience's infatuation with your voice.

13: If you do choose to add music, make sure it's indistinguishable from other music in your category

Audiences really appreciate that many tech shows start with generic "cyber" and "tech" music. That way they know it's going to sound like other tech shows.

14: Let everyone know the moment your first episode is available

The first episode is always the one you will look back and say, "Wow, I really didn't know what I was doing." Best to make sure everyone hears that first because it'll entice them to keep coming back hoping it gets better.

15: Quit after three episodes

Producing a podcast is really hard. Let everyone know you gave it your best shot and give up.

Many of these tips come from personal experience and listening to lots of podcasts. Which ones would you add?