Take Control of
Podcasting

Note: This book is moderately outdated. Since its release, there have been major revisions to macOS and Windows, as well as some of the software and services Andy discusses. So the book has gone a bit out of sync with reality. Andy has been working on a revision, but has encountered a series of interruptions. We hope, but do not guarantee, to release an updated book in the first quarter of 2023. Regardless of the exact timing, the update will be free to everyone who purchases the book now. (Read more about updates).)

Create your own podcast—or improve an existing podcast—using your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch! This book walks you through every step of the process, from choosing equipment and software through recording, editing, mixing, and polishing. Once your audio is in the can, you’ll find real-world advice and steps for encoding and publishing your episodes. This book replaces and updates Andy’s earlier title, Take Control of Podcasting on the Mac, with up-to-date instructions and complete coverage of iOS and iPadOS devices.

The book includes more than dozen sound samples from various combinations of mics, positions, filters, and processing, so that you can hear the differences before you buy any special gear.

"Our school podcast is sounding much more professional now that we’re using software recommended in the book and following Andy’s tips."
   —Mark Warner, Teacher

Take Control of Podcasting provides the help you need for creating podcasts on a Mac, iOS, or iPadOS device:

• Plan your podcast. Decide on a topic and format, decide on a production schedule, learn common terms and techniques, and think about monetization strategies.
• Choose the right mic, headphones, and other equipment. Pick out audio gear while considering your budget and studio (or mobile!) needs. Plus, you’ll learn if you should buy additional audio hardware, like a breakout box or mixer, and find an explanation (with photos) of the main cable types that you’ll come across.
• Pick audio software. Apps discussed at length include GarageBand for Mac and iOS/iPadOS, Audacity, Audio Hijack, Ferrite Recording Studio, and Voice Record Pro. Apps that are discussed briefly include Amadeus Pro, Ecamm Call Recorder, Fission, Izotope RX Elements, Loopback, Sound Studio, SoundSoap, and The Levelator. The book also mentions using Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype for interviews and remote recording, as well as various web-based podcasting platforms.
• Learn key recording tips. Find advice about how to prepare for and conduct a successful interview, plus get a few essential tips for using a mic well.
• Record in the studio or the field. Get step-by-step recording directions for GarageBand for Mac and iOS/iPadOS, as well as Audacity, Ferrite Recording Studio, Voice Record Pro, and Audio Hijack.
• Record online interviews. Follow the book’s steps for recording an interview online through services such as Skype and FaceTime.
• Edit and mix your audio. Find directions for removing unwanted noises and pauses, adding professional polish, and generally editing and mixing a recording.
• Encode your podcast files. Before you send your podcast episode out on the internet, you’ll want to save it in the right format and add tags.
• Get syndicated with RSS. Understand what should be in a podcast’s RSS feed.
• Be a publisher! Get ideas for blog services that can host your podcast and related blog posts, and find directions for publishing your podcast in Apple’s iTunes Store and setting up a WordPress.com blog for podcasting.
• What do other podcasters do? Find out about the gear and techniques used by podcasters Chuck Joiner (MacVoices), Jason Snell (The Incomparable), Louis Trapani (Doctor Who: Podshock), and Kirk McElhearn (The Committed).
• Join a community. The book includes a link to a website Andy created to help podcasters share tips and get advice.

About Andy Affleck

Andy J. Williams Affleck built Dartmouth College’s first website in 1993, created the original website for the sitcom Friends, and started a virtual community that’s still around over 25 years later. When he’s not producing podcasts, he’s a Technical Account Manager for Automattic by day and an actor/director and executive director of Rhode Island’s Swamp Meadow Community Theatre by night.