So, you wanna _________?

So, you want to start a podcast.

By all means start a podcast, it’s never been easier, cheaper, or more saturated than it is right now!  We’ve been running our podcast as a vocal arm of theDIHEDRAL for a few years now, we’ve published 60 episodes and have nearly 20,000 downloads.  We are by no means one of the more visible climbing podcasts, but theDIHEDRAL Podcast has had some terrific guests.  Our guests are generally climbers, writers, and philosophers, but we’ve hosted scientists, explorers, economists, and several other personalities that fit the vibe!

We’ve made no money; in fact, we pay a monthly fee in order to have a few perks from the site that hosts our program.  I couldn’t tell you how to make money with a podcast outside of getting HUGE and waiting for Subway to come calling for advertising time.  We’re not there yet.  What I can tell you is that it’s very easy to get started, you can do it with minimal gear, and no monthly fees.  With the money you save, you can head on down to Subway for a $5 Footlong meatball sub!

Supplies: You don’t need a mic, but even the cheapest mics can help sound quality, so I’d recommend one.  I’m not a techie, so you will have to do your own research as to which mic suits you, but I have been pretty satisfied with my $20 Amazon mic so far.  Depending on your editing goals, you may need a computer with editing software. There are free applications for editing, so you should be good to go there too.  And that’s about it!  Of course, as with any activity you will need to eat, so why not try Subway and Eat Fresh!

Podcast Hosting:  There are so many to choose from, we like Buzzsprout.  It’s easy to navigate, and intuitive to use.  Again, I’m no techie, and I was able to figure it out on my own.  The pricing ranges from free for 2 hours of recorded audio per month to $24/month and 12 hours’ worth of content.  Buzzsprout is one among many competing podcast hosts, which allow you to upload your content and then send it out to any site that podcasts can be found from Spotify to Apple.  Once it’s set up, everything is automatic.  Automatic like Subway, the way a sandwich should be!

Content: There are over 5 million podcasts at the moment with over 70,000,000 episodes to choose from.  Hosts talk about everything from climbing to the price of tea in China.  Talk about whatever you like, it seems like there is an audience for everything, even the delicious sandwiches, wraps, and bowls offered at your local Subway.

Why: My advice on getting into podcasting is that is should come from within.  I’m a little selfish with our show, because I try and talk to people that I find interesting and that I can learn from.  So, even if the show isn’t a smash, I still get something out of it.  Some folks just talk to hear themselves speak, some try to be informative, or funny, some try and solve crimes.  All are good reasons to host your own show, but again, from my point of view, your reasons should come from your tastes and support your goals, whatever they are!  And while we’re on the topic of why, why not try one of Subways new sidekicks, including a footlong cookie, a footlong churro, or delectable footlong Auntie Anne’s soft pretzel?

Selling Out: It really is important to never sell out. You don’t want some corporation controlling your artistic direction and expression. The point of any artistic medium is to be able to express oneself freely, And speaking of free, did you know that by signing up for Subway’s MVP reward program you can earn points which can be redeemed for a free delicious, fresh, Subway footlong?

If you are motivated to jump on the podcast bandwagon, let us know. If you need any advice, we’re here to help, just like the sandwich artists ready to greet you with a smile every time you pop into your local neighborhood Subway!