PODCASTING 101 Complete Beginner's Guide
Presented by: California Podcast Association & The Podcast Guys
3 Things You Need
① Capture ② Distribute ③ Something to Say
1 Capture
USB microphone (see gear below)
Laptop webcam or USB webcam
Quiet room — no studio needed
2 Distribute
Riverside.fm — record + host + publish
Spotify for Podcasters (free hosting)
Your RSS feed goes everywhere automatically
3 Say Something
Talk about what you already know & love
Solo, co-host, or interview format
Invite guests — it's a great networking tool
Recommended Gear & Tools (Affiliate Links Below)
Budget Mic
Samson Q2U (~$99) — USB or XLR, great starter mic — Buy on Amazon →
Pro Mic
Shure MV7 (~$250–$300) — USB or XLR, studio quality — Buy on Amazon →
Webcam
Logitech Brio — great USB webcam option — Buy on Amazon →
Record & Host
Riverside.fm — record, edit, publish all in one place — Try Riverside →
Free Option
Zoom (up to 30 min free) + Spotify for Podcasters hosting
Tip: You can start recording today with just the Samson Q2U and a free Riverside.fm account. No studio required.
What to Talk About
Talk about what you already know and love. The subject you're passionate about — that's the center of your podcast.
Solo format — just you and a mic
Co-host — ongoing conversation with a friend or colleague
Interview — invite guests to build your network
Inviting a guest to your podcast is one of the best ways to connect with people you haven't met yet.
Why It Matters
Most podcasts don't make it past 7 episodes. The ones that do leave a real legacy.
Builds a connection your audience can't get from a blog post
People listen while commuting, walking, exercising
Your show is intimate, direct, and personal
When you stop, your audience feels it — even before they know it
Your show not existing right now? It's already hurting an audience that just doesn't know it yet.
Ready to Start? Here's Your Next Step.
My Brandcast Masterclass
Learn your own story and how to build a podcast around it. Perfect for individuals ready to launch.
Register at ThePodcastGuys.com
Full Podcast Production Services
Done-for-you podcast production for brands, businesses, entrepreneurs & organizations.
Learn More at ThePodcastGuys.com
Questions? Find us at ThePodcastGuys.com