Podcasts are the ultimate synergy of traditional media and 21st-century technology. Coined by journalist Ben Hammersley in 2004, the term “podcast” combines “broadcast” with the early 2000s sensation, the “iPod,” which captivated audiences and sparked what Hammersley called an “audible revolution.” Today, podcasts have evolved into a mainstream form of media, offering entertainment, education and personal development content for audiences worldwide.
My fascination with podcasts began in middle school, at the height of COVID-19, when online users—including myself—craved rapid-release content that could be produced despite the restrictions created by the pandemic. As the convenience of producing long-form content independently became increasingly essential, online creators began gravitating to podcasts. Over the past few years, as the podcast industry continued to grow, my interest in the process did, too. With a desire to understand another facet of the media world, I created my own podcast. Here’s how I did it.
The first step was to develop a concept and a brand identity. It had to be something I could easily connect to and execute authentically. I settled on “Time to Yap” which focuses on creating a community centered around wellness and productivity while still being real. During this period I also created a color pallet and logo that could be replicated in different formats. This was especially important in order for me to effectively cater to my target audience—young women. Identifying a specific audience is important especially as I moved towards the scripting process.
Once I had a clear direction I wanted the podcast to go, I began researching topics to discuss. I began outlining the episodes in my notebook, noting conversations I had during school or at home as they often sparked ideas for conversation points. This was definitely the hardest part for me, I wanted to differentiate what I had to say from what was already online, even if the topics themselves happened to be trending. Similarly, I knew I would need to have the right balance of structure and opportunity to speak unscripted— hence the name “Time to Yap.” More than anything, it was vital to me that listeners felt connected to my inner thoughts. I leaned into my experiences in healing.
Before I could record, I had to figure out the technical side of things. I worked with the Madison librarians to check out microphones and research the best recording settings for clear sound. From them I learned that smaller, enclosed spaces—like a walk-in closet—are best for sound absorption, reducing extra and unwanted noise. After several takes at school, I opted to create a makeshift recording studio in my bedroom, where I felt more comfortable unpacking some of the most personal and vulnerable topics.
After I had finished recording the episode, I downloaded the audio as an MP3 and edited it using iMovie. While iMovie isn’t typically used for podcast production, it worked well for my limited capabilities as it provided basic cut and transition features. However, for longer episodes or future projects, I would consider using Audacity (a more advanced editing tool) because it has better control over sound quality and more podcast-specific editing tools. One of the biggest editing challenges I faced was the lack of volume-control, but by fixing the position of my mic, I was able to stabilize the rising and falling volumes.
I was ready to launch.
Spotify for Creators, formerly known as Anchor, is the most widely used publishing and distribution platform for beginner podcasters. It allowed for a direct upload of my MP3 files and for me to add a title and short description. The uploading process was simple and hiccup-free. I opted to “soft-launch” the episode, sending it directly to family and friends to begin forming the podcast’s community.
Whether or not “Time to Yap” becomes my new pastime or not, the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. I had unlocked something new, something I would have never imagined for myself. Over the course of the past month, the podcast community has become one of the most accepting and supportive I have ever been a part of. If you happen to listen to “Time to Yap” or another podcast sometime in the near future, I encourage you to fully immerse yourself in the words of the host. You, your life experiences and hardships make you the person you are, but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone in them.