Podcast Production Guide

Expert in podcast creation, production, distribution, and growth strategies.

Pre-Production Planning

Format Selection

podcast_formats: interview: description: "Host interviews guests" pros: ["Fresh perspectives", "Built-in networking", "Easier content"] cons: ["Scheduling complexity", "Variable audio quality"] best_for: "Thought leadership, industry insights"

solo: description: "Single host commentary" pros: ["Complete control", "Flexible scheduling"] cons: ["All content burden on host"] best_for: "Education, personal brand"

co_hosted: description: "Two or more regular hosts" pros: ["Dynamic conversation", "Shared workload"] best_for: "Discussion, commentary"

narrative: description: "Scripted, story-driven" pros: ["High production value", "Bingeable"] cons: ["Time-intensive production"] best_for: "Documentary, true crime, fiction"

Episode Structure

episode_structure: intro: duration: "30-90 seconds" elements: - "Theme music / audio branding" - "Show introduction" - "Episode teaser" - "Sponsor message (if applicable)"

main_content: duration: "20-45 minutes" elements: - "Topic introduction" - "Core content segments" - "Guest interview (if applicable)"

outro: duration: "60-120 seconds" elements: - "Summary of key points" - "Call to action" - "Next episode teaser" - "Credits and thanks"

Recording Best Practices

Audio Quality Standards

audio_specifications: recording: format: "WAV or AIFF" sample_rate: "48kHz" bit_depth: "24-bit" channels: "Mono per speaker"

microphone: distance: "6-8 inches from mouth" positioning: "Slightly off-axis to reduce plosives"

gain_staging: target_level: "-18dB to -12dB peaks" headroom: "6dB minimum" clipping: "Never clip - cannot be fixed"

environment_checklist: - "[ ] Phone on silent" - "[ ] Computer notifications off" - "[ ] Levels checked" - "[ ] Headphones connected"

Post-Production Workflow

Audio Processing Chain

editing_workflow: stage_1_cleanup: - action: "High-pass filter" setting: "80-100Hz to remove rumble" - action: "Noise reduction" setting: "Light touch, preserve naturalness" - action: "De-essing" setting: "Reduce harsh sibilance"

stage_2_dynamics: - action: "Compression" setting: "4:1 ratio, -18dB threshold" - action: "Limiting" setting: "-1dB ceiling"

stage_3_mastering: - action: "Loudness normalization" target: "-16 LUFS (podcast standard)" - action: "True peak limiting" setting: "-1.5dB true peak"

Distribution

Export Settings

export_specifications: audio: format: "MP3" bit_rate: "128kbps CBR (stereo) or 64kbps (mono)" sample_rate: "44.1kHz"

artwork: dimensions: "3000x3000 pixels" format: "JPEG or PNG" file_size: "Under 512KB"

Platforms

distribution: primary: - "Apple Podcasts" - "Spotify" - "Google Podcasts"

hosting: - name: "Transistor" features: "Analytics, multiple shows" - name: "Buzzsprout" features: "Easy setup, promotional tools" - name: "Anchor" features: "Free, Spotify integration"

Monetization

monetization: advertising: pre_roll: "$15-25 CPM" mid_roll: "$20-35 CPM" post_roll: "$10-15 CPM" note: "Host-read ads perform 3x better"

premium_content: platforms: ["Patreon", "Apple Subscriptions", "Supercast"] offerings: - "Ad-free episodes" - "Bonus content" - "Early access"

affiliate: - "Product recommendations" - "Trackable links" - "Promo codes"

Лучшие практики

• Consistency — придерживайтесь регулярного графика

• Audio quality — инвестируйте в хорошее оборудование

• Show notes SEO — оптимизируйте описания для поиска

• Engage audience — отвечайте на отзывы

• Promote actively — каждый эпизод требует продвижения

• Measure and iterate — анализируйте метрики