Podcast Basics – What is the buss all about? Let’s start with the basics first

I started my podcast channel last year but I started to record more regularly from last six months. I used to listen to other’s podcasts on and off but it wasn’t one of my habits until six months back. As I realized the convenience and abundance of information I can acquire while multi-tasking, I became more interested in knowing more about it. I have a Mothers Voice section on my website where I used to record short stories for kids and also discussed a few of the parenting topics. I used Sound Cloud for that recording. Well, I was happy with what I was doing but I wanted something which people can listen on multiple platforms. Later, when I came across Anchor, I simply loved it. It’s very simple to understand. I still have to learn a lot and try out other features but through these series, I can give you a good idea about podcasting. So, if you are like me who want to give a voice to your thoughts, views, ideas then let’s dive in. I have been asked many times about how I started my channel, what are the requirements, how one can start their own channel, what preparation I do before I record. All that, I am going to answer in this series “Podcast Rocks!!” through  8 posts.

 

 

Podcast Basics

So, what is a podcast?

In layman’s term, a Podcast is a series of episodes following a certain theme. Alike a blog, which has a niche and every single write-up is termed as a post same way on a Podcast every single recoding is termed as an episode. When you listen to a podcast, you will find that they are just like listen to a radio talk show. They can be a solo podcast or multiple people coming together.

 

And, why podcast is gaining popularity?

Just think of any of your busy days when you decide to spare an hour or two as your reading time. Now things keep coming throughout your day and you couldn’t keep up with your self- made plan of reading? You wish to have something that you can run in the background while you finish up chores. That’s when you feel the need to have something audio. Podcasts solve the purpose. Yes, that’s one of the biggest reasons why people are more and more interested in podcasts. And that is ease and convenience of listening anywhere.  One of the most common ways people listen is in the car. You can’t watch video there, of course, so audio content is great. In the same way, podcasts are great for listening at the gym, while you’re mowing the lawn, or on your journey to work. Any moment of wasted time can be a moment for audio! Do you agree. After my son was born, I was hardly getting any time to read. As whatever time I had used to be dedicated to my writing work. And rest was for my daughter. I was missing the book reading time. That’s when I started listening to podcasts while walking or running errands. I subscribed to a few of my favorite topics. I was happy that even if I wasn’t able to spend time in reading, I was listening to something good and meaningful. This habit which was started due to lack of time and a desire to keep myself updated gave me an idea of stating my own channel. We will talk more about it in later posts.

 

Let’s get to the podcast basics first:

How and what to talk about is the biggest question same what as what to post every week? So, any particular Podcast will be themed around a particular topic. Whatever you think you can talk confidently and create an engaging content for your listeners will be your theme. Sometimes podcast is run by a single person. And sometimes, a group of people share their views, thoughts about one topic. Sometimes, you will feel as if a bunch of friends are discussing about their personal experiences in the form of an episode. So, basically a podcast can be as simple as chatting among friends to something very professional including theme music, editing, sound effects and more.

 

Well, what is a difference between a podcast and an episode? How is a podcast different if it is also an audio file?

Podcast is an entire series. Podcast episode is one single audio recording from that podcast series just like a TV serial is a collection of different episodes. Podcasts are more than downloadable audio. The biggest difference between downloadable audio and a Podcast is the subscription component. Podcasts allow you to subscribe, and new shows are automatically downloaded as they are produced.

This was all about Podcast Basics.  Have I struck a chord in you? So, wait for the second post. We will talk about why you should start listening to podcasts if you haven’t started yet.

I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.