Start Your Own Podcast

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Start Your Own Podcast by Sheri Zampelli

Have you ever wanted to have your own radio show? Are you aggravated by the limited information that's available through the mainstream media? Why not start your own podcast and make a difference in the lives of others? Here are some simple steps and directions to get your started as well as links to my favorite podcasts and podcast directories.

Although many MP3 players can receive podcasts, the iPod and iTunes (the free software that comes with your iPod) are a match made in heaven for music lovers, lo-tech people and those who like to keep things organized. If you haven't bought an iPod yet, why not get yours here? Your purchase goes to support the free information provided on this site and in weekly podcasts. (By the way, you do NOT have to have an Apple computer to use an iPod. I have a PC and it works just fine).

There is an optional accessory available for full-size iPods that allows you to record directly into the iPod itself. I haven't used it yet (because I have a Mini and a Nano), but my next purchase will be a full-size iPod so I can utiliize the recording feature, listen to it in my car over the car stereo speakers (with iTrip or other cable accessories) and carry all my music and recordings with me.

The best first step is to listen to other
people's podcasts to get an idea of the style.
Podcasts are generally shorter and more
personalized than your traditional radio
or TV talk show. Here are some of my
favorite Podcast Directories:

Podcasting News is the busiest, most
informative podcast directory on the net.
Professional, constantly updated and
very active.

Here are some of my favorite podcasts. To listen,
look them up on Yahoo. Or, click on the links
below to go straight to the show on iTunes.

Greater Good Radio - A positive business radio
show for social entreprenuers

A Better Day - A health and fitness podcast with
musical interludes.

WGBH Morning Stories- Heart-warming stories
narrated by public radio veteran Tony Kahn

Podcast Pickle Show - Good for podcasting
news and updates, entertaining, easy to listen to

Freedom Focus - A spiritual/religious podcast
with an empowering philosophy

Once you're ready to record and produce your podcast, I recommend the Acoustica MP3 Audio Mixer. This software is only about $30 and has some great features for professionals. You can record straight into the computer and save files as an MP3, you can use the multi-track function to add music to the background of your show and you can use the graphical nature of this program to help you actually SEE where you want to cut, paste, add, fade or edit the tracks in any way. If you are a professional speaker, author or want to record audio for resale, this software will help you produce a professional product that you can be proud to share with your customers, clients or fans.

If you're familiar with rss feeds, you can use the following link to subscribe to the show:

http://www.donateyourweight.com/show/better.xml