The Wonder Jam started a podcast.
Over the years, plenty of people told us that we should record one. We watched a few friends start their own and we even had some false starts. It wasn’t until I (Adam) had a phone call to catch up with Michael Yoder that I actually started to develop a plan for a podcast and put that plan into motion.
Michael guided us through the process (something he does for his clients), told us where to invest our money and advised us on what we shouldn’t worry about. I asked Michael if he’d share some of his story and answer common questions he gets from folks about podcasting. Below you’ll learn how a normal person (just like you) got into podcasting and some of the tools that will help you get started on your own podcast.
Enter Michael Yoder…
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Podcasting changed my life.
That sounds aggressive, but I really believe it.
For the longest time, I listened to podcasts and dreamed about starting one for myself. One of my good friends actually had their own podcast, and every time we would talk, he would ask me, “So, when are you starting your own.” I would usually respond with “someday…” That response was code for, “I don’t know what I’m doing…and to be honest I’m scared to jump in and try.”
Fast forward a year or so, and I am taking (now cohost) Terry Linhart to O’Hare in Chicago, and I pitch him the idea of starting a podcast together. I tell him about how I’ve always dreamed about it, and how I think we would work well together. Something I said stuck, and a few weeks later, we started some real progress in making a show.
Truth be told, we both had no idea what we were doing or what we were getting into.
We had to learn everything from the ground up, and I mean everything. A small book that helped us from day one was Podcast Launch. It’s a very quick and helpful read. Even better, it’s free/very cheap.
I had so many questions along the way, and I wish I had someone to help me answer several of them. So, that’s what I want to do for you guys.
Here are some common questions that I often receive from people:
Adam: So, let’s start with the basics. What kind of mic do you use?
This is a great question. We use Shure SM58’s. These are middle of the road microphones, that make capture amazing sound for their price point. The industry standard are the Share SM7B’s. This is what the pros use. If you can afford them, they really are worth the money. These both require a soundboard.
If you are using a USB microphone, I recommend a Blue Yeti. Amazing value. If you are recording solo, you only need one, but I would get one per person that will be talking.
We record into a soundboard that we run all of our audio through. We record to a digital recorder, such as the Zoom H6. You don’t have to use the Zoom H6 though. The H5 works just fine, but it isn’t as new and doesn’t have as many bells and whistles.
Adam: Just from your last answer, it’s easy to tell that a lot goes into making a podcast. How do you find the time to Plan, Schedule, Record, Edit, Publish, Troubleshoot, etc?
This is always an interesting question. We find time for what we care about. Always. We value what we spend our time on. If you want to start a podcast, you’ll find time for it. Yes, I know that is easier said than done, but there are some life hacks that I’ve found to work through my years of doing this.
Adam: What’s your advice about collaborating with others on a podcast?
Don’t work alone. Many hands make light work. If at all possible, get other people in on this adventure. You’ll learn together, grow together, and it will lighten your workload. I realize this isn’t possible for everyone, but you might be surprised at how many people want to help. Just ask. Don’t rob people of their opportunity to serve and journey with you.
Adam: You’re a busy person, and anyone who wants to start a podcast is probably also busy. How do you suggest people manage their podcast schedule?
If you want to release one podcast a month for 12 months, that might sound like a daunting task. So, instead of thinking of it as finding time every month to record, what if you took 3 days throughout the year, and recorded 4 podcasts on each of those days. 3 days of your time = 1 year of podcasts.
Get over the mindset that this takes a lot of time. It takes time, yes, but it’s not as much as you think.
Adam: Okay, so once you’ve planned, recorded and edited your podcast, how do you get it on iTunes?
There are several hosting services that you can use. I use Libsyn, but you can use Podbean, Blubrry, or even SoundCloud.These sites basically hold your recorded podcast, and with some confirmation, automatically upload your shows to iTunes and across all platforms automatically.
Adam: Subject matter is a big part of podcasts, so how do you plan on what to talk about?
For us on 37 the Podcast, our topic of conversation varies per guest, but always hovers and comes back to the same basic principles: how can we help people move forward in their life whether that is in their leadership, relationships, or spiritual life. We know what the core of show is about, but we cater our questions based on our guests. That’s what we do. We know our brand, we know who our listeners are, and we craft our message to connect with those components.
Your story is not my story. What is your brand? What are you passionate about? What do you want to talk about? Do that. If you are passionate and interested in something, there are other people out there that are interested in that, too. Whatever you do, just be true to yourself. Don’t compromise that.
Adam: Last question. How do you go about selecting guests to be on your podcast?
Who do you want to have on the show? First answer that question. Terry and I start every season by writing down people that we want to have on the show, and we start by going through that list and asking people if they’ll be on our podcast. In 3 years, I’ve only had 1 or 2 people tell me no to being on our show. Ask people that jive with your brand or passions. Ask people that are nothing like you. Ask leaders, big name people, and ask people that are just getting started in their journey. We’ve found that everyone has a story, and just because someone has 1 million Twitter followers or 150, one story isn’t better than another. They are just different. If you do work, plan out the conversation, any guest can be a rockstar.
So back to my original statement: podcasting changed my life.
3 years into the podcasting, I was able to participate in a whole host of new and diverse opportunities. I started to receive invitations to speak at large conferences and emcee for larger-scale events. I started to develop websites for friends and family. And then for friends of friends. And then for people that I didn’t know.
And most recently, I started helping people create podcasts.
This all came to a head when I felt a nudge to leap into the deep end and try this thing. So that’s what I did. I quit my day job to live a better story, and hopefully I’m enabling others to do the same.
I hope this helps.
If you want to connect, you can find me at michaelyoder.me or truthworkmedia.com
A big thanks to Michael for sharing! Michael is super helpful and if you have questions, you’d be well served to hit him up.
If you want to dig into our podcast, you can check out our podcast page or subscribe to the cast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play.
