You don’t need a studio. You don’t need a $500 microphone. And you definitely don’t need to “figure it out as you go” for six months.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but keep getting stuck on equipment, editing, or where to even upload the thing… this is your simple, DIY-friendly guide.
The truth: podcasting is easier than it looks (when you have a plan)
Most people don’t quit podcasting because they “run out of ideas.” They quit because the process feels messy:
- They record and the audio sounds off
- They don’t know how to edit (or hate doing it)
- They get overwhelmed by hosting, distribution, and show notes
- They lose momentum after 2–3 episodes
A podcast doesn’t fail because you’re not talented. It fails because the workflow isn’t sustainable.
Step 1: Pick a format you can actually maintain
Before you buy anything, decide what you’re producing.
Here are 3 formats that work well in 2026:
- Solo episodes (10–25 minutes): Great for coaches, consultants, and founders who want thought leadership.
- Interview show (30–45 minutes): Great for networking and building credibility fast.
- Mini-series seasons (6–10 episodes): Great if you want structure and built-in breaks.
DIY pro tip: If you’re busy, start with shorter episodes. Consistency beats length.
Step 2: Keep your equipment simple (and upgrade later)
You can start with a clean, professional sound without a complicated setup.
Beginner-friendly setup
- USB microphone (plug-and-play)
- Headphones (to prevent echo)
- Quiet room + soft surfaces (carpet, curtains, even a closet works)
DIY recording environment upgrades (cheap + effective)
- Turn off fans/AC during recording if you can
- Put a blanket on a table (instant sound dampening)
- Record facing a closet of clothes (it absorbs echo)
Step 3: Record with a repeatable checklist
A simple checklist prevents 90% of podcasting headaches.
Before you hit record:
- Silence notifications
- Check mic input (not your laptop mic)
- Do a 10-second test recording
- Confirm your guest audio is coming through clean
- Keep water nearby
During recording:
- Pause instead of restarting when you mess up
- Clap once if you need an easy “edit point”
- Don’t overthink it—your energy matters more than perfection
Step 4: DIY editing basics (without getting lost)
Editing is where most new podcasters get stuck—so let’s keep it simple.
At minimum, your episode should include:
- Volume leveling so listeners aren’t turning you up and down
- Light noise reduction (don’t overdo it)
- Trimming long pauses, awkward starts, and repeated sentences
- Intro/outro (even a short one)
- Export settings that won’t wreck your sound
If you’re brand new, Audacity is a great beginner-friendly option.
A simple DIY editing workflow
- Import your audio
- Remove obvious mistakes and long silences
- Apply light noise reduction (only if needed)
- Level volume (so it’s consistent)
- Add intro/outro
- Export and listen to the first 60 seconds (quality check)
DIY pro tip: Your first goal isn’t “radio perfect.” Your first goal is “publishable and consistent.”
Step 5: Plan your first 6 episodes before you launch
This is the fastest way to avoid the dreaded:
“What should I talk about this week?”
Here’s a simple 6-episode starter map:
- Your origin story + who the show is for
- The #1 problem your audience is dealing with
- A common myth (and what’s actually true)
- A step-by-step framework you teach
- A case study or client transformation
- A Q&A episode (real questions or FAQs)
When your content is planned, consistency becomes a lot easier.
Step 6: The biggest DIY mistake new podcasters make
They treat podcasting like a one-time project.
Podcasting is a system. The goal isn’t to “launch.” The goal is to build a workflow you can repeat.
If you want a podcast that supports your business, you need:
- A consistent recording rhythm
- A simple editing process
- A publishing schedule you can stick to
- A way to repurpose content (clips, quotes, emails, posts)
DIY doesn’t mean “do everything forever”
A smart DIY approach is:
- Start simple
- Build consistency
- Upgrade what’s slowing you down
If you ever hit the point where editing is eating your weekends, you can always outsource later. But you don’t need to outsource to start.
Ready to start your podcast in 2026?
If you want a second set of eyes on your podcast idea, format, or launch plan, reach out at [email protected].
