Section 1.1: Getting Started with Recording

The beauty of podcasting lies in its simplicity; it primarily revolves around audio. There’s no need for perfect lighting or elaborate setups. You can begin by simply using a recording app on your phone. Platforms like Anchor streamline the process, allowing you to focus on your content rather than the technology itself.

However, if you wish to invest a bit more into your setup, consider using specialized software. For example, I recently started utilizing Riverside for my interview podcast. It allows you to conduct video calls while recording high-quality audio and video on each participant's device, which is then uploaded to the cloud for easy editing and distribution.

Zoom might be useful for calls, but its audio quality can detract from the listening experience. Riverside addresses this concern effectively. Initially, I was anxious about potential technical glitches during my interviews, but thanks to local recordings, every session turned out beautifully despite any interruptions.

Additionally, Riverside allows full-resolution video recording, which can be beneficial if you plan to share your podcast on YouTube or other platforms. While this may seem counterintuitive for a podcast, it offers a chance to diversify your content.

As of now, Riverside provides a free plan that supports 720p recording and two hours of separate track recordings. Their $19/month plan offers up to five hours without a watermark, and the $29/month plan allows for up to 15 hours. Focus on your recording needs rather than the video capabilities unless they are crucial for you.

For those recording in the same location, a simple recording app on your phone or computer with an external microphone can suffice. I’ll detail another solution below that includes recording functionality along with editing features.

Section 1.2: Editing Your Podcast

Once you have your recordings, the next step is editing the audio. I prefer using Descript, which transcribes your audio and allows you to edit it as if you were working on a Word document—it's truly transformative. Check out their website for demos and tutorials. It simplifies the process remarkably, especially when exporting audio files recorded with Riverside.

Descript also enables you to record audio directly from your microphone, with features like multitrack recording and editing, ensuring it can grow with your podcasting needs. The free version offers two hours of transcription, with monthly subscriptions available for $15 (10 hours) and $30 (30 hours).

What’s truly impressive are Descript’s advanced features. For instance, you can eliminate filler words with a single click (the pro plan removes more than the free one, which focuses on the most obvious fillers). Additionally, the overdub feature allows you to alter text in the transcript, adjusting the audio to match your voice seamlessly.

They also have a beta feature called studio sound, which enhances audio quality to make it sound as if recorded with a professional microphone. I’ve tested it, and the results are outstanding, making it a valuable tool for newcomers.

These functionalities make Descript an indispensable asset for quickly producing a polished podcast. I was amazed by its capabilities, which made the editing process enjoyable and efficient.