Podcasting Workflow

---
name: podcasting-workflow
description: "Podcast: recording, editing, distribution, RSS."
version: 1.0.0
author: Hermes Agent
license: MIT
platforms: [linux, macos, windows]
metadata:
  hermes:
    tags: [podcast, audio, production, distribution, content]
    related_skills: [video-production-workflow, personal-brand-building, affiliate-marketing]
---

# Podcasting Workflow

## Overview
Complete podcast production: concept/format definition, episode structure, guest booking scripts, recording guidance, editing workflow (noise reduction, leveling, compression, music, chapters), distribution (RSS, Spotify, Apple, YouTube), show notes, and audiogram creation.

## When to Use
- Defining a podcast concept and format
- Structuring episodes and booking guests
- Recording and editing audio
- Publishing to RSS, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
- Writing show notes and creating audiograms
- Growing your podcast audience

## Body

### 1. Format & Concept

| Format | Description | Best For |
|--------|-------------|----------|
| Solo monologue | Host talks directly to audience | Expert commentary, storytelling |
| Co-hosted | Two hosts riff on topics | Chemistry-driven, comedy, news |
| Interview | Host talks to 1–3 guests | Authority building, networking |
| Panel | 3+ people discussing a topic | Debates, diverse perspectives |
| Narrative | Produced story with audio clips | True crime, history, documentary |

**Niche down:** "A podcast about marketing" is too broad. "A podcast about B2B SaaS content marketing for seed-stage startups" is specific enough to build an audience.

### 2. Episode Structure

| Segment | Length | Content |
|---------|--------|---------|
| Cold open (optional) | 0:00–0:30 | Most compelling 30 seconds (before intro music) |
| Intro | 0:30–1:30 | Show intro music, host greeting, what this episode covers |
| Main content | 70–80% of runtime | Interview, solo content, or discussion |
| Outro | Last 3–5 min | Key takeaways, CTA (rate/review/subscribe), upcoming teasers, outro music |

### 3. Guest Booking

**Outreach template:**
```
Subject: Interview request for [Podcast Name]

Hi [Guest Name],

I'm a big fan of your work on [specific achievement/project].

I host [Podcast Name], a podcast about [topic] reaching [audience size].
I'd love to have you on to discuss [specific angle relevant to guest].

The interview would be [length], recorded [remote/in-person].
Previous guests include [2–3 relevant names].

Open to a quick chat?

Best,
[Your Name]
```

**Pre-interview prep:** Send guest a 1-page brief with: podcast format, audience, talking points (5–7), technical setup (mic, headphones, recording platform), and link to past episode for reference.

### 4. Recording

**Gear recommendations:**

| Level | Mic | Interface | Software |
|-------|-----|-----------|----------|
| Beginner | Samson Q2U or ATR2100x | USB built-in | Audacity (free) |
| Intermediate | Shure SM58 or Rode PodMic | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 | Descript or GarageBand |
| Advanced | Shure SM7B or RE20 | GoXLR or Rodecaster Pro | Adobe Audition or Logic Pro |

**Remote recording:** Use Riverside.fm, Zencastr, or SquadCast (records separate local tracks + cloud backup). Never record over Zoom (compressed audio). Each guest records on own device with headphones.

### 5. Audio Editing

**Workflow order:**
1. **Noise reduction**: Sample 3s of room tone, apply noise gate + subtractive EQ
2. **Leveling**: Compressor (ratio 3:1–4:1, threshold -16dB) to even volume
3. **EQ**: High-pass filter at 80Hz (remove rumble), slight boost at 3–5kHz (presence)
4. **De-essing**: Reduce sibilance at 5–8kHz
5. **Pacing**: Remove ums, ahs, long pauses >2s dead air
6. **Music**: Intro/outro at -18dB to -22dB, never under speaking
7. **Chapters**: Add chapter markers (every topic change, 4–8 chapters per episode)
8. **Export**: MP3, 128–192kbps, 44.1kHz, stereo (mono fine for solo shows)

### 6. Distribution

| Platform | Submission Method |
|----------|------------------|
| Apple Podcasts | Podcasts Connect (requires Apple ID) |
| Spotify | Spotify for Podcasters |
| RSS Feed | Primary source — generated by hosting (Buzzsprout, Transistor, RedCircle, Captivate) |
| YouTube | Upload video version (waveform visual + webcam) |

**Hosting platforms:** Buzzsprout ($12/mo), Transistor ($19/mo), RedCircle (free tier), Captivate ($19/mo). All generate RSS feed, distribution to Apple/Spotify, and analytics.

### 7. Show Notes

**Template:**
```
# Episode [Number]: [Title]

**Summary:** [2–3 sentence overview]

**Key Timestamps:**
- [00:00] — Introduction
- [05:30] — Topic A
- [15:00] — Topic B
- [30:00] — Key insights
- [45:00] — Wrap-up and CTA

**Links & Resources:**
- Guest's website / social
- Books, products, articles mentioned
- Related episodes

**Connect:**
- Website / Newsletter / Social links
```

### 8. Audiograms & Promotion

Use Headliner, Wavve, or Descript to create 30–60s audiogram videos: waveform visualization + captions. Post to Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok. Best clips = highest engagement moments, surprising stats, or controversial takes.

**Promotion checklist:**
- [ ] Audiogram created for top 1–2 moments
- [ ] Guest shares episode to their audience
- [ ] Posted in relevant communities (Reddit, Facebook groups, Slack/Discord)
- [ ] Newsletter feature (your own + cross-promotions)
- [ ] Social media posts (3–5 over release week)

## Common Pitfalls

- **Bad audio**: Listeners tolerate mediocre content with great audio, not the reverse. Invest in a mic and quiet recording space.
- **No show notes**: SEO opportunity lost. Show notes drive 30–50% of new listener discovery.
- **Inconsistent release**: Weekly > bi-weekly > "whenever". Set a schedule and stick to it.
- **No guest prep**: A bad interview is the host's fault. Prep guests with talking points.
- **Death by intro**: Keep intros under 60s. Nobody came for the host's life updates.

## Verification Checklist

- [ ] Podcast format defined (solo/co-host/interview/panel/narrative)
- [ ] Episode structure with timestamps documented
- [ ] Guest outreach email drafted (if interview format)
- [ ] Recording environment set up (mic, quiet room, headphones)
- [ ] Audio editing workflow applied (noise reduction, leveling, EQ, de-essing)
- [ ] Intro/outro music added
- [ ] Chapter markers set (4–8 per episode)
- [ ] Show notes written with timestamps and links
- [ ] Episode exported as MP3 (128–192kbps, 44.1kHz)
- [ ] Published to RSS feed and submitted to Apple/Spotify
- [ ] Audiogram created for social promotion
- [ ] Promotion checklist complete