1000 Podcasters

Do I REALLY need to pay for podcast hosting? What about free hosts? Starting a podcast means you have to make a LOT of decisions. One decision many struggle with is how much they’re willing to pay for podcast hosting. Today I’m sharing my thoughts. Spoiler: DO think you should pay for your media hosting. And I DO remember what it was like to be starting out on a limited budget and trying to control ongoing expenses. As you listen, you'll discover a little about that, as well as WHY I think it’s important to pay for media hosting and the ONLY time I think it makes sense to go for free. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/96LibsynBlubrryLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

There are so many questions to answer when starting a podcast but some of them come up again and again throughout the lives of our shows. We start with, “What’s the best hosting company?” and “What’s the best microphone?” But if we stay at it long enough, we also ask the question, “What’s the best computer?” or “What should I look for in a computer?” I recently helped Steven Brittingham of the Hollywood and Beyond Podcast with that question and I’m going to share with you what I shared with him. No, I’m not going to tell you that you should go get the new cheese grater Mac Pro (they look great, though). I’m not even going to tell you what brand or operating system you should get. Because those things can change based on your needs and what’s available. Instead, I’m going to share with you how to determine the bare minimum that you need as well as the priorities I use when choosing what to invest in when I’m going to buy a computer. I might even share with you how I’ve sometimes saved some money when buying a computer. Here’s the original question from Steven: I am interested in finding a Windows laptop that can be used for recording/editing/researching for my podcast. The idea of more freedom is appealing and I feel extra beneficial as well. I am concerned about purchasing a laptop that would not fully meet all of my audio needs or expectations. I realize memory/ram is important, as is speed and storage. There are so many different options. I have researched online about laptops for podcasting, but still feel uncertain. Do you have any suggestions or at the very least are there certain specs that are absolutely needed for high quality results? I am willing to pay for a high end unit, but I also seek out a fair and good value. A laptop that doesn't make a lot of noise is important too. Any suggestions is appreciated! Listen to discover what I shared with Steven. In addition to being a podcast host, he’s also an actor and writer. As a host he always strive for "Meaningful Interviews". He’s have been on hiatus but a lot of new episodes on the way soon. Including a new show website! My show is on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, iHeartradio, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn and more. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/95https://hollywoodandbeyond.podbean.com/Video on YouTubeVideo on FacebookLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A few months ago I shared a little about an audio issue I’d been able to help troubleshoot for another podcaster and I mentioned that I might come back and share exactly what was happening and why it happened, as well as how to fix it. Yesterday I FINALLY came back to it and explained what had happened (and we got a bit nerdy). But I dropped the ball AGAIN. Today I’m back to show you two ways to fix the problem that was caused by running a single stereo output into a balanced mono input. [smartvideo src="https://youtu.be/HVI52osIpQM" width="1280" height="720" responsive=true controls=true] Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/94Videohttps://youtu.be/HVI52osIpQMhttps://toptieraudio.com/93https://hollywoodandbeyond.comLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. [saf include=applepodcasts,googlepodcasts,castbox,spotify,subscribebyemail align=left] Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A few months ago I shared a little about an audio issue I’d been able to help troubleshoot for another podcaster and I mentioned that I might come back and share exactly what was happening and why it happened, as well as how to fix it. Do you know what happened? I forgot to come back and share that so I’m going to do that today. Here’s the scenario - a podcaster finished and published her episode. Everything sounded fine on her headphones and computer speakers. But then people started contacting her to let her know they couldn’t hear one of the participants. She went back and confirmed that everything was in the original recording. Then she went and looked at the final file to make sure that there wasn’t a bunch of silence because the track had been muted. Everything looked fine. But when she listened on her phone, she couldn’t hear that other person either. If you can guess what happened, share it in the comments. Otherwise, let’s get into this because it’s going to get a little nerdy today. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/93Videohttps://youtu.be/1zos6jSq0-ALeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I have a few things for you today. It’s Christmas Eve in the US and I’d like to leave you with a couple of things. First, an answer to the question: should I let guests reschedule? I also have video to share with you and a little listener feedback. What to do if you’re blown off If you’ve had guests on your show for a while, it’s likely you’ve already faced this. If not, it’s almost inevitable. If this has happened to you, you know it’s not fun. But what do you do next? Listen as I share four things you could consider, as well as what I do. How To Video There was a question in our Hindenburg users group on FB (hindyusers.com): How do I remove the in and out markers if I want to make an edit. I answered that with a video. Listener Feedback A few days ago I asked about your plans for 2020. Tom Hailey (@tomhailey) shared that he’s launching a podcast in February, 2020. The trailer’s up already, so you can check it out at bluegrassregionvoicesandviews.com. I’m told it’s still under construction, so proceed with caution. Tom will be sharing interesting places, people, and activities in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Check it out. What about you? If you don’t already have a plan for when (not if) a guest misses their interview, there’s no time like now to come up with something. Whether you already have a plan or are creating a plan, let me know. I’m @TopTierAudio on Twitter. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/92https://hindyusers.com How to Remove In & Out Points in HindenburgBluegrass Region Voices and ViewsLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I had a consultation earlier today (I mean REALLY early) with another podcaster. He was wanting to make sure that he was using Hindenburg and some plugins as best he could - some iZotope products and a Waves plugin. It was a real delight to talk with him about what he’s doing, to go through the workflow, and to offer a few (and I mean just a few) tips or suggestions. It’s just so fun to see a podcaster doing well. I’d like to do more of that, which got me thinking about this past year and what I’d like to see in the year to come. Today I’m going to share some of the incredible things I’ve been able to do and a couple of tweaks I’d like to make for next year. And, I’d like to hear from you: @TopTierAudioSend an emailvoicemail Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/91Just PodcastingPodcast Engineering Show Start to Finish PodcastingLeave a VoicemailSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Elementary school Christmas plays (or holiday pageants) are an interesting experience. In reality, you’re probably only there to see YOUR kids do their thing. But the reality is that you’re often unable to hear them for a reason that afflicts many podcasts, too. Signal to noise ratio. It’s one of the things I often talk with podcasters about when I’m consulting or even when I’m sharing strategies and insights in groups. I might not call it that and I might not go into all of the details. But it’s one of the things that is often overlooked and it can make a HUGE difference. In fact, many times the production questions we see are REALLY about signal to noise ratio. In many ways, those questions are really about signal to noise ratio (and not making your editor crazy) and I’m going to illustrate three underlying issues (kinds of noise) and one fix today using my son’s Christmas play at school. Why am I such a stickler about this (I know I’ve talked about it before). Well, because you can’t control the listening environment because everybody’s listening by themselves. They’re inviting you into their daily experience and that comes with noise. So it’s all the more important that we minimize the noise in our delivery (things about our styles that make it hard to hear or understand), the noise in the recording environment (echo / room reverb, fan noise, neighbors mowing the yard, dogs barking), and that we do what we can to amplify or point a sonic spotlight on the most important parts - typically the dialog. Here’s your action: Go back to an episode you published a month or two ago and listen again for the three things you can control - your delivery, your recording environment, and what you do to highlight what’s most important. Are there any adjustments you’d like to make moving forward? Let me know what you’re planning to do. Hit me up on Twitter (@TopTierAudio). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/90Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Today as I was riding to work, I had a road construction experience that made me think about getting getting people subscribed to our shows. More subscribers. We all want more subscribers for our podcasts. There are all kinds of strategies out there for getting more subscribers. But here’s the problem: most of them are focused on the benefits for the PODCASTER. If we’re really serving our audiences, we’ll be focused on ways to serve them and some of the common strategies don’t serve them well and where I think we can find the sweet spot. To illustrate how this can work, I’m going to share a little about my commute this morning. https://youtu.be/gLeKwA-QMaA I'll share my thoughts on: What about you? What does your subscribe page look like? Tweet it to me at @TopTierAudio. And if you’d like to take a look at mine to get some inspiration, you’ll find it at toptieraudio.com/subscribe. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/89Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Have you ever felt that fear before you hit publish? Before you published your first episode, did you wonder what people would think about you? Do you ever downplay what you do when you’re talking with coworkers because you don’t want to fully reveal what you’re doing in your podcast (and not for legal reasons)? All of those have impacted me at one point or another. Today I’m going to share how I worked through it in the beginning, what I’m doing about it now, and six things that I have because I kept moving forward. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/8830 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeSubscribe to 1,000 PodcastersSubscribe to the Top Tier Audio YouTube ChannelJoin the Hindenburg Users Group on FacebookSet up a ConsultationTalk to me about editing your podcastTalk to me about launching a podcast@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

You might have noticed that I’ve been missing for a few days. After podcasting daily for over a month, you didn’t hear from me and I also didn’t give any explanation. I think there are a few things we can learn from this. Listen to find out: Do you agree or disagree? Did I miss something? Hit me up on Twitter (@TopTierAudio) and share your thoughts. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/87Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Being a podcast professional comes with its own special language. A very specific and detailed language. It sounds like English…sort of. Today I was given a small serving of Humble Pie while on a call with Tech Support at work and I was reminded of something that I need to be more carful of as a podcaster. Listen to Discover: How About You? Are there any terms or phrases I use that are confusing? Or maybe some things I’ve explained poorly (it wouldn’t be the first time). Let me know in the comments and I’ll see if I can clear things up a little. Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/8630 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Are podcast episode numbers needed? And if so, what is a good format and placement? Tom asks: Bryan...if it would be an appropriate topic for your Top Tier show...it could be helpful to us if you gave your opinion about episode numbers. Have them or not...format...placement, etc. Today I’m sharing my OPINION but I think it bears out in terms of a best practice. Listen to discover: Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/8530 Day Solo Podcast Challenge Are Episode Numbers REALLY Necessary? - TAP175Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A fire drill at work today reminded me of the power of perspective. Truthfully, our expectations and perspective can shape the kinds of experiences we have. And the same applies to podcasting. Listen to Discover: What About You? Have you ever noticed how your perspective shapes your experiences (not just your perception, but the actual experiences)? Share your story in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/84). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/8430 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

As podcasters, we might feel like we’re putting out an authentic image of ourselves. However, sometimes there are things that might be downplayed or maybe assumed incorrectly by our audiences. Today I’m going to share a few things to make sure the record is straight on me as a podcast editor. Listen to Discover: What about you? Do you have anything about your podcast or your production that you’d like to get off your chest? Share it in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/83). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/83Engaging MissionsiZotope RX7 AdvancedAuphonic.comBigPodcast.comNational Podcast Post MonthSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

“What’s the best podcast microphone?” is asked so often that it’s almost a meme in the various podcasting groups on Facebook. And the similar question, “What software should I use?” could be a meme all its own. However, they’re still valid questions. Today I’m sharing the tools I use in my workflow as a podcaster and as a podcaster. Since I’m in the studio and this show is just me, I’ll focus on that. Listen to discover: What about you? What are your favorite tools for podcasting or editing? Hit me up in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/82). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/82 Re-Pop Pop FilterElectro-Voice RE320Auray SSM-BC10 Auray BAI-2XRolls MS111Sound Devices MixPre-3Hindenburg Journalist ProiZotope RX7 AdvancediZotope Ozone 8 Advanced Scheps Omni Channel Vocal RiderAKG HP12UAudio Technica ATH-M30Alesis M1 Active MK3Subscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and...

Have you ever run an experiment that didn’t turn out exactly as planned? I have - and yesterday’s episode (https://toptieraudio.com/80) didn’t go quite as well as I’d hoped. The audio was good but I was confusing with the content and it was a little harder to produce than I’d hoped. I received a few follow-up questions (thanks Harry) that I am answering today. Listen to discover What about you? Have you ever run an experiment that didn’t turn out exactly as you’d hoped. Hit me up on email (bryan@toptieraudio.com) and share your story. And if you have questions or topic suggestions, let me know. Email me (bryan@toptieraudio.com). Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/81Yesterday's Episodehttps://toptieraudio.com/80Shure MV88Backpack Studio Ferrite Recording StudioAuphonic Hindenburg Field RecorderHindenburg Journalist ProlibsynSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

As a podcaster, you may not always be able to record in your studio (even if your studio is the kitchen). So what are you going to do when you’re traveling or on vacation? You can skip episodes, you can work ahead, or you can plan for recording while you’re out. I’m doing that RIGHT now. Listen to Discover Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/80Shure MV88Backpack Studio Ferrite Recording StudioAuphonic Hindenburg Field RecorderHindenburg Journalist ProlibsynSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Do you like to make mistakes? Especially mistakes in public? I know that I don't and I think most other people would prefer to avoid mistakes, too. But sometimes trying to avoid mistakes will keep us stuck (another mistake) and curtail our opportunities to grow. But what if there was a way to gain the growth and learning that comes from making mistakes without the pain of the mistakes? I'm talking about learning from the mistakes of others. Listen to Discover Resources Mentioned Full Episode Noteshttps://toptieraudio.com/79Logitech Headset MicrophoneAudio Technica ATR2100amson Q2U PackagelibsynBlubrryEngaging Missions ShowSubscribe to 1,000 Podcasters@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

A lot of people spend time wondering what the next month or year will bring. Today I’m going to share my 2020 prediction for YOU. Earlier this week I was listening to Better Podcasting (a podcast about podcasting for hobby podcasters) and they challenged me and the rest of their audience to pick something that we will focus on in our shows for 2020. I’m still working on that, but it got me thinking about retrospectives and goals and predictions. Listen to discover: What are you going to change in 2020? What are you going to focus on? Let me know in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/78). Resources Mentioned https://toptieraudio.com/78Engaging Missions ShowBetter Podcasting30 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeNational Podcast Post MonthSubscribe to this show@TopTierAudioSupport the show Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Do you like being rejected? I don’t. But I know that rejection and even the occasional failure are likely for podcasters (really, for anyone who’s trying to grow and leave the world a better place). But then comes the question: If I’m likely to be rejected, what can I do about that? Listen to discover: Rejection is often part of life. But if we have a plan, we can come out the other side stronger and keep going. What about you? Have you ever been rejected as a podcaster? I’d love to hear your story. Hit me up in the comments (https://toptieraudio.com/77) and let me know. We can all grow together. Resources Mentioned https://toptieraudio.com/77Engaging Missions Show30 Day Solo Podcast ChallengeNational Podcast Post MonthSubscribe to this show@TopTierAudio Subscribe for Free! Make sure you never miss an episode of 1,000 Podcasters. Subscribe for free to have each episode delivered right to your favorite podcast app as soon as it's available. https://1000Podcasters.com Want to set up a consultation? Facebookhttps://m.me/TopTierAudioEmailbryan@toptieraudio.com This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy