How to Start a Podcast in 2026

If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't).

Here are the steps I covered.

1. Pick Your Topic
2. Decide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s).
3. Pick how you will podcast.
4. Pick where will you podcast?
5. Choose how you will measure your success
6. Pick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout.
7. Buy the Hardware
8. Buy/Find Software
9. Purchase web hosting
10. Domain Name ( Ilke Namecheap)
11. Graphics
12. Intro Music. (optional)
13. Media Hosting (for your mp3 files)
14. Record Your Content
15. Edit Your Content
16. Upload your media
17. Write Your Show Notes
18. Click Publish
19. Make Sure your Feed is Valid
20. Publish to Apple, Spotify, and all other directories.
21. Tell everyone you know to follow the show on the same day

Here’s a handy list of every website and URL I mentioned in this episode, so you can find the resources and recommendations I talked about:

School of Podcasting:

https://schoolofpodcasting.com

Podpage:

https://podpage.com

(And check out https://trypodpage.com for a quick start!)

Buzzsprout:

https://buzzsprout.com

Captivate:

https://captivate.fm

Blubrry:

https://blubrry.com

RSS.com:

https://rss.com

Castfeed Validator:

https://castfeedvalidator.com

Namecheap (my favorite for domains):

https://namecheap.com

CoolerWebsites (my GoDaddy reseller):

https://coolerwebsites.com

PodcastBranding Co (for professionally designed artwork):

https://podcastbranding.co

Canva (for DIY podcast artwork):

https://canva.com

Transistor’s artwork preview tool:

https://transistor.fm/preview/

TuneReel (for music licensing):

https://tunereel.com

Suno/Suno AI Music (for AI-generated music):

https://supportthisshow.com/suno

Hollyland (wireless microphones):

https://geni.us/hollyland-larkm2s

Rode (microphones and lavalier mics):

Podmic USB

Rode Wireless Mico

Elgato (Facecam, key light, and stream deck):

Facecam

Keylight

GVM (lighting kits):

3 Light Package

Neewer (affordable lighting):

2 Light Kit

Camo (turns your phone into a webcam):

Turn Your Phone into a Web Cam

Streamlight (monitor-to-light software):

Turn your monitor into a light (Windows only)

Hindenburg (audio editing software):

https://hindenburg.com

Audacity (free audio editor):

https://audacityteam.org

Adobe Podcast (audio editing):

https://podcast.adobe.com

Alitu (online audio editing tool):

https://alitu.com

Descript (audio/video editing):

https://descript.com

Riverside (remote recording & video editing):

https://riverside.fm

Squadcast (remote recording):

https://squadcast.fm

ECAMM Live (Mac live streaming & recording):

https://ecamm.com

EV Mux (live streaming):

https://evmux.com

Streamyard (live streaming):

https://streamyard.com

Camtasia (video editing):

https://techsmith.com/video-editor.html

Tela (online video hosting & editing):

https://tella.com

DaVinci Resolve (free video editor):

https://blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/

Audio Outperforms Video 15 to 1 (Rob Walch Talk)

https://youtu.be/jqWNXW0gMs4?si=ITLHr2cAqIsjTBds&t=715

Takeaways:

1. Starting a podcast is simple but can be a real pain in the neck.
2. You gotta know your 'why' for podcasting, or you'll just quit when it gets tough.
3. Finding your target audience is crucial, don't just say 'everyone' because that's not helpful.
4. Investing in good audio equipment is key, because bad sound makes people leave fast.
5. Audio is the most important element of video

Mentioned in this episode:

Want to Make Some Money with Your Podcast?

Pick up any book on podcast monetization, and you will find 90 percent of it only covers how to launch a podcast. If you already have a podcast, you have that information; you’re ready for the next step. Profit from Your Podcast provides top strategies and real-life examples of podcast monetization. This book is more than what to do. It also tells you how to do it. Go to www.profitfromyourpodcast.com/book

Profit From Your Podcast

Live Appearances

I love to meet people when I'm on the road. I'm going to be at Empowered Podcasting Conference in Charlotte NC Podcast Movement in NYC Podindy in Indianapolis In. For more information and links, go to schoolofpodcasting.com/where To have me speak at your event, reach out at schoolofpodcasting.com/contacnt

Where Will I Be?