#8 - How to Start a Podcast in 10 Minutes as a Part-Time Creator

#8 - How to Start a Podcast in 10 Minutes as a Part-Time Creator

Author: Second Brains and Soft Skills for Staff Engineers. Augment, Stay Human. March 9, 2024 Duration: 9:40

The moment I hit 'publish' on my first podcast episode, I stepped into a world I never imagined.

I had no idea sharing my thoughts into a microphone could be this much fun.

If you like to write but it feels slow, or if you’ve been interested in podcasting - ignore anyone telling you to not do it.

And just give it a try!

Here’s how I got started and why I think conventional advice is wrong.

How to Start a Podcast in 10 Minutes

* Buy a Microphone. I chose the Blue Yeti.

* Pick a hosting platform. I used Substack because I’ve had a newsletter there. Any platform will do, you just need an RSS feed to submit to Apple or Spotify.

* Pick a recording & editing tool. I use Descript now but Alitu looked interesting too.

* Make the first episode. Write down a title, some key points, then hit record and go.

* Publish. Don’t stress the details, just get started and produce something.

You can always iterate as you go, the most important thing is to get going. Focus your time on creating the episode, not the little details.

You’ll learn a lot from just doing and you can tweak things over time.

Part-Time Creators Should Ignore Conventional Advice

Most advice on starting a podcast is too complicated or too negative and distracting.

Influencers who make a living by monetizing their audience are playing a different game than the part-time creators who are doing this for fun. For them, niching down and building an audience is crucial to their survival. For you and me, we don’t need to worry about that.

“Podcasting doesn’t have discoverability so don’t do it until you have an audience.”

Nonsense.

Part-time creators are playing a different game. We want to have fun, learn, explore, connect with fans, and maybe monetize in the future. But while in this period of self-discovery, just focus on have fun and making your art.

If you think podcasting sounds fun, or you want to explore another medium, do it.

You won’t regret giving it a try.

The 30 Day Challenge

Try recording a solo podcast of 5-10 minutes every day for the next 30 days.

Today was day 8 for me.

You’ll learn so much and very quickly figure out if podcasting is for you.

Let me know how it goes, have fun :)



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bitsofchris.com

In a world racing to automate everything, Bits of Chris: Augment, Stay Human offers a different, more human-centered conversation. This isn't about fearing technology but about thoughtfully integrating it to enhance our own capabilities and judgment. The core idea is Open Augmented Intelligence-a vision where tools amplify human potential without locking us into opaque, closed systems. Each episode explores practical strategies for building your "second brain" and honing the soft skills crucial for leadership, particularly for staff engineers and those navigating complex technical careers. You'll hear discussions on selecting tools, managing knowledge, and making strategic decisions that align with a future where individuals control their own data and intellectual processes. Weaving together themes from technology, business, and investing, the podcast provides a grounded perspective on staying relevant and effective. It’s for anyone who believes the best future is one where we use AI to augment our humanity, not replace it, fostering transparency and personal agency in an increasingly automated landscape. Tune in for a nuanced take on building a career and a mindset that remains resilient and distinctly human.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 47

Bits of Chris: Augment, Stay Human
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