I'm diving deep into the pros and cons of doing a live podcast, inspired by a question from Ralph over at askralph.com. If you’ve ever considered going live with your show—whether with video or audio—you’ll want to hear my honest take after years of experience.
I break down what it’s really like to start live streaming, especially if you’re new to podcasting or just thinking about expanding into video. From gear recommendations, background setups, and green screens to my latest waste-of-money purchase (ouch!), I share what works, what doesn’t, and what you should really consider before investing.
You’ll hear why consistency in scheduling is key and how I built a loyal live audience for Ask the Podcast Coach, which now feels like the new Saturday morning cartoons for my regulars. I talk candidly about realistic audience expectations—don’t be shocked when only a handful show up at first!—and why you shouldn’t start live if you're overwhelmed by tech.
I run through my favorite live streaming platforms, like Restream, eCamm Live, EVMux, and Streamyard, and why I personally steer clear of Riverside despite its flashy features. I talk camera options, from affordable 4K webcams to fancy DSLRs, and stress why you should practice, practice, practice before going live in front of folks.
You’ll also get my advice on handling live chat, co-host dynamics, the need for two monitors, and the occasional awkwardness of booting guests off gracefully. I share war stories about live mishaps, from surprise guests to technical gremlins, and why your audience is nearly always rooting for you.
If you’re weighing whether the extra expense, learning curve, and time spent prepping for live shows is worth it, I’ll walk you through how it’s brought me closer to my audience and generated great content for my main show. Spoiler: For me, the connection, fun, and instant feedback have made it worthwhile—even if those first few live shows felt like talking to a brick wall!
Takeaways:
- Going live can totally change your podcast game, but it comes with a whole load of tech headaches.
- There are so many tools out there for live streaming, but honestly, they all have their quirks and bugs.
- You really need to be consistent with your live show schedule, or folks will forget about you faster than a sneeze in a windstorm.
- Interacting with your audience live can spark some killer ideas, so don't shy away from it!
- Don't overthink your video background; if they care more about your messy room than your words, that's a problem.
- Prepare like you're about to run a marathon, because going live isn't just 'turn it on and chat' - it's a whole production!
Equipment Mentioned
Neewer Keylight Kit
Obsbot Meet 4k Camera
Yolo 3 4K Camera
Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K
Sony ZV-E10 II DSLR Camera
Elgao Key light
Links referenced in this episode:
Mentioned in this episode:
Unlock Exclusive Insights: Subscribe to 'Podcasting Observations' Newsletter!
Get a look into the world of podcasting like never before with "Podcasting Observations," your go-to source for trends, tips, and transformative insights tailored just for podcasters. You also get "behind the scenes" info from the School of Podcasting
Don't miss out on staying ahead of the game—join the 1700+ people who are already reading Podcasting Observations today!
Podcasting Observations
Question of the Month: The Smallest Amount of Downloads
We all want a bigger audience. We all put a lot of work into our shows. With this in mind, what is the smallest amount of downloads you would do the show for? If it drops below a number would you stop, or put effort into finding out why?
Does the size of your audience matter?
Go to schoolofpodcasting.com/question by August 28th (and don't forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the notes)
School of Podcasting
Where Will I Be?
I love meeting you when I'm out at events. Here are some of my next events:
Podcast Movement September 17-18
Podindy November 7th (use the coupon pacer at podindy.com)
Where Will I Be?
Get Some Feedback On Your Show
“Want honest, helpful feedback on your podcast? At the School of Podcasting, we host ‘Listening Parties’ where members share short clips and get constructive, encouraging critiques from fellow podcasters and myself.
It’s a safe, supportive way to hear what’s working, fix what’s not, and make your show stronger fast.”
School of Podcasting
