The $500 Podcasting Studio (and More) w/ Dan Hughley
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Release Date: 11/27/2023
Dead Air
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Everything can go wrong when the clock is ticking on live radio, even for veterans. How David handled 28 seconds of dead air and what every podcaster can learn from it in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode What 28 seconds of dead air teaches power Dead air: your biggest fear, greatest opportunity The broadcast clock doesn’t care—control or chaos? Mistakes: your shortcut to true podcast authority Why desperation for guests destroys your show Skip apologies: your absence drives listener envy Solo hosting mastery—the control freak’s secret weapon ...
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11 Commandments of Podcasting (Insider 241)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
AI's impact on podcasting, why genuine connection matters more than ever, the rise of AI-generated bands, strategies for releasing episode clips, and the 11 Commandments every podcaster should know in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode AI bands: millions of streams, zero humanity Turn fake connections into real podcast fans Clips before full episodes: seduce the algorithm Feel cheated? Audiences crave authentic hosts 11 commandments: banish burnout and finish projects Superstition in podcasting: 666 and success myths Deep podcasts flop—will...
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Starbucks and Podcasting (Insider 240)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Bold podcast promo strategies, psychological triggers from Starbucks, three essential interview question types, and how to add real impact (and "teeth") to your show in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Bands bribe radio station with fireworks for airplay What would you delete from your podcast—today? Is your gear obsession secretly holding you back? Starbucks-style choices: why too many repel listeners Sunk cost trap: why you keep bad podcasts alive Steal “Metal Shop’s” teeth: make your show addictive Never let a “hit-and-run” guest...
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Episode 666
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Podcast burnout, making bold changes to stay inspired, lessons from top podcasters, and plans for new directions and deeper dives in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Burnout: when podcasting’s dream turns to nightmare "Hot wife, nice car ... still empty" Podcast success: crave more, never satisfied Why podcasters secretly fear real change Breaking down your podcast: destruction before growth “Deliver what people want” or perish Relaunch your show: controlled chaos fuels massive growth Why You Should Listen The secret mindset shift that turns...
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Audio vs. Video (Insider 239)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Spotting biased podcasting advice, the truth about audio vs video growth, how to get more listeners (and subscribers), Betty White and Bea Arthur’s backstage drama, and tips for handling tough co-host dynamics in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Podcast “experts” lying to push their own agenda Don’t trust advice from people with hidden motives The dark side of Golden Girls: real backstage feuds Unlock podcast growth—even in “shrinking” markets Why most listeners never learn to subscribe Feuding hosts? Turn drama into...
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20 Years in Radio (Insider 238)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Time-bending interview moments, 20 years in radio, using Cameo for podcast promotion, growing your email list with giveaways, and why your audience is your invisible co-host in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Celebrate podcast milestones—what 20 years brings Tap celebrity power: Cameo for podcast buzz Forget the crowd, seduce listeners one-on-one Make your audience your secret co-host Grow your email list—get greedy with giveaways Want clout? Invest in stories, not gear Burnout or “rust-out”—hustle wins every time Why...
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Too Hot for OnlyFans? (Insider 237)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Tracking what works (and what doesn’t) in podcast marketing, why live events are your secret growth weapon, how relatability beats perfection, mic myths busted, and smart ways to do "more, better, and new" in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode The “overnight” flood of listeners is a total myth Why celebrity endorsements will never save you Turn lonely dog groomers into loyal superfans Being relatable trumps perfection—ask OnlyFans entrepreneurs Revealed: $30 mic vs. $400 mic—can listeners tell? How “fake it till you make...
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Don't Do This (Insider 236)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Clever (and risky) marketing tricks, the truth about podcast gear and guests, essential pre-interview tips, AI voice options, and free podcast artwork templates in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode The dangerous cost of clickbait podcast titles Why tricking listeners kills your show’s growth Envy alert: how niche podcasters leapfrog celebrities The seductive myth of “perfect” podcast gear How AI voices tempt you—should you resist? Sponsor dollars: easy money or creative handcuffs? Confessions: the lies podcasters tell...
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Time to Quit Your Podcast? (Insider 235)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Zero-budget podcasting truths, signs it's time to quit your show, Spotify's new "Plays" metric, Audacity's 25th anniversary, and a pro trick for getting remote guests to show up in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Big Ideas in This Episode Can you really podcast with zero budget? Your community: free content machine or wasted potential? Are you secretly quitting your show already? Audacity: free tool pros secretly rely on Spotify “plays”: will your numbers embarrass you? Doing it only for others? Beware burnout Outsmart flaky guests with this ruthless trick ...
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Segments Will Grow Your Podcast (Insider 234)
Build a Big Podcast - The Marketing Podcast for Podcasters
Why you need podcast segments, what happens when you DM every fan, the power of 30-day challenges, smarter ad reads, and the secret to building deeper listener relationships in this episode of Build a Big Podcast ... Why You Should Listen How to harness the power of podcast segments to multiply your audience and keep them hooked—no matter your experience level The “lazy podcaster’s curse”—are you guilty of killing your own growth with long, rambling episodes? The irresistible secret to creating podcast episodes people devour—without burning out Why the Tim...
info_outlineDan Hughley is an audio engineer who understands the importance of getting a good performance on tape.
As a podcaster, you may know him from his work with Focusrite, manufacturer of the popular Scarlett line of audio interfaces.
In this episode, I talk with Dan about:
- Making recording more accessible (and affordable).
- The rise of remote interviews and collaboration across different locations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The importance of having confidence in the gear you use (and knowing how to use it).
- Mic technique for optimal sound quality, including the use of boom arms or headsets.
- HEADSET MICS?! Is he serious?!! Yes! And when you should use them.
- Funny stories and common mistakes in the recording studio.
- The importance of learning equipment and avoiding issues like thin and quiet audio.
- The introduction and features of the new 4th generation Scarlett audio interface, including remote controllable gain, auto-gain technology, and improved audio quality.
Episode Timestamps:
02:04 Capturing quality audio on location.
03:07 Remote interviews.
08:52 Good mic technique helps at funeral.
09:21 YouTubers lack understanding of mic technique.
14:57 How a fake button to toggle a red light can fool a producer (and you).
17:21 Remote controlled interfaces and other technology available to podcasters (for less than $500).
19:15 Lower noise floor, higher headroom = tremendous difference in your sound and how reference tracks aid in detecting deviations in sound quality.
22:38 12 years ago ... Scarlett unlocked Pro Tools.
26:01 Be confident, make better podcasts.
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Note that this is PART 2 of a two-part series. PART 1 focuses on more psychology of getting a good episode on tape and how to make the most of your recording space. Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you don't miss it.