This page provides an overview of the tools and technologies I used to make this podcast happen and the resources that I found useful.

Tools and Technologies

  • Zoom (recording episodes): Because of the pandemic, I was able to use my free Zoom account to record episodes (there was no limit on meetings times). If using Zoom, make sure you:
    • Change your settings so Zoom will record each person to a separate track. This allows you to edit voices individually.
    • Ask your participants to not mute while recording, or the audio tracks will get out of sync.
  • AudioTechnica ATR2100-USB (microphone): My colleague loaned me this mic for free. It worked great.
  • Audacity (audio editing): A free, open-source audio editing software. It did all the things I needed it to do, and there are lots of tutorial videos.
  • WordPress (website): WordPress is open source, and I was able to get free website hosting via the OpenETC (Open EdTech Collaborative) in British Columbia, a community of people aiming to make it easy for post-secondary educators in B.C. to use open technologies.
  • Seriously Simple Podcasting plugin (hosting and distribution): This is a free WordPress plugin that will allow you to host and distribute your podcast to all the places from WordPress.
  • Otter.ai (transcription): I paid someone to create most of the transcripts, and she used the free version of Otter, which automatically transcribes the audio, and then she edited the them.
  • OneDrive (file saving and sharing): I had access to OneDrive through the university, and I used it to back up everything, including transcripts, interview questions, and both original and edited audio files. It also made it easier to share recordings with guests.

Practices

Protocols for Crip Podcasting (CC BY-NC-SA)

A set of protocols developed for the Contra* podcast, a podcast that “focuses on disability, design justice, and the lifeworld.” Although these protocols were developed for a specific podcast, it is a helpful resource for thinking through how to make a more inclusive and accessible podcast. It also discusses the processes around preparing for an interview, producing and editing the podcast episode, and promoting the podcast.

Tutorials

The Podcaster’s Toolkit

A collection of six videos covering the some basics for setting up your first podcast and other helpful links. The videos are designed for faculty at Thompson Rivers University; however, if you are using WordPress, Kaltura, or have questions about what technology you need, it’s a great resource for others, too. In particular, I found the video on using the Seriously Simple Podcasting WordPress plugin very helpful!

How to Start a Podcast (in 2020!) – The SMART Way

Another great video series providing an introduction to podcasting. These videos are a great place to start if you have questions about services that provide website and podcast hosting . In addition, this series includes reviews of microphones and tutorials for audio editing software. Thanks to Tim Carson for sharing these videos with me!