Before creating your outline: 

1. Define your topic and purpose: Start by clearly defining the main topic or theme of your podcast episode. What message do you want to convey, and what do you want your audience to take away from it?

2. Research and Gather Information: Conduct thorough research on your topic to gather relevant information, examples, and anecdotes. Make notes of key points you want to discuss.​​​​​

Outline Structure: 

Introduction: Begin with a captivating introduction that grabs your audience's attention and introduces the topic of the episode. You can include a brief overview of what will be covered to set expectations

Main points and segments: Break down your episode into main points or segments. Each segment should focus on a specific aspect of your topic. Arrange them logically to create a flow of ideas.

Supporting content : Within each segment, include supporting content such as facts, statistics, quotes, or personal experiences to illustrate your points and make them more engaging.

Transitions: Use smooth transitions between segments to maintain the flow of the episode. Transitions can be as simple as summarizing the previous point and previewing the next one

Conclusion: Wrap up the episode with a concise summary of the main points discussed. Reinforce the key takeaways and leave your audience with a memorable closing thought.

It's recommended that you run through the outline a few times with your group (or if you're doing a solo podcast). Practice as if you're sitting down to record the podcast. 

After you've done a few run-throughs: 

Review and Revise: After creating your outline, take some time to review and revise it. Ensure that the structure makes sense, the content flows well, and all the important points are covered

Practice Flexibility: While having a structured outline is essential, be prepared to adapt and improvise during recording if necessary. Sometimes, the best moments come from spontaneity.

The Podcast Studio can be booked and is nestled in the back of L414 on the left side of the room.

This podcast studio is a great space for recording your audio work in a group, especially if it's for a podcast or interview. The room has been set up for this type of situation and even allows for simultaneous recording of video, should you be working on a video podcast or interview. You must be a current McMaster student or staff member, with valid Mac ID to use the podcast studio.

Available for use in the room:

• A computer with wireless keyboard & mouse
• Rode Microphones
• Rode Mixer 
• A table with 4 chairs
• Headphones
• Webcam
• Portable green screen

                                                                                                                                                                                              Image courtesy of Canva 

Creating a podcast recording space at home doesn't necessarily require a huge budget or a dedicated room.

Here are some tips to help you set up your own podcast recording space:

1. Choose the Right Location: Select a quiet room or area in your home with minimal background noise. Avoid spaces near noisy appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators, or where people often gather.

2. Soundproofing: If possible, invest in soundproofing materials (like acoustic foam panels). You can also surround yourself with textures, such as blankets, curtains, pillows, etc. These materials absorb sound and contribute a lot to soundproofing a space! 

3. Furniture and Room Setup: Opt for furniture that absorbs sound, such as couches, bookshelves, or curtains. Arrange them in a way that reduces sound reflections. Consider setting up your recording area in a corner to minimize sound bouncing off multiple walls.

4. Microphone Selection: Invest in a good-quality microphone suitable for podcasting. It's recommended that you use an external microphone instead of the one built into your computer. You can purchase a USB microphone online for a decent price, or you can borrow one from Lyons!  

5. Headphones: Headphones are not always necessary, but they allow you to monitor your voice and catch any potential issues in real-time.

6. Recording Software: Choose reliable recording software for capturing your podcast episodes. Popular options include Audacity (free), Adobe Audition, or GarageBand (for Mac users).

7. Editing Software: Invest time in learning how to use editing software to polish your recordings. This will help you remove any background noise, adjust levels, and add effects if necessary.

8. Internet Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection if you plan to record interviews or podcasts remotely using platforms like Skype or Zoom.

9. Test and Adjust: Before recording your first episode, conduct test recordings to identify any issues with sound quality or background noise. Adjust your setup as needed to achieve the best results.

Creating a podcast recording space at home will take some trial and error, and you may need to experiment with different setups and configurations before finding what works best for you.