The Beginner Podcaster’s Guide

A light intro :)

This guide wasn’t born because there isn’t enough information about podcasts. There’s a lot. Too much.

It was born because in repeated talks with people who want to start a podcast, the same feeling came up: they don’t need another tip. They need order.

Not which mic to buy. Not where to click in Spotify. How to build something you won’t abandon after three episodes.

If there’s one thing almost everyone hits, it’s the gap between the excitement of day one and the reality of episode 7. There’s no launch there. No wow. Sometimes no responses either. And that’s where the real decision gets made - whether this is a project you’ll keep going, or another idea left behind.

This guide won’t teach you how to be a “successful” podcaster. It’ll help you figure out if - and how - to build a podcast you can stick with.

One that starts from motion, not perfection. From choices that lower load, not add pressure. And from a topic you actually have passion for, not one that just sounds good to others.

If you leave here with a small but living podcast, we did our job.

What this guide is not

To avoid confusion, here’s what it isn’t.

This is not a technical guide

You won’t find gear lists, mic reviews, or software comparisons here. Not because they’re unimportant - just because that’s not what stops people from continuing.

This is not a shortcuts guide

Not “a podcast in 24 hours” and not “how to hit 1,000 listeners fast.” If you’re chasing tricks, you’ll likely be disappointed.

This guide doesn’t promise success

A podcast is a process. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes uplifting, and most of the time it just demands presence.

And it’s also not a guide you must read end to end

Jump, skip, go back. The goal is for you to use it, not finish it.

If you’re looking for something to give you absolute certainty before you start, this probably isn’t the guide for you. But if you’re willing to begin without knowing everything, and build as you go, there’s a good chance you’ll find exactly what you need here.

How it all started

A short interview where Adir Kandel and Tal Moskovich interviewed us about starting the podcast.

Table of contents

Part 1: Why a podcast at all

Part 2: The concept you won’t burn out on

Part 3: Format, length, and cadence

Part 4: People, guests, and how to spark a good conversation without feeling like a pest

Part 5: The technical side

Part 6: Launch, the real beginning, and what happens after the noise fades

Part 1: Why a podcast at all

Before format, gear, or guests, stop for one simple, uncomfortable question: why a podcast at all.

Not why it sounds good. Not why it looks right right now. Why you’re willing to keep going when it stops being exciting.

Many podcasts start from excitement. Few continue from understanding.

And a podcast that isn’t rooted in a real “why” ends up leaning on energy. And energy, as you already know, runs out.

Why a podcast is a bad idea

Yes, this needs to be said too.

If your main reason is:

• Something to put on LinkedIn
• Everyone’s doing a podcast
• It looks like an easy path to exposure

Chances are it won’t last.

A podcast isn’t a shortcut. It’s one of the slowest formats for building trust, an audience, and a voice.

People who want quick results usually quit quickly.

Why you should start a podcast

A podcast does work when one or more of these are true:

• There’s a topic you already think about a lot, and the podcast helps you make sense of it
• There are people you want to talk to, and the conversation itself is the value
• You want a long process, not a spike
• You like talking, explaining, asking - even without knowing exactly who’s listening

Note: none of these reasons depends on listener count. Important hint.

A small audience isn’t a problem. It’s a condition

Many people fear the question: “But who’ll listen?”

The honest answer: at first, almost no one. And that’s fine.

Podcasts don’t start with a big audience. They start with a small circle willing to be there with you.

10–30 people who know you, genuinely care, and make you feel you’re not talking into the void. Without that, it’s very hard to persist.

Early success looks different than you think

Early podcast success is not:

• Play counts
• Ratings
• A surprise message from someone you don’t know

Success is:

• You recorded another episode
• You didn’t cancel last minute
• You’re already thinking about the next one

If that’s happening, you’re on the right track.

A brief pause before we continue

This is the spot to stop and ask yourself, honestly:

• Why do I want to do this now
• What if no one outside a small circle listens
• Am I willing to give it time without a promise

To help, I made a short form with questions to pause and clarify before you start a podcast. You can download it here and answer quietly - no drama, no pressure.

Download the form: a few questions to ask yourself before starting a podcast

If you got through this section and still want to continue, that’s a good sign.

Next we’ll hit the heart of it: how to choose a concept you won’t get sick of after three episodes.

Part 2: The concept you won’t burn out on

Most podcasts don’t die because of bad sound. They die because the host is tired of it.

Not all at once. Slowly.

There’s the initial buzz. Then episode two. Then three.

Then a quiet moment before episode 6 or 7 where you ask: “Wait… what am I supposed to talk about now?”

In most cases, it’s not a ideas problem. It’s a concept problem.

A topic is not a concept

Many people pick a topic and think they’re done.

“AI” “Management” “Entrepreneurship” “Software development”

Those are topics. Not concepts.

A concept is a point of view. An angle. Something that dictates how every conversation looks, not just what it’s about.

That small difference is the difference between a podcast that lasts and one that wears out fast.

The question that actually decides it

One question beats almost every other:

What can you talk about even when you have no energy?

Not when you’re sharp. Not after a conference. Not on a high-energy day.

On a normal day. Tired. Busy.

If the concept doesn’t hold there, it won’t hold over time.

Analyzis paralysis is a warning sign

If you find yourself:

• Comparing to more podcasts
• Swapping ideas every two days
• Hunting for “the perfect concept”

Chances are you’re just afraid to start. Understandable.

But like a startup, a concept isn’t born perfect. It sharpens in motion.

A 70% clear concept beats a brilliant idea that stays in your head.

Passion isn’t a bonus. It’s a requirement

People ask: “What interests the audience?”

Important question. Too early.

First ask: what interests you.

Not romantically. Durably.

• What you keep talking about over and over
• Which topic you argue about
• Where you find yourself explaining unprompted

If there’s no real passion there, your podcast will last exactly until the first hard moment.

Constraints create freedom

A good concept doesn’t open everything up. It closes.

• What this podcast is about
• What it isn’t
• Which types of conversations don’t make the cut
• When you say, “That’s interesting, but not for here”

Those boundaries create calm. Fewer dilemmas. Less load.

A quick stress test

Before moving on, pause:

• Write three episodes you could record tomorrow morning
• Write three more you could record a month from now
• Now ask yourself honestly: do you still want to?

If yes, there’s something here. If not, better to find out now.

You don’t need to lock everything now

You don’t need a perfect concept. You need one that lets you start.

Not 10 episodes in a day. Not a content calendar for six months.

Just one good decision that lets you record a first episode without apologizing.

If the concept is starting to feel clearer, the next step is turning it into something you can live with day to day.

Next we’ll talk format, length, and cadence - the decisions that save you from cancellations.

Part 3: Format, length, and cadence

The decisions that save you from cancellations.

Most people think format is a creative decision. In practice, it’s an energy decision.

A good format makes it easy to record another episode. Not the one that sounds smartest at launch - the one you won’t cancel last minute.

The three main formats

Solo

A format with full freedom.

Advantages:

• Not dependent on anyone
• Record whenever it’s convenient
• Easy to start, easy to move things around

Disadvantages:

• Demands focus and structure
• Very easy to wander and ramble

Common mistakes:

• Talking without a clear point
• Trying to “fill time”
• Recording episodes that are too long

Best if: you’re good at explaining, thinking out loud, and working alone.

Typical length that works: 15–25 minutes

Steady co-host

A format that lifts energy but requires coordination.

Advantages:

• Natural dynamics
• Less load on one person
• Conversation sustains itself

Disadvantages:

• Dependent on two - one cancellation can kill an episode
• Requires clear expectations up front

Common mistakes:

• Not discussing commitment ahead of time
• Imbalance in talking time
• Assuming chemistry will solve everything

Best if: you already have a good conversation and chemistry without a mic.

Typical length that works: 30–40 minutes

Guests

An interesting format, the most complex.

Advantages:

• Variety and exposure to other worlds
• A conversation can sustain length

Disadvantages:

• Scheduling, prep, dependency on the guest

Common mistakes:

• Assuming the guest will “carry the episode”
• Showing up without a direction
• Picking guests with no real connection to the topic

Best if: the podcast doesn’t depend only on guests, but uses them as an expansion.

Typical length that works: 40–60 minutes - only if the conversation truly carries it.

Episode length: short isn’t a compromise

Early on, short is an advantage.

Not because the audience can’t listen. Because you need to finish episodes.

If you’re unsure: better to wrap early and feel there’s more to say than to stretch and feel drained.

No prizes for long episodes. There’s consistency for episodes that happen.

Cadence and frequency: how to actually choose

Most people ask: weekly or biweekly.

The real question: which pace will hold when your schedule blows up.

Simple rule of thumb:

• If it feels ambitious, it’s probably too fast
• If it feels a bit conservative, it’s probably right

Examples:

• Weekly fits only if it’s truly a high priority
• Every two weeks is a great starting point for most people
• Monthly beats nothing, but it’s hard to keep momentum

Frequency is a promise to yourself. Break it again and again, and something wears down.

How long an episode really takes

Time to be extra honest.

An episode isn’t just recording. And early on, it almost always takes longer than you thought.

A typical episode might look like:

Prep: 60–120 minutes - thinking about the topic, structuring, prepping a conversation or guest.

Recording: 30–60 minutes - sometimes more, if you need a breather, a pause, or a restart.

Editing: 120–240 minutes - yes, editing can take much longer than recording. Even if you “don’t edit much.” Picking sections, cuts, basic sound, export.

Upload, text, share: 30–60 minutes - title, description, links, initial share.

All in: 5–8 hours per episode. Sometimes more.

That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you’re at the beginning.

It shortens with time. But if you enter without knowing this, quitting becomes easy.

An important note on editing

Some podcasts don’t edit at all. Legit.

Personally, I think light editing does help, especially early on while you’re still learning to hold a conversation.

But it’s a choice. Not a must.

What matters isn’t whether you edit - it’s not letting editing become an excuse not to ship.

Don’t try to lock everything up front

You don’t need:

• A final format
• An exact length
• A six-month content calendar

You do need: one good decision that lets you record a first episode without drama.

You can change format. You can shorten. You can refine. But only after there’s motion.

A solid default choice

If you’re unsure and don’t know what to pick, start like this:

• Format: solo or one guest
• Length: up to 30 minutes
• Frequency: every two weeks

Not a perfect choice. A startable one.

Part 4: People, guests, and how to spark a good conversation without feeling like a pest

One of the most common fears before starting a podcast isn’t technical. It’s human.

• Who would even agree to come
• How to reach out without feeling annoying
• And what if it feels forced

These are legitimate fears. Most of them come from fuzziness, not inability.

Guest-driven podcasts - when they really work

Some podcasts put guests at the heart of the format. The conversation, the interaction, the meeting of different viewpoints - that’s the point.

Totally legit.

The idea of bringing a guest isn’t that they “fill the episode.” It’s that they bring a different angle on a topic you already have an opinion on.

A good guest doesn’t replace your voice. They challenge it, expand it, or tell a story you couldn’t tell alone.

There’s a difference between a podcast built around guests and one dependent on guests.

A guest-driven podcast works when there’s:

• A clear throughline for conversations, even if guests rotate
• A host point of view steering the conversation
• Real curiosity for the guest’s unique angle
• A sense it’s not “who’s the guest,” but what conversation emerged

In that setup, the guest isn’t the content. They’re the trigger for conversation, depth, and story.

Why people do say yes

Most people don’t come on a podcast because of audience size. They come for the experience.

• A human, not salesy, approach
• A topic they genuinely care about
• A sense they’re being listened to, not “interviewed”
• A desire for a good conversation, not a stage

People love talking about what matters to them. You just need to reach out right.

How to reach out to a guest without drama

A good outreach is short, clear, and respectful. Above all, human.

Start with real appreciation. Something that shows you didn’t blast the same message to ten people.

Not a generic compliment. Something specific.

For example:

I read your post on ___ or listened to your talk on ___

and it made me think about ___.

Then keep it simple:

I’m recording a podcast about ___ and I saw you work a lot on ___ and thought it’d be interesting to talk through your angle on it. If that resonates, I’d love to chat.

That’s it. No need to sell. No need to apologize. No need to promise exposure.

Most people are up for a good conversation - especially when they feel you truly reached out to them.

Prep: where’s the line

A good conversation isn’t born from pure spontaneity, nor from a script.

Good prep is:

• Knowing the direction
• Knowing why the conversation exists
• Leaving room for what you didn’t plan
• Knowing in advance the takeaway the listener will leave with

You don’t need a long list of questions. You do need 5–7 anchor points.

How to create a conversation, not an interview

This isn’t an inquisition. The goal isn’t to extract information. The goal is to be present. (which means no phones!)

A few rules of thumb:

• Really listen
• Ask follow-ups
• Be willing to deviate from the plan
• Let silence happen

If you’re busy with the next question, you’ll miss the moment.

When it doesn’t work

It happens. Sometimes there’s no chemistry, the guest is tired, the conversation stalls.

Not a failure. Part of the path.

You can cut it short, not publish, and learn for next time.

The mistake is stopping because of one off episode.

Parting note for this section

Good podcasts are built on good conversations. Not “big” guests.

Even a guest-driven show needs something steady: a throughline, a voice, and responsibility for the conversation.

When those are there, guests don’t carry the podcast. They lift it.

Part 5: The technical side

The bare minimum so you don’t get stuck.

This is the easiest place to get lost. And the easiest to use as an excuse not to start.

Gear, software, platforms. Infinite opinions, reviews, and comparisons.

The goal here isn’t to turn you into an audio pro. It’s to help you record an episode, upload it, and move on.

The golden rule of tech

If something technical makes you stall for more than an hour, it’s probably not what you need right now.

Good tech fades into the background after a few episodes.

Gear: less is more

You don’t need a studio. You don’t need an impressive setup. You need a clear, stable voice.

At minimum:

• One decent mic that plugs into your computer
• Headphones
• A relatively quiet room

If you sound good, no one will ask which mic it is.

Pro gear? Possible. Not required to start.

Dynamic or condenser mic - briefly

If you’re recording a podcast early on, especially at home, a dynamic mic is almost always the right choice.

It’s less sensitive, wants you up close, and ignores most room noise and echo.

Exactly what you want when:

• The room isn’t acoustically treated
• It’s voice-only
• There are other people around

If you want a clear starting point, here are three sensible beginner picks:

Samson Q2U - the smartest choice. Dynamic, forgiving, works over USB and lets you upgrade later.

Rode NT-USB Mini - if you prefer a small, tidy condenser with flattering sound and a simple setup.

Fifine K688 / AM8 - excellent value for money. Dynamic, isolates noise nicely, looks good on video.

A condenser like the Yeti is great in a quiet studio or for vocals/instruments. Less chill for a home podcast.

Early on, forgiving beats perfect.

Before buying gear - check what already exists

Before you start pouring money into equipment, know there are plenty of places where you can record podcasts for free or low cost.

Sometimes that means: a proper studio, pre-wired gear, and peace of mind without technical fiddling.

For example:

• Google for Startups - Creator Studio / Campus Tel Aviv - a place with an audio/video room and gear suitable for podcast recording.
• Beit Ariela - Tel Aviv Library Podcast Studio - a recording studio open to city residents (registration and training required).
• Glilot Community Center - Studio/Recording Room - info about renting a recording studio at the community center.

There are also places where you can rent a recording room at accessible rates, typically between 100 and 200 NIS per hour.

Great for first episodes, or to feel it out before committing.

Remote recording - remove friction, don’t add it

If you’re recording with remote guests, this is where it’s easiest to get tangled - and where you don’t need to.

Tools like Riverside and Zencastr do one thing well: let you record a conversation without giving your guest a headache.

Not perfect. Works.

Recording software: something you don’t fight

Pick one. Almost doesn’t matter which.

• Audacity
• GarageBand if you have a Mac

If you have to re-figure out how to record every time, something’s off.

Editing: not effects, cleanup

“Editing” scares a lot of people.

But beginner editing is simple:

• Cut the first five minutes of “Can you hear me?” “Wait, I froze”
• Cut a meandering ending
• Make sure levels are reasonable

In most apps it’s select + Delete. That’s it.

Some podcasts don’t edit at all - legit. But basic cleanup usually helps, especially at the start.

Just don’t let editing become the excuse not to publish. (It happened to us early on and I’m trying to save you from it)

Where the podcast lives

Another confusing question: where do you even upload a podcast?

Good news: don’t overcomplicate it.

Platforms like Spotify for Podcasters offer free hosting. In practice:

• You upload episodes in one place
• The platform creates an RSS for you
• The RSS lets all the listening apps display your show

Upload once. The rest spreads.

If RSS sounds technical, that’s fine. For now, just know there’s one place to upload, and it fans out from there.

What not to do

• Don’t swap gear every episode
• Don’t change software without a reason
• Don’t delay an episode for “one more small improvement”
• Don’t wait for it to sound like the big podcasts (they started like you)

This isn’t them. And this isn’t that stage.

A sign your tech is in a good place

Best sign: you’re thinking about the content and the conversation, not the buttons.

Once that happens, you can move on.

Part 6: Launch, the real beginning, and what happens after the noise fades

Most people think launch is the end. The moment you finally hit Publish.

In reality, launch is the beginning. The decisive moments aren’t on day one - they’re weeks later, around episodes 7, 8, 10.

No excitement there. No “wow, I have a podcast.” That’s where the real decision happens - whether this continues or stays an idea.

Before you launch

Before anyone else listens, you should listen.

The simplest recommendation: don’t launch with a single episode.

In most cases, it’s better to launch when you have 3 to 5 episodes ready. They don’t all need to go live on day one, but they should exist.

Why it matters:

• Lowers pressure
• Creates a sense of continuity
• Prevents “episode 1 went up and then you vanished”

The first episodes aren’t a statement. They’re a warm-up.

This is your time to hear yourself, feel the pace, and notice what feels natural versus forced.

Episode one doesn’t need to be special. It needs to be honest.

A trailer is a bonus, not a must. If you have something to say in the episode itself, that’s enough.

And if the first episode isn’t perfect, that’s a good sign. It means you started.

Launch day

A good launch doesn’t look like a campaign. It looks like a note.

On day one, you’re not addressing the internet. You’re reaching your small circle - 20 to 30 people:

• Friends
• Colleagues
• People who know you and know your voice is worth something

Not to make it go viral. To avoid feeling like you’re talking into a void.

Where to share:

• LinkedIn if the podcast is professional, and relevant Facebook groups
• Facebook or Instagram if it’s personal
• WhatsApp, direct messages to close contacts

Share once on launch day. Then once with each new episode. No more.

Example launch post:

I started a podcast called [Podcast Name]. I talk with people about [topic] and their angle on [point]. The first episode is out today - if this is up your alley, I’d love to hear what you think. Link in the comments.

No need to apologize. No need to beg. Those who don’t respond probably listened quietly.

The first weeks: episodes 2 to 5

This is when many people start doubting.

Numbers are low. Almost no responses. You wonder if anyone’s listening.

Simple truth: probably yes. Just not the way you imagined.

What’s “normal” listen-wise:

• Episode 1: 20–50 from your close circle - that’s reasonable
• 50–200 if you shared in a few places
• 500+ if you already have an audience

And it decides nothing.

A podcast isn’t measured by episode 1. It’s measured by episode 15.

Episodes 2–5 aren’t meant to be exciting. They’re meant to be consistent.

Keep the same cadence, don’t change concept every week, and don’t chase numbers.

Paid promotion? Too early.

The real stretch: episodes 6 to 15

Almost nobody talks about this stretch. It’s where everything is decided.

Around episode 8 or 9:

• The excitement fades
• The show isn’t new
• And there are still no “results”

Most people stop here. Not because it isn’t working - but because they thought it would work differently.

How do you know it is working? Not by big numbers - by small signs:

• You can record without overthinking
• You have ideas for the next episodes
• One person messaged “I listened”
• Conversations feel sharper

Those are real signals.

When to change, and when to stop

Big difference between “it isn’t working” and “I’m tired.”

Tiredness is part of the process. Not a stop sign.

A small change makes sense when:

• Episodes feel too long - shorten
• No time to prep - slow the cadence
• Stuck on ideas - narrow the concept

One change. Then give it time.

You stopped too early if:

• You’ve done only 4–5 episodes
• You’re just tired
• You haven’t tried one adjustment

A mature stop if:

• You’re no longer interested in the topic
• It turned into bad overload
• 15 episodes in and you’re not enjoying it

Stopping isn’t failure. Not every podcast needs to become something big.

To wrap up, before you close this doc

If you made it this far, a podcast probably isn’t just an idea.

There’s a voice there. Or a question. Or something you want to say out loud.

A good podcast isn’t born from a perfect first episode. It’s born from a streak.

Not from an exciting launch. From the moment there’s no excitement left.

There’s no “we’re ready” point.

But there is one moment that is real: the moment you record a first episode - even if it’s a bit messy, even if not everything is clear, even if only 12 people listen.

No guide can do that moment for you.

If you leave this guide with a small but living podcast, we did our job.

Not one that impresses others. One that feels like yours.

And the rest? It’ll come as you go.