Learn to podcast the smart way
With Pat Flynn
So you'd like to start a podcast? Awesome! Starting a podcast is one of the best ways to build an audience and grow your business (even from scratch), but the process for getting started can feel daunting.
What equipment and software should you use? How do you land interviews with big-name guests? How do you get your show loaded into Apple Podcasts? And even after your show goes live, how are you going to make sure people find it?
I'm going to help you cut through the confusion—to not only learn how to properly plan and launch your podcast, but make sure it gets found, too.
In Power-Up Podcasting®, I'll walk you step-by-step through the entire process of launching a great podcast. With high-quality videos (that aren't too long) and examples along the way, you'll have your new podcast up and running in no time, so you can start growing and delighting your audience.
Your audience is waiting to hear from you.
Meet your course instructor
Hello, my name is Pat Flynn. I've hosted a lot of podcasts. Here's how I can help you.
I've been podcasting since 2010, beginning with the Smart Passive Income Podcast, my flagship show that's consistently ranked in iTunes as a top business podcast.
But I didn't stop there! I've also created four other podcasts, including the AskPat Podcast, All of Your Beeswax (which I create with my son), and the legacy shows the FoodTruckr Podcast and 1-Day Business Breakthrough (with my friend Chris Ducker)."
Throughout the course of creating, launching, and marketing these podcasts, I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't, how to grow a show, and which successes can and can't be replicated.
And over the past few years, I've applied a lot of what I've learned to help thousands of podcasters get up and running on the technical side of things through my free Podcasting Tutorial.
But in the process, I've also heard from many of those podcasters that they need more than just technical help. They need guidance launching and marketing their show. They need a way to ask questions of other podcasters. They need someone who's been there and done it to help guide them through the whole process.
That's why I created Power-Up Podcasting®, to help aspiring podcasters learn from my successes—and failures—getting my own podcasts off the ground.
Power-Up Podcasting® gives you everything you need to start your podcast successfully, including technical help, a marketing plan that works, and access to a community of other podcasters ready and willing to share their advice with you.
What you'll learn in Power-Up Podcasting®
Hint: More than just editing a show
Across seven distinct course stages, you'll learn everything you need to know about creating and launching a podcast:
The how and why of podcasting
You'll gain a deep perspective on how and why podcasting works for both you and your listeners—learning how to create a show that both satisfies your need to create and inspires your audience to listen week after week.
Mastering the technical elements
We'll walk step by step through the technical setup, including equipment and software recommendations that won't break the bank. You'll get the know-how required to hit the airwaves like a professional, including an in-depth understanding of podcasting equipment, voice recording, audio editing, interviewing, mp3 tagging, hosting, and publishing.
Setting up your website, show notes, and more
I'll teach you how to get your show published, including developing show notes, finding a website or blog for your podcast, submitting your show to iTunes, and creating accurate transcriptions of your episodes.
How to launch your podcast with an unforgettable bang
Learn how to effectively promote and market your launch on social media, guest on other podcasts in similar niches, write amazing blog posts that draw in listeners when your show launches, and maintain your podcasting brilliance for years to come.
Want to know more? Explore the full list of lessons
Click the button to view the full list.
- Lesson 01: Welcome to the Pre-Launch! (1:22)
- Lesson 02: Your Podcast Equipment (5:01)
- Lesson 03: How Podcasting Works (5:55)
- Lesson 04: Common Roadblocks (and How to Stop Them) (7:29)
- Lesson 05: What's Your Show About? (3:29)
- Lesson 06: Your Show Details (24:44)
- Lesson 07: Podcast Artwork (11:32)
- Lesson 08: Voiceovers and Royalty-Free Music (6:53)
- Lesson 09: Let's Recap Step 1 (2:49)
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Step 2! Excited Yet? (3:06)
- Lesson 02: Your Show's Introduction (10:05)
- Lesson 03: What Should You Include in Your First Episode? (4:36)
- Lesson 04: Content (What Do You Talk About?) (9:21)
- Lesson 05: Guests and Interviews (12:41)
- Lesson 06: Calls to Action (9:42)
- Lesson 07: Recap of Step 2 (2:26)
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Step 3! Let's Do This! (0:39)
- Lesson 02: Hooking Up Your Equipment (11:09)
- Lesson 03: Setting Up Your Recording Software (53:43)
- Lesson 04: Master Files and Organization (33:12)
- Lesson 05: Recording an Interview (on the Internet) (17:44)
- Lesson 06: Recording an Interview (in Person) (6:39)
- Lesson 07: Recording Tips (14:24)
- Lesson 08: Interviewing Tips (Before and While You Record) (12:27)
- Lesson 09: Putting Together Your Show (30:29)
- Lesson 10: Recap of Step 3 (0:36)
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Step 4! (1:08)
- Lesson 02: Export Your First Episode (9:47)
- Lesson 03: Auphonic (Optional, but Awesome!) (4:25)
- Lesson 04: How to Title Your Podcast Episode (8:48)
- Lesson 05: Your Podcast Hosting Company (16:52)
- Lesson 06: Upload Your First Episode (19:39)
- Lesson 07: Understanding Your PODCAST RSS FEED (0:45)
- Lesson 08: Setting Up Your Apple Podcasts Account (1:28)
- Lesson 09: Webpage Setup and Show Notes (14:33)
- Lesson 10: Transcriptions (3:06)
- Lesson 11: You Made It through Step 4! (1:53)
- Lesson 01: Welcome to Launch Week! (1:23)
- Lesson 02: Submit Your Feed to Podcast Directories (13:18)
- Lesson 03: Remind Your Network and Audience the Show Is Coming Soon (4:33)
- Lesson 04: What to Do After Getting Approved by Apple Podcasts (4:03)
- Lesson 05: The Day Before Your Launch (3:10)
- Lesson 06: Happy Launch Day! (4:45)
- Lesson 01: The Process for Publishing Future Episodes (2:30)
- Lesson 02: Stats and What They Mean (17:01)
- Lesson 03: Podcast Reviews (and How to Get Them) (5:40)
- Lesson 04: Getting Exposure on Directories (7:40)
- Lesson 05: How to Remain Consistent and Keep Growing (3:39)
- Lesson 06: Recommended Resources for Existing Podcasters (1:19)
- Lesson 07: Growing Your Email List with Your Podcast (12:52)
How this course sets you up for success
Starting a podcast is hard work, but you're not alone
I know only too well how intimidating it can be to start a podcast when you haven't done it before. It took me a year and a half from when I first announced that I was starting my podcast until I actually launched it.
I got stuck—a little bit stuck with the technical steps, but mostly? I was scared. I was scared of sounding foolish. I was scared I was doing it wrong.
I don't want you to feel that way. I want you to be excited that you're going to start a podcast!
A big part of feeling excited, rather than scared, is knowing you have a place to go when you have questions or you need a little encouragement. Power-Up Podcasting® has built-in ways for you to get help, whether you're looking for feedback on your podcast logo, stuck with an editing problem, or you just need a little pep-talk before your big launch.
That's why I've set up two ways for you to get support:
Weekly office hours with Pat Flynn
Sometimes you just need to ask the teacher a question. That's why I host a weekly Zoom call that's only available to course students. Get your questions answered and learn from the questions of the other SPI course students. The last four call replays are available inside the course, .
Access to the private SPI Academy Circle community
Can't wait until office hours? Ask your question inside the SPI Academy!
The SPI Academy is our private student community—the place where you can ask questions when you're stuck and share ideas to get honest feedback from other entrepreneurs like you. We also offer regular events with other SPI team members.
The Academy is hosted on the Circle platform and moderated by Team SPI; this is not a Facebook free-for-all. You'll find instructions inside the course for how to join using your course login.
Don't take my word for it
Real Power-Up Podcasting® students share their experiences with the course and how it has benefitted their businesses (and even changed their lives).
I wanted to have a bigger impact.
I always loved working with my mentees and I wanted to do that on a bigger scale...I knew a podcast was the way to do that but I had no clue how to get started...literally within a month, The Epic Success Podcast with Dr. Shannon Irvine is live!...It's by far the best course I've ever taken."
— Dr. Shannon Irvine
Even in my 60s, I went for it, because Pat showed me it's doable,
and I don't believe that there's anything you can pay for that will give you the feeling I'm experiencing myself, doing my show. Nothing. There's no amount of money, because this feeling comes from what I'm already getting back, and I've only just gotten started."
— Dr. Barbara A. Cohen, Ph.D., Host of Harness Your ADHD Power
These are real students, just like you. They knew they had a message they wanted to share with a larger audience—just like you do. Power-Up Podcasting® helped them start their podcast to share that message. Let it help you, too.
Frequently asked questions
ABOUT THE COURSE
When does the course start and finish?
The course is self-paced and you may take as long as you need to complete it. There is no time limit for completion.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course through the SPI Courses platform (hosted on Teachable).
How do I access the course materials?
Log in to SPI Courses by clicking Sign Up/Login in the upper right of this page or by going here.
Course videos are not available for download and must be viewed through the platform. Some items, such as course worksheets, will be available to download.
What skills will this course teach me?
Power-Up Podcasting® will teach you how to set up your recording equipment, the fundamentals of recording and editing audio, principles for good recording (both solo and interviewing others with remote software), how to prepare a podcast file for upload, setting up your podcast host, submitting your show to directories, and give you a basic plan for launching your show, including what you should include on your website and how to announce your show to your audience.
What equipment/tools will I need to complete the course?
Initially, you just need a computer with an internet connection. The first step of the course will walk you through the equipment you will need, including a microphone setup that (in the United States) will cost approximately $110 before shipping. The course offers tutorials on several types of audio recording software, including Audacity, which is free. Expect to spend $12–20/month for podcast file hosting if you go with our recommended host.
PURCHASING THE COURSE
Can I pay with PayPal?
Yes! On the checkout page under the "Billing Information" section, switch from the Credit Card radio button to the PayPal radio button. Choose your country and click "Enroll in Course" to be directed to the PayPal checkout.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
Oh no! We don't want that! We offer a 30-day money back guarantee. If you are unhappy with the course for any reason, let us know within the first 30 days by emailing [email protected] and we will refund your payment.
GETTING HELP
What do I do if I need help?
For questions about your billing or accessing the course materials, email [email protected]
If you have a question about how you put the course methods to work in your own business, we encourage you to ask those in the SPI Academy or at Pat Flynn's Office Hours.
My Honest Disclaimer:
Hi. Pat Flynn, founder of SPI Media here. I want to make sure you understand this is not a get rich quick scheme. The results I've achieved are not typical, and your results will vary significantly. I’ve put in years of effort, and have been very fortunate. Not all businesses succeed, and this product will not guarantee your success. This offering is an education tool. Always remember that running a business involves risk. Some businesses succeed, and some fail. Any testimonials are real and valid, but are not guarantees you will obtain the same results.
You should assume that any links leading you to products or services are affiliate links that I will receive compensation from just to be safe. Having said that, there are millions of products and services on the web. I only promote those products or services that I have investigated and truly feel deliver value to you.
© 2021 SPI Media LLC