28 Digitally Driven: Perfecting My Podcast Workflow

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Hello there, and welcome to another episode of the “Chronically Empowered Mom” podcast. This is episode number 28 titled “Digitally Driven: Perfecting My Podcast Workflow”. I’m pretty excited to discuss this topic today. It’s something I’ve wanted to touch on for a while. Often, we get into our routine without pausing to consider if we’re working as efficiently as possible.

I remember the beginning when I first felt the urge to podcast. Last year, my vision board was set up, and I was eager to return to podcasting. It had been 9 years since my last episode. I recall a picture of my son as an infant on my chest, and behind me was my microphone and computer – my podcasting setup. Times have changed; he’s now eight years old. I was eager to incorporate him into the podcast, but after 25 episodes, I realized the effort it took, especially with a lively child by my side.

Producing the podcast alone was a massive task. I don’t have any sponsors yet, and it might remain that way for some time. My goal was simple: to express myself, connect with my listeners, and empower others. I want everyone to realize that they can always be the best versions of themselves. It might require effort, but it’s possible.

Despite my MS, I continue to podcast, and I’ve ventured onto YouTube. I’m genuinely enjoying the journey. Just this morning, I had breakfast with ten friends from the “Wayne Moms Club” at a local diner. If my voice sounds a bit strained, it’s because I had quite the chat before recording this episode. As a former singer, I know the importance of resting one’s voice, but I didn’t get that chance today.

I wanted to discuss refining my podcast processes, especially since this is the platform you’ve chosen to engage with. I’m grateful to every listener. If you’re on YouTube, you might even see me in my workout gear! I believed in maximizing my efforts by recording both video and audio simultaneously. My move from Buzz Sprout to using AI for generating podcast descriptions, titles, and transcripts has been transformative. The AI isn’t perfect, but it offers a great starting point.

In fact, I utilize AI in various aspects of my life. Whether I need a recipe suggestion based on a few ingredients or I’m searching for art inspiration, AI has been a game-changer. I’m no art expert, but AI has often guided my artistic endeavors. But more on that later.

So, we have this podcast that I’m trying to refine. My goal is to have a streamlined workflow. I don’t want inefficiency; I aim to produce content that people genuinely want to listen to. After all, what’s the point of speaking into a microphone if no one’s listening? If a tree falls in the forest and no one’s there to hear it, does it really make a sound?

I wanted to shed light on my process and what goes into assembling a podcast. In the morning, I start with my routine, typically around 3:00 am. As the day progresses, my mental clarity wanes; by 4:00 pm, I’m usually drained. That’s when I take a break, maybe pick up my son from his aftercare, and reflect on my thoughts and tasks. An integral part of my morning routine is creating a brain map – visualizing tasks for the day and breaking them down.

For instance, with a podcast, I need a clear topic. I can’t just sit here and improvise. Some podcasters plan out content weeks or even months in advance, even using tools like Google Trends to gauge hot topics. In terms of titles, I usually finalize it post-recording. My son would then record the episode title, guided by AI-generated suggestions, ensuring it’s something he can articulate in his youthful voice. As time progresses, he’s growing up, and his voice is evolving, adding charm and uniqueness to the process.

Producing the podcast has its challenges. I need to piece together various segments, from intros to outros, ensuring sound quality and mastering. Initially, the inclusion of my son’s voice for episode numbers was endearing, but as episodes increased, the process became tedious.

The technical side of the podcast, like using the Blue Yeti microphone, became cumbersome over time. While the quality was top-notch, its stationary nature tied me down to a specific recording spot. I’ve been looking to diversify my recording options for flexibility, including considering a wireless microphone. My goal is to be fully mobile with the podcast production, possibly recording directly from my phone, which allows me to document my thoughts anytime, anywhere.

The behind-the-scenes of podcasting is more intricate than most might think. Between the episode number, the intro, the content, and the outro, the process requires careful attention. Previously, I utilized Audacity, a free tool for audio recording, which was a bit cumbersome. So, in the last two episodes, I’ve tried introducing them without the pre-recorded intros, and I hope it’s making a positive difference.

Switching to this new method might make adding outros in Audacity more straightforward. It’s essential to consider if every element, like my son introducing episodes, truly adds value for the listeners. At the end of the day, the main goal is to express my thoughts and beliefs. I want to convey that with the right intention and belief, anything is possible.

As for the actual production, I’ve been using an online platform called Riverside.FM. While it’s efficient, it comes with costs. With Buzz Sprout, another platform, I can host podcasts for free for a limited time. However, this comes with its challenges, like transcription, using AI for descriptions, and ensuring everything is correctly uploaded. Handling all these tasks as a team of one can be quite overwhelming, but I’m dedicated to making it work.

In addition to podcasting, I’ve ventured into creating coloring books. These aren’t just your standard coloring books; for instance, one project involved designing a book with my son Sean that featured bugs corresponding to each letter of the alphabet, complete with fun facts. The process was labor-intensive but also incredibly rewarding, especially witnessing firsthand what AI can do creatively.

On the personal front, fitness remains a significant part of my life. I’ve been a certified personal trainer and have also engaged with the MS Society. Keeping abreast of the latest in fitness and health information is crucial to me, not just professionally but personally. Every day, I set intentions and plans, always aiming to refine my processes and get the most out of my workouts.

Starting each day with gratitude is pivotal for me, although it wasn’t always this way. Embracing positivity has been transformative. While life has its challenges, there’s always some good in every situation. It’s all about perspective. Your mindset shapes your world, and you have the power to control how you view and respond to circumstances.

Managing multiple projects can be overwhelming, but the key is in breaking down tasks. It’s all about understanding each component, setting achievable deadlines, and refining processes continually. It’s essential not to be too hard on oneself. Setting achievable goals and taking things step by step can lead to better outcomes. It’s all about growth and improvement.

In conclusion, while there might be changes to the podcast format and other ventures, the core mission remains the same: to share, express, and connect. If this episode resonated with you, I’d appreciate feedback, and for more insights, do visit http://chronicallyempoweredmom.com.