I haven't run a podcast, so I won't try to give advice from that standpoint, but what is your draw going to be? You need to know that before you even get started down this road.
I have about a dozen podcasts that I keep in my feed, and I don't end up with time to listen to all of them. (I'm a dad/husband with two kids.) I basically listen to them when driving without my kids, and when doing dishes and such. So at this point, to crack into the rotation a podcast has to either be way better than something I already listen to, or hit an angle that nothing else does. Even then, it may not stick around for the long haul or I might not catch every episode.
There are a lot of Magic podcasts out there about most Magic topics. First I would do some research on what's already being done and see if there's an open niche you can fill that you are passionate about. Plant your flag there. If not, you need to figure out from a listener's perspective why they might choose your show over another if they're forced to make that choice because of limited listening time. Or even limited time to devote to Magic if their podcasts about music or food or football are more important to them.
Having started my own podcast about Games (mostly MTG but we branch out every so often) I have learned a few different things.
1 Make sure you are doing it because you want to and not for fame/fortune as that may never come. We primarily record for our own benefit. We do it to hang out and talk games, if people happen to listen than all the better.
2. I recommend buying a decent microphone (We use the Blue Yeti) it makes a lot of difference.
3. Focus on your favorite parts of the game. We talk a ton about the lore and Standard. But we will also touch upon major MTG news items.
4. Finding your audience may take time and don't be afraid to evolve. We started out as a video talk show and moved to audio only as it suits our time needs better.
5. Prepare a show outline with notes on what you want to talk about. It eases flow of listening and keeps you on track.
thanks for the feedback everyone. I don't really know where I'd wanna go yet as its just an idea for me right now but I'll let anyone know once I get farther in the process
I am speaking from the listener side so can only give that advice.
First I would suggest listening to old CommanderCasts with Andy as the host. Probably near the end of him doing it. You can tell he spent a lot of time and kept it very professional. Had intro music, exit music, put music between different segments to break it up. I think they might have also taken breaks between topics that way they could keep the energy high and positive. Though the breaks part I am not sure of.
Another one I really like are the old Monday Night Magic podcasts with Tom. He also seemed to take things serious.
Maro's podcast and Limited Resources podcasts are also good ones. Though I will say I over saturated myself with all things magic so I have not listened to them or any in a while. This is more so my own personal mini taking time back.
I agree with what the other person said in investing in good mics and maybe find a quite place so you don't get all the background garbage.
Also agree with having an outline. Then also sharing that outline with who you are talking to in advance.
Have high energy and enthusiasm.
Don't have all those umms and uhhs. Be organized and know what you are going to say and get to it.
Take it seriously but you can still have fun with it. If I am spending my time listening to you I don't want to hear about "nobody cares about this".
Avoid insulting or belittling others. There was a podcast that did this and I know it was popular but it was a big turnoff to me. It is OK if you light heartedly joke around but don't get mean spirited or below the belt.
Sit up straight and smile while you talk. It comes through.
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I haven't really talked to anyone I know yet about this but I've been thinking about trying to start my own Magic related podcast
can anyone give me advice on getting started and what to expect with having my own podcast?
I have about a dozen podcasts that I keep in my feed, and I don't end up with time to listen to all of them. (I'm a dad/husband with two kids.) I basically listen to them when driving without my kids, and when doing dishes and such. So at this point, to crack into the rotation a podcast has to either be way better than something I already listen to, or hit an angle that nothing else does. Even then, it may not stick around for the long haul or I might not catch every episode.
There are a lot of Magic podcasts out there about most Magic topics. First I would do some research on what's already being done and see if there's an open niche you can fill that you are passionate about. Plant your flag there. If not, you need to figure out from a listener's perspective why they might choose your show over another if they're forced to make that choice because of limited listening time. Or even limited time to devote to Magic if their podcasts about music or food or football are more important to them.
1 Make sure you are doing it because you want to and not for fame/fortune as that may never come. We primarily record for our own benefit. We do it to hang out and talk games, if people happen to listen than all the better.
2. I recommend buying a decent microphone (We use the Blue Yeti) it makes a lot of difference.
3. Focus on your favorite parts of the game. We talk a ton about the lore and Standard. But we will also touch upon major MTG news items.
4. Finding your audience may take time and don't be afraid to evolve. We started out as a video talk show and moved to audio only as it suits our time needs better.
5. Prepare a show outline with notes on what you want to talk about. It eases flow of listening and keeps you on track.
Here is a link to our page (https://www.facebook.com/2intheQ/)to give you an idea.
If you have any specific questions I'll do my best to answer them.
First I would suggest listening to old CommanderCasts with Andy as the host. Probably near the end of him doing it. You can tell he spent a lot of time and kept it very professional. Had intro music, exit music, put music between different segments to break it up. I think they might have also taken breaks between topics that way they could keep the energy high and positive. Though the breaks part I am not sure of.
Another one I really like are the old Monday Night Magic podcasts with Tom. He also seemed to take things serious.
Maro's podcast and Limited Resources podcasts are also good ones. Though I will say I over saturated myself with all things magic so I have not listened to them or any in a while. This is more so my own personal mini taking time back.
I agree with what the other person said in investing in good mics and maybe find a quite place so you don't get all the background garbage.
Also agree with having an outline. Then also sharing that outline with who you are talking to in advance.
Have high energy and enthusiasm.
Don't have all those umms and uhhs. Be organized and know what you are going to say and get to it.
Take it seriously but you can still have fun with it. If I am spending my time listening to you I don't want to hear about "nobody cares about this".
Avoid insulting or belittling others. There was a podcast that did this and I know it was popular but it was a big turnoff to me. It is OK if you light heartedly joke around but don't get mean spirited or below the belt.
Sit up straight and smile while you talk. It comes through.