Make Your Own Podcast

By Jeanne Feldkamp

Your kids probably already listen to tons of podcasts. But what are podcasts, anyway? They're commercial-free, mostly homegrown MP3 audio programs -- from talk shows to music programming -- that you can listen to or share online.

The word podcast originated as a combination of "iPod" and "broadcast" -- but you don't need an iPod to create or listen to podcasts. Just like digital music, you can download podcasts from web sites and play them through your computer's media player or listen to them through your portable MP3 player.

So why are podcasts so popular? Because anyone can create and distribute a podcast for free online. Think public broadcasting -- but over the Internet, not on the airwaves. And you can listen to a podcast any time, too. Podcasts offer the same convenience that Tivo or your DVR (digital video recorder) gives you when it comes to saving and watching all your favorite TV shows.

Even better than listening to podcasts, you can create your own as a fun family project. Your kids can interview their grandparents to find out what life was like when they were younger. Or the musical talents in the family can make a demo. You can also start your own personality-driven show, just like the broadcasters who rule radio and primetime TV slots in the offline world.

And the best part? Getting started is easy. Here's how you can make your own family podcast in just five simple steps:

1. Check out the pod-scape
Start by exploring other people's podcasts. You can download the vast majority for free from sites like iTunes, Podcast, iPodder and IdiotVox. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe to a podcast so new shows are automatically delivered to your computer as soon as they're live. These sites index their podcasts by topic and clearly mark podcasts that contain explicit material. But to be safe, always keep a close eye (and ear) on what your kids are listening to.

2. Decide on a theme
If you want to make a family podcast for public consumption, you can talk about or feature whatever kind of content you want. But experts say that the best podcasts are created by people who focus on what they know -- whether that's telling funny family vacation stories, playing the trombone or sharing recipes.

Friends Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, co-stars of a web site called MommyCast, started their popular podcast about what they know best: motherhood.

"I was just about to have my fifth child, and Gretchen had two," Heninger says. "We would talk on the phone probably twice a week for an hour, just trading tips and giving each other support. Our podcast is basically a recording of the conversations we would have anyway."

3. Get equipped
The first thing your need to create your podcast is a microphone. Some computers have microphones built in, but a headset with what's known as a noise-canceling microphone will give you better sound quality. This way you won't hear the blaring lawnmower in the background when you listen to your son's podcast about his week at summer camp. Noise-canceling microphones are usually in the $15 to $50 range, and most are compatible with any computer (just double check the package before you buy).

Next, you'll need to install podcasting software to record your thoughts, interviews or music, for example. One option: buy GarageBand ($79, for Macs only) or ePodcast Producer ($250, for PC only) software. Or you can download Audacity, a free program that lets you record podcasts via any computer.

4. Sound check and record
Once you've got your gear, do a few test recordings to get comfortable with the volume settings. Your podcasting software will have a prominent Record button -- just click that, then speak into your microphone. Using the software's Play button, listen back to your recording to check that everything is working properly and that you're speaking loudly enough. And make sure you mute your computer's speakers while you record -- you don't want feedback drowning out your voice.

Try to keep your podcast casual and conversational. Your podcast can be as long or short as you want, but most are about 20 to 60 minutes. If you're not used to speaking off-the-cuff for long periods of time, consider writing an outline or script to look at as you record -- it'll help keep you organized and on track. Or format your podcast as a variety show. This way, everyone in your family can contribute their own special talents and interests.

5. Share your show
Once your podcast is recorded, you'll need to use your podcasting software to convert it into an MP3 file so you can easily distribute it to other Internet users. The option is presented differently for each type of podcasting software program, but it should appear in the main menu. 

The easiest way to distribute your podcast to the world is to post it as a link on your web page or blog. This way, listeners can easily download it and listen to it at their desks through their computer's media player or via a portable MP3 player.

But you don't have to make your podcasts available to everyone on the Internet. If you only want to share your podcasts with family and friends, you can email them just like any other email attachment. Still, one of the best things about podcasting is that people tend to build communities around the podcasts they like. With your podcast, you could become an Internet sensation!

"The response we've gotten has been amazing," Heninger says. "New mothers can feel isolated, but our podcast is something they can download and listen to whenever they have time. And by discussing the shows online, these moms have been able to connect with people with similar experiences and interests."