1.5 million podcasts exist, but only 25% are active. Most quit after 7 episodes. Here's how to be in the surviving 25%.
Before You Record
Define your niche (specific > broad). Plan 10 episodes ahead (proves you have enough content). Choose a format: solo, interview, co-hosted, narrative.
Equipment
USB microphone ($100). Quiet room. Audacity (free). That's it. Don't buy more until you've published 10 episodes. Edit with our trimmer and clean up with noise reducer.
Distribution
Host on Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Anchor (free). Submit to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts. This covers 90%+ of listeners. Convert to MP3 128kbps mono for optimal podcast format.