You've had the podcast idea for months. Maybe years. You can picture the conversations, the guests, the community it could build around your business. And yet, it's still sitting in your notes app.
If that's you, you're not alone. Most of the women we speak with aren't held back by a lack of ideas. They're held back by overwhelm. The gear looks expensive, the tech sounds complicated, and it's hard to know where to even begin. That not-knowing is what keeps so many brilliant podcasts from ever being made.
So let's clear it up. Starting a podcast is far more achievable than you think, and it doesn't require a fancy studio or a big budget. It just requires a few simple pieces, the right guidance, and the decision to begin.
Setting up a podcast from home is simpler than you may think
The mindset shift
Here's the mindset shift that changes everything…
you don't need to have it all figured out before you hit record.
A professional podcast studio is a wonderful goal, and one worth working towards. But it isn't where you need to start. Your first goal is simply to get your podcast idea off the ground, as best you can, with the knowledge, money and support you have right now.
The good news? With the right setup, your podcast can sound and look really professional from home, your private workspace, or any quiet space that suits recording. Start where you are. Grow as you go.
There are really only three things you need to look into to get started.
1. Equipment — a good microphone goes a long way
If you invest in one thing, make it your microphone. Good audio is what makes listeners stay, and it's the first thing people notice when a podcast sounds "homemade".
My go-to recommendation for new podcasters is the Rode PodMic. It's reliable, sounds great and won't blow your budget.
The easiest way to get set up is with a podcasting package, which bundles the mic with what you need to plug it in and everything else like headphones, mic stand etc. Here in New Zealand, check whether The Rock Shop has a Rode podcasting package available. Outside of NZ, head to Rode's website to find packages and stockists near you.
A few things to know:
Mic stand: You'll want a boom arm or a desk mic stand if your package doesn't include one. It keeps the mic in the right spot and cuts down on knocks and bumps.
Buying the mic on its own? That's fine too. You'll just also need an audio interface, a small box that connects your microphone to your computer.
Headphones: Any comfortable pair you already own is a great place to start.
2. Software — where you record your episodes
This is where the magic happens. Our top pick is Riverside. It records high-quality audio and video, works beautifully for remote guests, and the lowest subscription tier, Pro, is all you need to start.
There are other great options too, depending on your budget and whether you want video:
3. Hosting platform — how your podcast reaches the world
This is the part most people don't know about. A hosting platform is the home for your episodes. You upload them once, and it sends them out to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and the other listening apps for you.
Spotify for Creators: Free, simple and a great place to start.
Libsyn: Our recommendation if you'd like more advanced analytics to see how your show is growing.
Don't forget YouTube. More and more people discover and watch podcasts on YouTube, so we recommend uploading your episodes there too. If you don't have a channel yet, now's the time to start one.
Your space — professional doesn't have to mean expensive
You don't need a soundproofed room to sound polished. A quiet corner of your home, your office or a private workspace can work beautifully. A few simple tips:
Choose a room with soft furnishings like rugs, curtains, cushions or a bookshelf. They soak up echo.
Avoid large, empty rooms and hard surfaces where your voice bounces around.
If you're filming, sit facing a window for natural light and keep the background tidy and on-brand.
Record at a time of day when your space is at its quietest.
That's it. Mic, software, hosting and a quiet space. You now know more than most people who've been "thinking about starting a podcast" for years.
When you're ready to level up — recording in a studio
Starting from home is a fantastic first step, but we love a professional studio too. When you're ready for that next level, or want to make a special episode really shine, a studio is a brilliant option.
At Frankly Podcasting, we have built relationships with podcast studios around Auckland. So if you’re local, let us know, we’d be happy to recommend somewhere near you.
Your podcast doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be started.
The podcasters you admire didn't begin with everything sorted. They began with an idea, a microphone and a bit of courage. You can too.
If you've got questions, or you'd like to talk through your idea and the right setup for you, we'd love to help. Book a podcast consultation with us here.
If you're based in Auckland and choose our Launch Package, our team will happily come to you and help set everything up. Not in Auckland? No problem. We'll guide you through it over Zoom.
Start small. Aim high. Let's get your voice out there!
