Whether you’re recording your very first podcast or your 500th, every great episode starts with preparation. From equipment setup to post-production polish, this checklist will help you create a professional-quality podcast that sounds crisp, looks great, and keeps your audience coming back for more.
Whether you’re recording your very first podcast or your 500th, every great episode starts with preparation. From equipment setup to post-production polish, this checklist will help you create a professional-quality podcast that sounds crisp, looks great, and keeps your audience coming back for more.
1. Define your episode goal
Ask yourself: What’s the main takeaway for the listener? Are you informing, entertaining, or inspiring? Write down your key talking points before you hit record.
2. Research and prep your guests
If you have guests, send them a prep email with topics, timing, and logistics. Encourage them to wear solid-colored clothing (for video) and avoid noisy jewelry or mics rubbing on fabric.
3. Create an outline, not a script
A flexible outline keeps conversation flowing naturally while ensuring you stay on topic. Include intro cues, key questions, and closing remarks.
4. Schedule smartly
Book your studio or block quiet time at home. At JPR Studios, you can reserve your session in advance to guarantee time, equipment, and staff availability.
5. Test your microphones
Each mic should have consistent levels. Sit about 6–8 inches away and do a short sound check. When booking with JPR Studios, we will always help you with mic checks before recording.
6. Check your camera framing (for video podcasts)
If you’re filming, ensure all guests are evenly lit and framed. Avoid harsh backlighting or shadows.
7. Monitor your audio
Always check the levels in the studio throughout your podcast. If you use headphones to listen for a remote podcast and one guest sounds distant, fix it before you start recording.
8. Confirm your recording settings
Double-check resolution (1080p or higher), frame rate (typically 24 or 30 fps), and audio format (48 kHz WAV recommended).
9. Clear the background noise
Silence phones, AC vents, and nearby notifications. Small details make a huge difference in final quality.
10. Do a quick intro test
Record a 10-second clip, play it back, and confirm that everything looks and sounds right.
11. Stay mindful of pacing
Avoid talking too quickly, and don’t be afraid of natural pauses - they give your editor clean cuts later.
12. Engage your guest
Keep eye contact, nod, and smile - even for audio, it changes your tone and makes you sound more conversational.
13. Mark key moments
If your recorder allows it, drop markers for standout quotes or mistakes you want to fix in editing.
14. Backup your files immediately
Always save recordings to at least two locations (e.g., external drive + cloud).
15. Edit for clarity and flow
Cut filler words, awkward silences, or repeated points. Level audio, add light compression, and balance EQ.
16. Add intro/outro music
Keep it consistent across episodes - it reinforces your brand identity.
17. Mix and master
Match loudness levels (-16 LUFS for stereo is a good standard) and remove background hum.
18. Export and tag properly
Use MP3 or WAV files and add ID3 tags (title, show name, guest, description).
19. Create social clips
Use short video snippets or audiograms to promote your episode on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. When you work with Just Push Record Studios, we can help you create/post these clips.
20. Write strong episode titles and descriptions
Make them clear, keyword-friendly, and benefit-driven. (“How to Launch a Business Podcast That Converts Clients”)
21. Publish consistently
Whether weekly or biweekly, consistency builds audience trust and algorithm favor.
22. Engage post-launch
Respond to comments, share highlights, and thank guests publicly to encourage reposts.
If you want to skip the tech stress entirely, Just Push Record Studios makes podcasting simple:
You focus on the conversation - we handle the production.
👉 Book your studio session now and bring your podcast to life.