Continuing with what I learned at PodCamp Ohio, the second session I attended was led by Joe Erickson and entitled Podcast 101, How to Do it Free.
It wasn't quite free - the microphone is about $20 - but otherwise, Joe provided resources that would allow you to dabble in your own radio show for free.
Starting with the recording software, Audacity, which can be downloaded from the Internet. From personal experience, I know that I needed to do a work around to allow the Audacity files to be saved as an MP3 file. Life Ledger provided step by step instructions.
So with your inexpensive microphone you can easily record into your computer. If you want additional hosts - they will each need a microphone.
Joe suggested setting up a free account with Blip.TV which will upload your video or audio files, distribute and publish by creating an RSS feed and posting to Twitter, MySpace or iTunes. All for Free.
I went to set up an account but the first thing you have to do is name your radio show. This name immediately becomes your URL so you'll want to make sure you have a name before getting started.
You still need a place to store your shows - WordPress allows you to do that on your blog.
Joe also provided a few tips:
1. He talked about the pros and cons of having co-hosts - the struggle with coordinating schedules with the co-host and the person you'll interview.
2. Ask yourself - would I like to listen to this? If the answer is no, chances are the listening audience will agree - have a topic and present in an entertaining fashion.
3. Joe has a video blog but cautions that more will listen to an audio program as they can listen while they drive or exercise and aren't required to sit and view a screen.
4. Joe's opening is consistent: welcome message, name of the show, name of the episode, who you are, etc. Listen to other radio shows for examples.
5. Have a way for people to participate. He suggested Talk Shoe - callers can leave their comments and you receive an MP3 file that you can edit.
It was an informative session. Thanks Joe.