Podcasting With A Co-Host
Podcasting with a co-host can be a wonderful addition to many podcasts. There are a number of benefits to having more than one host for a podcast, however, podcasting with a co-host can offer some additional challenges as well. Here are some of the perks and pitfalls associated with a co-hosted podcast. In addition, we will discuss some of the logistics associated with podcasting with multiple hosts.
Perks
Discussion – Co-Hosting a podcast creates a different podcasting platform altogether from podcasting alone. The podcast itself takes on a feel of conversation and discussion. Even though the audience is not directly participating in the conversation, they feel as though they are involved in one. This is markedly different from podcasting with a single host in which the host speaks to an invisible audience.
Often times it is easier to incorporate humor into a podcast in which there is more than one participant. In depth discussions are more easily achieved by adding a different perspective or point of view. When looking for a podcast co-host it is important that look for someone who shares your interests but is able to offer differing opinions. If both podcast hosts are constantly agreeing and saying the same thing two different ways, then you are not capitalizing on all the benefits of having two podcast hosts.
Share the Load – For some it may prove difficult to carry the load of podcasting a 45-minute podcast alone. Having a co-host can provide you with additional resources to handle some of the workload that goes into producing a podcast. Tasks like, show prep, editing, publishing, promotion can be divided between the two hosts to lighten the load on an individual as well as the hosting duties for the episode.
Once the podcast has been published the two hosts can also share the responsibilities of responding to emails and comments, interacting with the listeners on various social media platforms and generating ongoing discussion about the podcast content on the website.
Pitfalls
One At A Time – It is imperative that you do not talk over each other. Having a lively discussion is great for a podcast, however, if both hosts are talking at the same time, talking over each other; you will quickly lose your audience as they are unable to clearly understand the conversation taking place.
Another pitfall to avoid is constant interruptions. Allow one host to finish a thought before interjecting.
Balanced Audio – As much as possible you should try to ensure that both you and your co-host have clear, crisp audio signals and that the volumes are properly balanced. Try to avoid having one host be excessively loud or soft compared to the other host.
Watch The Clock – If your target duration for your podcast is 45 minutes to an hour, it is important for both you and your co-host to keep track of the clock. When discussions start flowing it can be very easy to lose track of time and then you end up with a 2 hour podcast that must be edited down to 1 hr. You may end up having to cut great content out of your podcast to meet your time restraints.
Obviously, you always have the option of publishing a podcast that is longer than your typical episode, however, I would discourage this. Your audience, over time, will come to expect that your podcast will run a certain length. They will schedule an allotted time each week to listen to your podcast. An episode that is longer than usual can cause frustration on their part. Remember, podcasting is real time media and your audience will notice if an episode runs long.
Another option is two separate the content into two separate podcast episodes. While this may appear to be the same as releasing an extended length episode, it will make a difference to your audience.
Don’t Share A Mic – Never, never share a microphone. You will create all kinds of background noise and audience frustration passing a microphone back and forth between two hosts. Having a stationary mic between two hosts does not work well either unless both hosts are able to maintain consistent distance from the microphone at all times. You will alleviate all kinds of headaches by simply investing in a separate mic.
Logistics of recording with multiple hosts
Recording Together
When recording with multiple hosts in the same room you will want to use two separate microphones and preferably a mixer. Record each voice on separate tracks, this will allow you to set the gain, compression and filters individually for each host. In addition, having the hosts recorded on separate tracks will allow you to adjust the volume for each audio track without affecting the other.
Recording Remotely
Sometimes your co-host is not in your neighborhood, perhaps not even in the same city, state or country. This can be overcome with some simple technology.
The first recommendation I would make is to utilize Skype. Skype is a free software that allows free PC to PC calls to be made. You can download Skype here. Once both hosts have Skype installed, you can place the call and maintain good sound quality, the sound quality will be as good as your sound equipment on either end of the call.
The next step is to find a way to record the call for the podcast. This can be accomplished using Call Recorder software from Ecamm. Call Recorder software can be found here and is approximately $30. One of the things I like about Call Recorder is that it records the call as a movie file which can then be converted into two separate audio tracks with each portion of the call on a separate audio track.
It is also possible to have one host call into the show either via cell-phone or landline. This will require some investment in addition to the Call Recorder software. For a small monthly subscription cost you can purchase a Skype number which gives you a dedicated phone number for your Skype account. One host can dial the Skype number and the other host can record the call on a PC again, using the Call Recorder software. This will result in a significant loss of audio quality as one hosts audio will be coming through a cell phone.
Podcasting with a co-host is a great addition to any podcast, even if only done occasionally. As long as you maximize the perks and minimize the pitfalls you will undoubtedly enjoy it.
About the Author
Bryan Curry is a writer for PodcastingTips.com. PodcastingTips.com is a ‘How To’ site for podcasting. Creating a podcast, designing a website, making money podcasting, everything you need to know completely free. PodcastingTips.com is a collection of free information on how to podcast.
bryan@podcastingtips.com
http://podcastingtips.com
How To Create A Podcast
|
|
ManGrate 2G-1B-B Grill Enhancement System, Two ManGrates One Brush $59.99 By simply placing your ManGrates on top of your existing grill grates, you will automatically elevate your backyard grill to a professional, quality steakhouse grill. The ManGrate utilizes radiant heat instead of convection heat or -inch hot air.-inch Its patented uniquely designed Grease Gutters, Smoke Rails, and Searing Surface, allow your ManGrate to trap and retain oils from the meat, distribu… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – A Podcast Sign – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Antenna with Path – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Yoga Journal: Yoga for Strength and Toning $1.99 … |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Podcast Icon – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals – Podcast – Removable Graphic WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
Bob Harper: Yoga for the Warrior $6.98 Studio: Tcfhe/anchor Bay/starz Release Date: 12/07/2010 Rating: Nr… |
|
|
Mac’s Big Break $1.99 … |
|
|
(Pilot) $1.99 … |
|
|
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390 (Black) $20.04 Headset – Cable Connectivity – Over-the-head… |
|
|
Dr Podcast Scripts for the Final Frca (Paperback) $56.48 Description not available. |
|
|
Podcasting for Dummies $16.33 An updated beginner`s guide to podcasting explains how to utilize the latest software tools to record a show combining music, commentary, or other media and then syndicate the feed through RSS or other broadcasting software that can be pulled down for … |
|
|
Podcasting Hacks $18.77 Explains how to create a professional-quality Internet radio broadcast, with sections on selecting the right software, creating quality sound, building a show, distributing a podcast, audio editing, videocasting, and more. Original. (Intermediate) |
|
|
Blog, Podcast, Google, Sell (Paperback) $13.43 Blog, Podcast, Google, Sell is a guide to making money online.  It shows readers how to market their way to success using online marketing know-how.  Written for the reader with little knowledge of online marketing or c… |
|
|
Podcasting Pocket Guide $9.58 With more than three thousand feeds in the iPodder directory and at least ten more being added every day, podcasting is undeniably hot. Podcasting Pocket Guide is a non-technical guide for the non-geek who wants in on this revolutionary new… |
|
|
How to Say It (Paperback) $12.17 Provides aspiring entrepreneurs with a wide range of practical tools for effectively markeing a company in today`s high-tech online world, furnishing a series of content templates, power words, and other resources designed to help build a community of … |
|
|
Garage Band `11 Power! (Paperback) $19.59 GARAGEBAND `11 POWER is an easy to understand, detailed guide on how to get the most out of GarageBand `11, as well as GarageBand `08 and `09. In addition to revealing all of the new features in `11, GARAGEBAND `11 POWER completely explores the applica… |
|
|
How to Get Your Message Out Fast & Free Using Podcasts (Paperback) $18.77 You will earn how to master the art and science behind podcasting in a matter of hours. By investing a few dollars, you can easily get your message out, increase the number of visitors to your website, and significantly increase sales. If you are looki… |
|
|
Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts, and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms (Paperback) $24.35 For educators of all disciplines, this third edition of a bestseller provides K-12 examples of how Web tools such as blogs, wikis, Facebook, and Twitter allow students to learn more, create more, and communicate better. |
|
|
Quick Start Guide to Podcasting Creating (Paperback) $11.54 Large and small businesses create an interest in their products and services by demonstrating them in videos online. Idea-based services use audio to talk to their customers.  Even newspaper publishers have introduced podcasts.Most bu… |
Related Articles
No user responded in this post
Leave A Reply