How to Start a Podcast in 2026

If you want a podcast launch checklist I have one available here. This show is intended for beginners to podcasting. If you already have one, this may be one to skip (or you will hear things you should've thought about but didn't).Here are the steps I covered.Pick Your TopicDecide if you're podcasting solo or with cohost(s).Pick how you will podcast.Pick where will you podcast?Choose how you will measure your successPick a name. Naming tools from Podpage and Buzzsprout.Buy the HardwareBuy/Find SoftwarePurchase web hostingDomain Name ( Ilke Namecheap)GraphicsIntro Music. (optional)Media Hosting (for your mp3 files)Record Your ContentEdit Your ContentUpload your mediaWrite Your Show NotesClick PublishMake Sure your Feed is ValidPublish to Apple, Spotify, and all other directories.Tell everyone you know to follow the show on the same dayHere’s a handy list of every website and URL I mentioned in this episode, so you can find the resources and recommendations I talked about:School of Podcasting:https://schoolofpodcasting.comPodpage:https://podpage.com(And check out https://trypodpage.com for a quick start!)Buzzsprout:https://buzzsprout.comCaptivate:https://captivate.fmBlubrry:https://blubrry.comRSS.com:https://rss.comCastfeed Validator:https://castfeedvalidator.comNamecheap (my favorite for domains):https://namecheap.comCoolerWebsites (my GoDaddy reseller):https://coolerwebsites.comPodcastBranding Co (for professionally designed artwork):https://podcastbranding.coCanva (for DIY podcast artwork):https://canva.comTransistor’s artwork preview tool:https://transistor.fm/preview/TuneReel (for music licensing):https://tunereel.comSuno/Suno AI Music (for AI-generated music):https://supportthisshow.com/sunoHollyland (wireless microphones):https://geni.us/hollyland-larkm2sRode (microphones and lavalier mics):Podmic USBRode Wireless MicoElgato (Facecam, key light, and stream deck):FacecamKeylightGVM (lighting kits):3 Light PackageNeewer (affordable lighting):2 Light KitCamo (turns your phone into a webcam):Turn Your Phone into a Web CamStreamlight (monitor-to-light software):Turn your monitor into a light (Windows only)Hindenburg (audio editing software):https://hindenburg.comAudacity (free audio editor):https://audacityteam.orgAdobe Podcast (audio editing):https://podcast.adobe.comAlitu (online audio editing tool):https://alitu.comDescript (audio/video editing):https://descript.comRiverside (remote recording & video editing):https://riverside.fmSquadcast (remote recording):https://squadcast.fmECAMM Live (Mac live streaming & recording):https://ecamm.comEV Mux (live streaming):https://evmux.comStreamyard (live streaming):https://streamyard.comCamtasia (video editing):https://techsmith.com/video-editor.htmlTela (online video hosting & editing):https://tella.comDaVinci Resolve (free video editor):https://blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/Audio Outperforms Video 15 to 1 (Rob Walch Talk)