So You Want to Start a Podcast

Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Story, and Building a Community That Will Listen

By: Kristen Meinzer

Narrated by: Kristen Meinzer

2020 Audie Awards® Winner - Business/Personal Development

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to creating a hit show, So You Want to Start a Podcast covers everything from hosting and guest booking to editing and marketing - while offering plenty of encouragement and insider stories along the way.　

Though they are the fastest-growing form of media, podcasts are actually difficult to create - and even harder to sustain. Few know the secrets of successfully creating a knockout podcast better than Kristen Meinzer. An award-winning commentator, producer, and former director of nonfiction programming for Slate’s sister company, Panoply, Meinzer has also hosted three successful podcasts, reaching more than 10 million listeners. Now, she shares her expertise, providing aspiring podcasters with crucial information and guidance to start their own audio forum.

Meinzer believes that we each have a unique voice that deserves to be heard. But many of us may need some help transforming our ideas into reality. So You Want to Start a Podcast asks the tough questions to help budding podcasters define and achieve their goals, including:

Why do you want to start a podcast?

Think about specifically why you want to start a podcast versus a blog, zine, YouTube channel, Instagram feed, or other media outlet. Find out if a podcast is really the best way to tell your story.

What is your show about?

For any advertiser, corporate partner, or press outlet, you need a snappy pitch. How would you describe what you want to do in two to three sentences?

Who is your podcast for?

Who are you trying to reach? How will your content and tone appeal to those listeners?

How is your show going to be structured?

Create a step-by-step map planning the show out. Think about length, segments, interviews, advice, news reads, and other aspects of successful podcasts you can adapt for your own.

With this motivational how-to guide - the only one on the subject available - you’ll find the direction you need to produce an entertaining and informative podcast and promote it to the right audience. So You Want to Start a Podcast gives you the tools you need to start a podcast - and the insight to keep it thriving.

©2019 Kristen Meinzer (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Loads of Helpful Info!

Kristen really lets you know exactly what you’ll need and what you won’t need to start a podcast! So much useful information! She made me feel like I could actually do this!!

WOW I'm going to start a podcast

I am thankful for her raw and honest reflection of what her podcasting life has been about. I was glad it wasn't an all roses story. she went through and touched on the main topics needed to start a podcast and I also think if someone already has a podcast, this could benefit them greatly as well. I am glad she came to the self realization that her voice is her voice, and the haters are the haters. I really loved the summaries of the things she recommends doing, but that she didn't go into insane detail about things that we could research on our own amazing book, I feel like she's my friend hahaha.

best podcasting book I've come across

this book is unlike any other podcasting book I've read (currently at 10 podcasting books I've read this summer and this is my #1 so far)

it is like having a mentor sit down and tell you everything you need to know about how to thrive in the industry and establish a community for your podcast

kristen meinzer, the author, narrates the book and she does an amazing job at it. she has a voice I could listen to endlessly, i was sad when it was over and it had me continuing on to seek more of kristen meinzers interviews and work

Practical and Inspiring

Kristen is a great storyteller and the book reads like a long podcast. Kristen narrates it herself and you really feel connected to her. She is kind, genuine and insightful. I have a lot of things to revisit since there were good references I didn't write down. Keep a notebook for this one. Definitely some gems of advice and practical things you'll want to look up and buy. I feel ready to start my podcast now!

Perfect Balance of Insightful and Practical

Loved just how much this book gives both experience-driven practicality as well as fantastic anectodes which line up awesome podcasting insights.

Encouraging and Informative

The author has the gift of being encouraging, gentle, and honest! Excellent piece of work.

Practical, inspiring, and delightful

This book was a breath of fresh air! The content was all super practical with no fluff. And Kristen’s delivery is so fun and refreshing.

Best Advice Ever

I'm just getting started in the podcast world and I've read a lot of "how-to" books. This book is small (in size) but mighty. I learned so much from this book that I bought all three versions, hardcover, Audible, and Kindle. No nonsense approach and lots of good advice.

Helpful, kind, and thorough.

You can tell Kristen is a pro. I’m a podcaster of over two years and I can’t believe how much I learned from this book!! Stick around for the audio bonuses at the end.

Like a best friend is helping me start a podcast

I love all the behind the scenes tips from real experience on how to format a podcast. It isn’t a mess of marketing and technology tips. It’s a guide on how to structure and craft an audio show and tell a great story.

Full disclosure: I’ve been a By the Book fan since episode 1. Most podcasts The author touches, I enjoy, which is why I sought her advice.