🎙️ The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Starting a PodcastBy Just Talk Studios | Bellevue, WA

You’ve got something to say—and the world is ready to hear it. Whether you’re launching a podcast to grow your business, share your story, or build a personal brand, this guide will walk you through every step to get from idea to on-air without overwhelm.

Let’s break it down.

🎯 Step 1: Know Your Why

Before hitting record, get crystal clear on your podcast’s purpose:

• Are you educating? Entertaining? Promoting a service?

• Who’s your ideal listener?

• What problem are you solving—or what joy are you bringing?

👉 Your “why” will shape everything from your format to your episode titles.

🎙️ Step 2: Choose Your Format

There’s no one right way to podcast. Popular formats include:

• Solo: One person, one mic, sharing insight or storytelling

• Interview: Host + guest (a favorite for thought leaders & businesses)

• Co-hosted: Casual conversation between two personalities

• Narrative/Scripted: Great for storytelling or niche topics

Still unsure? At Just Talk Studios, we help new podcasters test different formats during their first session.

📝 Step 3: Plan Your First 5 Episodes

You don’t need 20 ideas right away. Just start with five strong ones.

Try this:

1. Your origin story (why you started this podcast)

2. A value-packed “how-to” or list episode

3. A guest interview

4. A common myth in your niche, busted

5. Listener Q&A or FAQ (pull from your community or clients)

Need help structuring episodes? That’s part of what we offer in our discovery calls.

🎧 Step 4: Record Like a Pro (Even If You're a Rookie)

You could buy gear, battle with software, and lose hours to tech frustration…Or you could book a studio like ours and skip the stress.

At Just Talk Studios, we provide:

• Pro-grade audio + video gear

• Multiple set options for different vibes

• On-site support so you just show up and talk

You focus on the content—we’ll handle the rest.

🎨 Step 5: Edit & Brand Your Show

Podcasting is more than just talking. Your post-production process should include:

• Cutting filler and awkward pauses

• Adding an intro/outro (music, voiceover)

• Branding visuals like cover art and titles

💡 Pro tip: Repurpose your full episodes into short clips for social media. (We help with that too.)

🚀 Step 6: Publish & Promote

Once your episode is edited, you’ll need to:

• Upload to a podcast host (Buzzsprout, Podbean, etc.)

• Connect to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.

• Share your episode on social (with video clips!)

• Add it to your website or email newsletter

Even if you’re starting small, consistency builds trust—and an audience.

✅ Final Thoughts: You Don't Have to Go It Alone

Starting a podcast can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

At Just Talk Studios in Bellevue, WA, we’ve helped dozens of first-time podcasters go from idea to launch with:

• Professional studio time

• On-site recording help

• Editing and promotional support

If you're in the Seattle area and ready to get started, let’s talk.

👉 Book a discovery call or session