Launch a Podcast Without a Studio
You've been thinking about starting a podcast but you don't have a studio, you don't know how to edit audio, and the technical side feels overwhelming. It's simpler than you think. Here's the minimum viable podcast setup using AI tools.
Tools You'll Need
| Tool | What It Does | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside.fm | Records high-quality audio/video remotely | Free basic plan | Get it → |
| Descript | AI-powered audio editor — edit audio like editing text | Free – $24/mo | Get it → |
| Spotify for Podcasters | Distributes your podcast to all platforms | Free | Get it → |
| Claude or ChatGPT | Writes episode outlines, show notes, and promotional copy | Free | Get it → |
The Walkthrough
Step 1: Plan Your First 5 Episodes
What to do: Ask Claude: “Create a 5-episode plan for a podcast about [your topic] targeting [your audience]. For each episode, give me a title, key talking points, and a hook.”
Why you’re doing it: Planning 5 episodes proves you have enough content for a real show, not just one idea.
Step 2: Set Up Your Recording Setup
What to do: Get a USB microphone ($30–60), sign up for Riverside.fm, and find a quiet room.
Why you’re doing it: Audio quality matters more than anything else. A cheap USB mic in a quiet room sounds better than an expensive mic in a noisy one.
Step 3: Record Your First Episode
What to do: Open Riverside, start recording, and talk through your outline. Don’t aim for perfection — aim for done.
Step 4: Edit in Descript
What to do: Import your recording into Descript. It automatically transcribes your audio. Delete filler words, long pauses, and mistakes by deleting text — the audio edits itself.
Why you’re doing it: Descript turns audio editing into word processing. No technical skills needed.
Step 5: Distribute Everywhere
What to do: Upload to Spotify for Podcasters. It distributes to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more — all free.
Step 6: Promote
What to do: Use Claude to write show notes, social posts, and an email announcement. Cross-promote across all your channels.
What to Do If It Doesn’t Work
- Problem: “My audio sounds echoey.” — Record in a smaller room with soft surfaces. A closet full of clothes is actually ideal.
- Need more help? Descript Help or email us at hello@thenewsbakery.com.