Podcasting as an Author: Expanding Your Reach and Embracing Imperfection

By Tyrean Martinson

How I Got Started

For years, I thought about starting a podcast but I was unsure if I had the right equipment or expertise. When my church podcast started and I was asked to join, I realized I had the basic tools I needed—I just had to go for it. We had minimal equipment and no prior experience, but we learned as we went. That experience showed me that anyone can start with what they have, improve over time, and build something meaningful.

Start Where You Are—Perfection Not Required

Like writing, podcasting is a journey, and growth comes with experience. Your first episodes might not have perfect audio or flawless delivery, but they will have you, and that’s what listeners connect with. If you wait for perfection, you may never begin—so start with what you have and improve along the way.

In the current age, it’s more important than ever for readers to hear and/or see you being authentically human.

The Basics: What You Need to Get Started

Podcasting doesn’t require an expensive setup. Many successful podcasts started with minimal equipment and upgraded as their audience grew. Here’s what you need:

1. A Recording Device
Your smartphone is a recording device. If you’re starting with little to no budget, apps like Voice Memos (iPhone) or Voice Recorder (Android) work well enough. As you progress, investing in a USB microphone (such as the Blue Yeti or ATR2100x) can improve sound quality.

2. A Recording Space
Sound quality is just as much about the space around you as it is about equipment. The best recording space is quiet and free from echo—think small rooms with carpet, curtains, and bookshelves to absorb sound. If you don’t have a dedicated space, a car can be a recording studio due to its soundproofing.

3. Hosting and Distribution
Once you record an episode, you need a way to share it with the world. Free platforms like Substack now offer built-in podcast hosting, making it easy to get started. Other free or low-cost platforms include Anchor (by Spotify) and Podbean. If you feel comfortable with video, you can also record and upload your podcasts on Youtube, Rumble, or on Instagram and Facebook live.

Vocal Warmups for Podcasters

Just like singers and public speakers, podcasters can benefit from vocal warmups to enhance clarity, control, and confidence. Here are a few simple exercises to prepare your voice before recording:

Deep breathing exercises–Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale slowly through your mouth for four counts. This helps relax your vocal cords and improves breath control.

Tongue twisters—Practice phrases like “Red leather, yellow leather” or “She sells seashells by the seashore” to improve articulation and pronunciation.

I do these warm-ups every time I podcast because I have some speech differences—because I was partially raised by my grandmother who had a late cleft palate surgery and who also had a stroke. I spoke with her daily from the age of two onward, and I mimicked her way of speaking, along with mimicking my parents’ way of speaking—and my mom had one deaf ear, while my dad had a strong regional Oregonian accent. Knowing that I have those differences of speech, I work on my vocal clarity regularly, although honestly, there are days when I get complacent, and later… well, if I’ve recorded, I can hear it. Instead of closing my podcast down in embarrassment, I keep going and I keep working at it.

The Power of Podcasting for Authors

Podcasting is an opportunity to engage your audience in a way that shows your authenticity as a human. You can share insights into your writing process, discuss themes in your books, interview other authors, or even serialize your own stories. Podcasting allows for deeper conversations and long-form storytelling, creating stronger connections with readers.

Another benefit of podcasting is that it can prepare you to speak publicly. Many authors prefer not to publicly speak, but there are times - like at in-person book events - when it is helpful to be able to speak about our books. Podcasting can help us practice this skill from the comfort of our own individual space before we speak to people in public.

Where to Start Listening

Here are some podcasts that showcase the breadth of what’s possible:

The Creative Penn Podcast—Hosted by Joanna Penn, this podcast focuses on writing, publishing, and book marketing with a mix of solo episodes and guest interviews. She also hosts the Books and Travel Podcast.

Self Publishing with ALLi—A podcast by the Alliance of Independent Authors covering everything from self-publishing strategies to book marketing and industry news.

Mysteries, Monsters, & Mayhem—Hosted by Shannon Lawrence and MB Partlow, this podcast delves into all things creepy, mysterious, and intriguing—from true crime to cryptids, and everything in between. Each episode is served with a sense of humor, making for an engaging and entertaining listen.

The Truth About Storytelling—this is my podcast which I hope inspires writers, readers, and creatives. Each week, I delve into topics such as the writing process, sharing work, the perseverance required to continue creating, and finding joy throughout these endeavors. I also have the Tyrean’s Tales channel on Rumble, and have uploaded some episodes on Youtube.

Embrace the Journey

Starting a podcast as an author doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. It’s okay to begin with just a phone and a free platform and build from there. The key is to start and keep going—because the more you podcast, the better you’ll become. Your readers (and listeners) don’t need perfection; they just need you.

Hit record, speak your story, and let the world hear your voice.