01 · The map
Three paths into podcasting
A podcast educator who has taught teens in New York's summer youth program sorts students into three paths: on-air talent, production (producer and editor), and marketing. Every show needs all three, even when one person does them all, so they're a useful way to see where you fit.
- On air: host, co-host, interviewer
- Production: producer, editor, sound engineer
- Marketing: social, community, partnerships
02 · On air
Podcast host
Hosts research guests, write questions, run the conversation and keep it moving. The skills are listening, curiosity and preparation more than a radio voice. See how to host a podcast.
- Research and question writing
- Live listening and follow-ups
- Reading ads and calls to action naturally
03 · Production
Producer and editor
Producers plan episodes, book guests and run the schedule; editors cut, clean and mix the audio. Many freelancers start as editors on marketplaces. Read what a podcast producer does and what editors charge in podcast editor cost.
- Scheduling and guest coordination
- Editing, noise cleanup, loudness
- File management and publishing
04 · Marketing
Podcast marketer and community manager
Marketers write titles and descriptions, cut clips, run social accounts and work with guests and partners to share episodes. Networks also hire community managers to connect their shows. The playbook starts with how to promote a podcast.
- Copywriting for titles and posts
- Clip selection
- Analytics and partnerships
05 · Get started
Build a portfolio with your own show
Every role is easier to land with episodes you made. Start a short show with a friend, take one role each, and publish five episodes. That's a portfolio. Begin with how to start a podcast.
- Five published episodes
- One role you can point to
- A clip and a description you wrote
Build your portfolio with a real show.
Record, edit and publish episodes in Hilite and have work to show in weeks.