Podschool | Learn How To Create A Professional Podcast With @rachelcorbett

If you want to stay consistent and sane when working on your podcast, you don’t have to do everything yourself.In this episode, I walk through the tasks you can outsource so you can focus on the stuff only you can do, like being behind the mic.What you'll learn:What you can (and can’t) outsourceHow to decide what to hand offWhy outsourcing doesn’t mean losing controlHow to work with freelancers so they sound like youEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Should you ask for ratings and reviews on your podcast?If you’ve ever heard someone say “Leave a rating and review because it helps people find the show,” you’ve probably wondered… does it?In this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about ratings and reviews including what they do, what they don’t do and why they’re still worth asking for (just not for the reason you might think).Whether you’re chasing the charts or just hoping new listeners will stumble across your show, this episode will help you understand the real role reviews play in your podcast’s success and how to ask for them in a way that makes sense.What you’ll learn:Do ratings and reviews help your podcast get discovered?Why they don’t impact the charts anymore (even if they used to)The real reason they matter (spoiler: social proof)What to do if you get a bad oneEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online

Getting your podcast on a network can be a great way to monetise and potentially grow your show but only if there's a clear value exchange. In this episode, I walk through what podcast networks are looking for, how to pitch your show and what makes you stand out from the hundreds of other pitches landing in their inbox.What you'll learn:When your show might be ready for a networkThe key things networks look for in a pitchHow to articulate your value (beyond just download numbers)Why partnerships only work if both sides benefitEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my r

What do you do when your listeners say they want longer episodes but you’re already at capacity? In this episode, I’m giving you a giant permission slip to not do what your audience asks and why that’s often the best thing for them and you.What you’ll learn:Why listener feedback doesn’t always require actionHow to protect your time and energy as a podcasterWhat really matters when it comes to growing your audienceHow to add value without increasing your workloadWhen bonus episodes are better than longer onesEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Find out how to work with me hereDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders p

Podcasting can take up a LOT of time but there are plenty of tools around that can take some of the most time consuming (and annoying) tasks off your plate.In this episode, I walk through the AI tools that can help you speed up your podcasting workflow without compromising the quality of your show output. From planning and transcripts to promotion and post-production, AI can take care o the grunt work so you can focus on the parts that need you.What You’ll Learn:How AI can help you come up with episode ideasThe best ways to use AI-generated transcripts to reduce workloadThe role AI can play in social content and video clipsWhy it’s still important to rely on your ear (and not just the tech) when you're using AI to fix audioPlatforms and tools mentioned:ChatGPT – for scripting, show notes, and content repurposingClaude – for content planning and AI writingAdobe Enhance – for cleaning up poor quality audioAuphonic – for levelling and audio polishOpus Clip – for auto-generating video clipsDescript – for editing

If you’re new to podcasting it's hard to know what 'good' audio sounds like. But understanding this is essential if you want your podcast episodes to sound their bestThe challenge? It's not necessarily something you'll recognise straight away because you have to train your ear.In this episode, I share how to build that skill, from essential listening habits to editing techniques that will make your show sound seamless.Whether you’re editing your own episodes or just want to recognise quality when you hear it, these tips will help you spot (and fix) audio issues before they cost you listeners.What you’ll learn:How to train your ear through active listeningWhy listening to a wide range of quality podcasts accelerates your skillsHow to notice the details you like (and dislike) so you can apply them to your own showWhat makes a bad edit and how to avoid itHow to spot “obvious” edits and why they break immersionWhy over‑editing is as bad as under-editingThe importance of listening to audio around the spot where y

Your podcast intro is some of the most valuable real estate in your show. So why are so many podcasters wasting it?In this episode, I share why your audience doesn’t need warming up, how long-winded intros drive people away and what to do instead so your listeners stick around until the end.What you’ll learn:Why your podcast intro matters more than you thinkHow to avoid boring or losing listeners earlyWhat to include (and cut) in your show introHow to balance the needs of new and returning listenersThe one editing mistake that will cost you audienceEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to

So many new podcasters are fearful of starting their show because they don't think they sound good or professional enough.But podcasting isn’t about perfection, it’s about authenticity and connection. In this episode, I share why your voice is absolutely good enough and how to get past the insecurity so you can hit record with confidence.What you’ll learn:Why your voice sounds different in recordings to what you're used to (and why that’s normal)Why “sounding professional” isn't the goalHow to stop your voice from holding you backWhy confidence grows the more you recordEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation

Podcasting has never been a simple “hit record” and you’re done kind of game but the introduction of video has definitely added a new layer of complexity. The trick is remembering why you’re doing it and who you’re creating for, even when the industry is noisy with trends, hype, and “must‑do” advice.I recently sat down with Matthew McLean, co‑host of Podcraft, to unpack the state of podcasting right now. From the ongoing debate about whether we should even be calling it “podcasting” anymore, to how video, monetisation and platform politics are reshaping the space.We also dive into practical tools and tactics that are helping creators right now, and share why we both think podcasting still has a powerful future if you focus on the fundamentals.What we cover in this conversation:Is the term 'podcast' dead?Why some industry voices are pushing for a rebrand and why many creators (us included) aren’t convincedWhy changing the name ignores the strength of the term 'podcast' and its long and impressive history Vide

If you want to interview guests onto your podcast, you'll need to reach out to them in a way that feels personal, professional and (most importantly) enticing.In this episode, I walk you through how you should approach guest booking if you want to get more yeses (and how to avoid feeling disheartened if you don't).What you’ll learn:Why your pitch email matters more than you thinkWhat to include (and what to leave out) when you reach outTips for making your show appealing to potential guestsHow to streamline your guest booking processThe secret to a great guest experienceEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Communities that are designed as networking environments to find podcasts to guest on...The Podcast CollaborativeFind A Guest, Be A GuestPodMatchMatchmaker.FMDownload my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebo

Wondering whether it's worth creating a transcript for your podcast? In this episode, I explain why transcripts are more useful than ever, not just for accessibility and SEO, but as a way to save time and streamline your content creation workflow. If you're using AI tools like ChatGPT, a transcript can be the secret to turning one episode into your entire content ecosystem.What You’ll Learn:Why podcast transcripts are still important for SEO and accessibilityHow transcripts help you repurpose content with AI tools like ChatGPTWhat you can create from one transcript (blog posts, captions, emails + more)Which tools to use to generate and clean your podcast transcriptsThe one mistake to avoid when publishing your transcriptEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X

If you’re starting from scratch, launching a podcast can feel daunting, especially if you don’t have an audience. But podcasting is one of the most powerful tools for building trust, authority and connection over time. In this episode, I share why your voice is your best branding asset, how to use podcasting as the foundation of your content and why consistency matters more than anything.What You’ll Learn:Why podcasting builds trust faster than any other mediumHow to grow an audience and brand at the same timeTips for using your podcast as a hub for all your contentWhy consistency (not instant results) is the key to successEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded

Ever had to re-record a section of your podcast and worried it would sound awkward or disconnected? In this episode, I share simple techniques to make sure your 'pickups' blend seamlessly into your original recording.What you’ll learn:When it’s worth re-recording a section of your podcast (and when to leave it)How to capture ambient noise to cover up your editsWhy recording ‘cold’ doesn't sound naturalTips for matching mic setups and audio levelsTricks to smooth transitions in post-productionEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past and present.

Can you actually make money from podcasting?In this episode, I answer one of the most common questions new podcasters ask...how do you make money from a podcast?The truth is, most podcasts don’t make a dime but that doesn't mean it's not possible for your show.You just need the right strategy, the right audience and the right expectations.To help you get to that point, I break down what actually works, what to avoid, and why ads aren’t the only (or best) way to monetise your show.What you’ll learn: Why ads aren’t the answer for most showsCreative ways to monetise with a small audienceHow to use your podcast to sell products and servicesWhy audience value always comes before incomeThe platforms and tools that make monetisation easierEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram,

Recording with guests in other cities or countries? You’re not alone.Remote recording is a BIG part of podcasting, and while Zoom is the default for many, it’s not built for great audio. So what should you use instead?In this episode, I walk through the best remote recording options and how to make sure your podcast sounds as professional as possible, even if your guest is on the other side of the world.What you’ll learn:Why Zoom isn’t ideal for podcast audioThe benefits of remote recording platforms like Riverside and SquadCastWhat to do if your guest doesn’t have a micWhy phone interviews should be your last resortHow to avoid tech headaches and make remote interviews easyEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blo

Using music in your podcast can make your show sound polished and professional but it can also get you into serious legal trouble if you don’t know the rules.In this episode, I answer a listener question about using music in podcasts, and cover when to use it, how to use it well, and how to avoid getting your episodes pulled down by platforms like Spotify.What You’ll LearnWhen and where music works best in a podcastWhy music should never cover up weak contentHow to use intro/outro music to make your show sound polishedThe licensing risks of using commercial musicWhat to know about AI music and free librariesWhy “everyone else is doing it” isn’t a good excuseEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchoo

One of the most common questions I get asked is “What’s the ideal length for a podcast?”And the answer is…there’s no perfect length.In this episode, I explain what you need to consider when deciding how long your episodes should be, including your audience’s attention span and lifestyle, the quality of your content as well as your own time and energy.Whether you’re doing solo episodes, interviews, or highly produced content, the key is finding a length you can stick to consistently, without burning out.What you’ll learn:Why there’s no “right” podcast lengthHow your audience influences your decision The risk of trying to stretch content to fit a time targetHow to find a format and length you can commit toWhy consistency matters more than lengthEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollo

It’s easy to assume podcasting is a low-cost content format, and it can be. But if you’re in this for the long haul, there are a few hidden costs that might catch you off guard.In this episode, I walk through some of the sneaky expenses new podcasters often overlook, including tech upgrades, marketing tools, podcast hosting, and the biggest cost of all - your time.What you’ll learn:The real cost of starting a podcastWhy free tools sometimes cost you moreThe one resource new podcasters forget to budget forHow to prep for success without spending a fortuneEPISODE CREDITS:Host: Rachel CorbettEditing Assistance: Josh NewthLINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:Download my free podcasting guideCheck out my online podcasting course, PodSchoolClick here to submit a question to the showEmail me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.auFollow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation. I pay my respec

If you're trying to decide whether to release your podcast week-by-week or in seasons, this episode is for you.I answer a listener question about the pros and cons of podcast seasons and share why batching and taking breaks can actually help your show survive long term, even if it means slower growth.This is especially helpful if podcasting isn’t your full-time job and you’re trying to keep your show going alongside the juggle of everything else.

Some podcasts blow up while others never get off the ground. So what’s the difference? In this episode, I’m answering a listener question about what makes a podcast successful. Is it promotion? A unique idea? Celebrity status? Or is it just about sticking at it?Spoiler alert: It’s not about going viral. But there are consistent things successful podcasters do and they’re things you can do too.