How to make a medical podcast?

Podcasts have been as successful as YouTube channels, because in addition to providing entertainment, they can also be used to address more serious matters or even a little knowledge, without the need for the interlocutor to appear in videos, just using their voices.

There are currently several podcasts focused on medicine, and we've even covered the subject here on our blog in the article "Medical podcast: 10 indications for you". But what if you want to not only be a listener but also create a podcast for yourself? Many healthcare professionals have this desire, but there may be some questions regarding how to record, edit and publish this content on the internet, so let's help you.

Before we continue, we need to know: do you already use medical software to perform your appointments? We invite you to discover Ninsaúde Apolo, an online software that can be used on a tablet, smartphone, or in the traditional way, on computers. Learn more on our apolo.app website.

Before we talk about how to do it, let's talk about what a podcast is. A podcast is nothing more than audio content that can be made available in a downloadable file or on a streaming platform like Spotify for example, usually, more than one person participates in commenting on a specific subject, very similar to a radio show.

Defining the content

The first step is to know what topics you will cover in your podcast and how this will be done. As it is a niche-focused on the health area, several themes within this niche can be worked on. Therefore, you can choose to talk about advances in the field of medicine and thus attract more experienced professionals, or even address topics that are interesting for those who are entering the career.

The format of this podcast is also a point to think about. For example, you can have a chat with guests discussing a specific topic or you can do this in an interview format, calling some experts on certain subjects. In this sense, it is also important to define the duration of the episodes, as currently there are podcasts that range from 20 minutes to 2 hours, and it is important that this is somewhat standardized.

Choose a name

Just like YouTube channels or radio shows, you'll need to name your podcast. The tip is to look for names that have to do with the topics that will be covered because whenever someone does a web search, the chances of your podcast appearing on the list will be greater. Short, simple names are also often the best option, and this even implies that people can record this name more easily.

After choosing a name (or making a list with some ideas), you must do an internet search to find out if this name is not already being used by other people, also to avoid lawsuits, originality is essential.

Create scripts

Every recording needs to have a theme, and every theme needs to have a script. The script is what will guide the presenter at the time of recording, as this way you will be able to conduct the program more simply and dynamically. The script is also important because with it recording errors are minimized. This fact helps to save time not only when recording, but also when editing, which becomes more practical.

In the script, you can align some points such as the opening vignette, presentation of the announcers, presentation of guests, introduction to the theme, points to be raised about the theme, and closing. Having all this noted down, you can start recording.

Starting recordings: equipment and proper location

Before choosing the equipment, it is important to remember that the recording location must be as quiet as possible so that external sounds and noises do not interfere with or influence the final result. Some soundproof studios rent out space at an hourly rate, but you can also record at home or in the office, as long as it's quiet.

About equipment, you can even record with your cell phone, using a voice recorder application (smartphones usually come from the factory with this functionality). If your guests are with you, in person, it is important to have more than one recording device. Another tip is not to place this device too close to the mouth, so that the recording is not noisy, thus keeping a distance of at least 20cm between the mouth and the recorder.

You can also make everything more professional by purchasing specific microphones for this. In this case, it is important to have a computer to store the recording file. The most suitable microphone for this is the condenser microphone, and you can find it for different values and from different brands and models. If you prefer, you can use a headset, that is, a headset with a microphone, which can be fixed or removable.

If you are recording with guests from a distance, that is, each one in a city, for example, first you must be connected to the internet and use some broadcasting program where everyone can talk in real-time, and so record that conversation.

On Google Meet, for example, there is the possibility to record the audio of a meeting, so it is a good alternative to use. You can also make a Skype call and use a program to record it. Remember that it is recommended that your guests use at least one earphone with a microphone so that the voice comes out "cleaner", that is, without noise.

Finishing: editing the podcast

The editing part is usually the most complicated for those who do not have technical knowledge on the subject, so we suggest that, if this is your case, look for someone who can edit the episodes for you. But if you want to venture into the world of editing, know that you will need not only a computer and editing programs but also a lot of free time.

There are a lot of free programs, but a lot of them are paid. In addition, it may take a while for you to get to know all of their features, but don't worry, on Youtube, there are several tutorials on how to use them. Some editing programs are Anchor, Adobe Audition, MP3 Skype Recorder, and Audacity. Many of these editing programs are also used to record audio, so that way you'll have a "2 in 1".

At the time of editing, you can also add some sound effects, as long as they match the topic discussed, of course. In this case, you can get some effects through websites that make them available for free, being only necessary to give credits to the platform. Some of these sites are 99 sounds, Free SFX, Free Sound, and ZapSplat. There are also some paid platforms, among them are A Sound Effect, Storyblocks, and Music Radio Creative.

Publishing your podcast

To air your podcast in public mode, you'll need a podcast aggregator. Aggregators are websites or applications that store and stream audio files. It is through these aggregators that your listeners will be able to access your content, whether through the computer or smartphone. Aggregators allow users to listen to content online, or in some cases, can download it to listen to whenever they want.

But before inserting your podcast into an aggregator, you'll need to host it on some website. Remember: hosting is different from the aggregator, ok? There are several hosting sites, and some of them are Podcloud, Megafono, Libsyn, PodBean, Spreaker, Audioboom, among others.

As far as aggregators are concerned, we currently have options that are already well known, including for being used to listen to music, and some examples are Soundcloud, Spotify, Deezer, Google Podcast, Apple Podcast, Castbox, etc.

After hosting and choosing aggregators, you will be able to share the episodes on your social networks, so that your followers can stay tuned in to the news. A tip is also to create a website to insert the episodes, so your followers will be able to find them more easily.

So, did you like the post? Share with friends and keep following the blog for more tips like this, and if you don't use management software, get to know Ninsaúde Apolo.