Dave Jackson’s Journey from Basic Gear to Professional Podcasting

Two people asked me about the “Behind the Scenes” operations of the School of Podcasting. I was nervous about doing this episode. If you're new to the show, I normally don't talk about myself for 47 minutes. As I had two people ask similar questions, I thought I'd share information about:

Where I Started (Start Ugly – great book)

My first podcast setup

My first “business office”

Why and how I upgraded (and why you probably don't need to).

What I'm using now for the podcast and the business.

I also mention the Podcaster Happy Hour (check out this new networking and education event).

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My Goal of Being “THE” Guy

When I started the School of Podcasting my goal was to be THE guy that everyone thinks of when it comes to podcasting. I'll let you know if I achieve it. I'm always studying media hosts, and all the tools involved in the podcasting space. This way I can recommend the best tools for you. I study topics like SEO, Storytelling, and Advertising to help you get found. I've been inspired by people like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James for their work ethic. I do my best to focus on topics that will help podcasters grow their audience.

I Didn't Start Here

I started in my brother's basement after I had gone through a divorce and bankruptcy. It was elegant, but it worked. You start where you are. If you wait for the perfect time and place, you will be waiting forever. You start ugly. You start where you are.

Brother's Basement

later I had a spare bedroom with my sister

Dave Jackson

My office above the Martin Corner's Deli

Martins Corner Deli

The First Video Cameras Back in the Day


My Second office getting ready to go back to Akron

School of Podcasting Office 2

Back in Akron, I Created the Wall of Listeners

School of Podcasting Listeners

Luxury Podcast Items

For me, a luxury item is something you WANT but don't necessarily need. For example, I had Elgato Key lights that bolted to my desk. They work fine. But then I saw a YouTube video with an Impact Varipole, and six months later, I had one and moved my lights to the ceiling.

There are TONS of AI tools and they are nice, and for the most part about 80% helpful if you are struggling with typing and coming up with ideas. I have some lights in my backdrop currently.
I did a video about this topic (that shows my lights)

You Don't Have to Be Great To Start

There is an old Zig Ziglar quote, “You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” So as you look at others (always a bad idea to compare yourself to others) and you see where they might look or sound better, never forget that YOU PRESSED RECORD. More importantly you PRESSED PUBLISH, and there are SO MANY people who have been thinking about starting a podcast for YEARS and you DID IT. Keep GOING.

Question of the Month

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Mentioned In This Episode

Start Your PodcastJoin the School of Podcasting Community

Profit From Your Podcast Book

Power of Podcasting Network

Dave's YouTube Channel

Dave's Podcasting Newsletter

Buy Dave a Coffee

Put Dave In Your Pocket

Where Will Dave Be?

Question of the Month

Ask Ralph Christian Finance Show

NoseyAF Show

The Pharmacists Voice

Samson Q2U Microphone

Sendfox

TidyCal

Podpage

Elgato Streamdeck

Elgato Facecam Pro

Logitech C920

Elgato Key Light

Affordable Lighting

Ev RE320 Microphone

Shure SM7B

Podmic USB

Captivate

Buzzsprout

Blubrry

Libsyn

Red Circle

Less Annoying CRM

Capsho

Castmagic

Wave Business Software (you might check out Moxie as well)

Heartbeat Community

Zenler Course Hosting

Camtasia Video Editor

Ecamm

Descript

EvMux

De Room Plugin

DxRevive Pro

Dialogue Enhance

Scheps Omni Channel

Ray Edwards ClarityScribe

Eleven Labs

Daily Podcast Tips

Daily Podcast Tips! Put Your Inbox to Work

About the Author
Owner of the School of Podcasting. Also produces the "Ask the Podcast Coach." He is also the author of the book "More Podcast Money" and is a regular speaker at podcasting and media conventions.

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