Navigating the world of podcasting can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to mastering the technical and creative aspects of production.
Whether you’re a novice eager to learn the basics or an experienced podcaster looking to elevate your craft, a well-structured podcast production course can be a game-changer.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best podcast production courses available, covering a range of topics from sound engineering to storytelling, so you can find the perfect fit for your podcasting journey.
Castos’ Free Podcasting Resources
Before we talk about the best podcast production courses, we encourage you to check out some of our free resources that cover the entire gamut of podcasting – from ideation, planning, and setup to recording, editing, distribution, and promotion.
These guides are 100% free and crafted by our podcast team who have years of experience building, launching, and growing shows.
How to Start a Podcast: Step-By-Step Guide – This guide tells you everything you need to know about planning, setting up, publishing, and distributing a podcast.
How to Launch a Podcast: Everything You Need to Know – Once you build a podcast, it’s important to launch it properly.
The Best Podcast Equipment For Any Budget – Finding the right gear can be overwhelming since there are so many options. This guide breaks everything down for you.
28 Podcast Directories to Upload & Post Your Podcast Shows – This is the most complete guide to publishing and uploading a podcast with a list of all podcast directories you should be using.
How to Promote a Podcast: The Ultimate Podcast Marketing Guide – Once your show is out there, the next step is to grow your audience.
The 14 Best Podcast Production Courses
Let’s dive into our list of the best production courses!
1. Castos Academy
(Full disclosure: This is our podcast production course.)
Platform: Castos Academy website
Price: Free
Castos Academy is an extensive online platform that offers comprehensive courses to guide you through every step of podcasting. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the Academy aims to refine your skills from conceptualization to technical execution.
The courses cover podcast launching, building, and growth strategies. Castos Academy provides over 20 hours of video tutorials, weekly live Q&A sessions, and a monthly newsletter filled with exclusive tips and resources to help you excel in your podcasting journey.
Furthermore, many of the information contained in the courses offer step-by-step instructions to get your show up-and-running using the Castos platform. The free 14-day trial makes it easy to start your show without a financial commitment.
2. Producing Podcasts by Danny Ozment
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Price: Varies (LinkedIn Learning subscription required)
“Producing Podcasts by Danny Ozment” on LinkedIn offers a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling podcasts. Danny, a seasoned podcast producer, delves into the essential aspects of podcast creation, from concept development and recording techniques to editing, sound engineering, and distribution strategies. You can learn everything at your own pace.
Participants gain insights into creating high-quality content, optimizing audio production, and engaging listeners effectively. With hands-on lessons and practical tips, this course equips aspiring podcasters with the skills needed to produce professional and captivating podcasts.
3. The Podcast Masterclass: The Complete Guide to Podcasting
Platform: Udemy
Price: $69.99
The “Podcast Masterclass: The Complete Guide to Podcasting” course is a comprehensive course that takes you through the A to Z of launching your own podcast. From concept creation, equipment setup, and recording tips to editing, distribution, and even monetization strategies, this guide covers it all.
Perfect for beginners due to its affordable price yet insightful enough for intermediate podcasters, the course is packed with real-world examples and hands-on exercises. You’ll gain the skills needed to produce a professional-sounding podcast and get your voice heard.
This course is highly recommended for anyone looking to break into the podcasting scene. It’s brief, so it only provides a foundation of skills. You may need additional resources to learn more.
4. Produce a High-Quality Video Podcast
Platform: Skillshare
Price: Variable as it depends on your Skillshare subscription.
The “Produce a High-Quality Video Podcast” course is your go-to guide for taking your podcast to the next level with eye-catching visuals. This Skillshare course dives into the nitty-gritty of creating a video podcast, from equipment setup and scripting to filming techniques and post-production.
It covers key elements like lighting, camera angles, soundproofing, live streaming, and sound quality to ensure your podcast isn’t just easy on the ears, but also a feast for the eyes. With hands-on projects and expert tips, you’ll learn how to create a podcast that stands out in a crowded field.
5. Power-Up Podcasting
Platform: Smart Passive Income site
Price: $500, but you get lifetime access to the materials.
Pat Flynn’s Power-Up Podcasting course is a game-changing resource for anyone looking to launch a successful podcast. With step-by-step guidance, Pat, a podcasting guru, covers everything from refining your podcast idea and recording techniques to editing, branding, and promotion.
The course offers practical insights into creating top-notch content, improving audio quality, and gaining a dedicated audience. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking to enhance your podcasting skills, Power-Up Podcasting provides actionable tips and real-world advice to help you stand out in the podcasting realm.
Furthermore, you can buy Power-Up Podcasting as a membership, which grants you access to monthly workshops, accelerators, and other assets for as long as you’re subscribed.
6. Podcasters’ Paradise
Platform: Podcasters’ Paradise website
Price: $697
Podcasters’ Paradise is a popular course that serves as a one-stop hub for all things podcasting. Created by John Lee Dumas of Entrepreneurs on Fire, this course walks you through every step of the podcasting journey.
From ideation and equipment setup to recording quality episodes and post-production, you’ll get insider tips and tricks. Plus, it delves into the business side, teaching you effective monetization and marketing strategies. The course includes step-by-step tutorials, a private Facebook group, resources and templates, and monthly live Q&As.
With its active community forum and regular updates, it’s more than just a course—it’s an ongoing resource. Ideal for anyone serious about turning their podcast into a profitable venture.
7. Podcast Production Course
Platform: Music Radio Creative website
Price: $695
The Podcast Production Course by Mike Russel is a great option for those looking to up their podcast quality. Mike, an audio production guru and Adobe Certified Professional, focuses heavily on the technical aspects, teaching you how to get the best sound quality out of your equipment.
You’ll learn essential skills like recording, editing, and mixing, using tools like Adobe Audition. He also gives you useful templates and presets to speed up your workflow.
This course is perfect for those who already have the basics down but want to make their podcast sound as professional as possible. Highly practical and immediately applicable to any podcaster, but especially for those just getting started or want to handle their own editing.
8. Adobe Audition CC Audio Production Course
Platform: Udemy
Price: $47.99
The Adobe Audition CC Audio Production Course cuts through the noise, offering hands-on tutorials that dive straight into advanced editing and mixing features. Master noise reduction, EQ settings, and multi-track sessions, all while learning how to make your audio crisp and clear.
Taught by industry experts, the lessons are super accessible, whether you’re a beginner or already have some Audition experience. Since Adobe Audition is one of the most popular editing tools for podcasts, mastering it will give you a strong skill set.
9. Podcast Engineering School
Platform: Podcast Engineering School website
Price: $6,999
Chris Curran’s Podcast Engineering School is the audiophile’s dream course. Think of it as the technical audio bootcamp for podcasters. During 30 hours of training, Chris goes deep into the technical weeds, covering everything from microphones and preamps to complex mixing and mastering.
It’s not just about making your podcast sound good; it’s about making it sound exceptional. Alongside the technical skills, you get insights into the industry’s best practices. This course is not for the casual podcaster; it’s for those who want to turn audio engineering into either a passion project or a career.
Yes, this course is quite expensive, but the expert level of content can’t be beat. It also includes plenty of extra content and benefits, interactive features and activities, plus software discounts and other bonuses.
10. Podcast Bootcamp by Krystal Proffitt
Platform: Krystal Proffitt website
Price: Free
Podcast Bootcamp offers an accelerated learning experience in the world of podcasting. If you’re a beginner looking to dive into podcast creation, this course has got you covered. You’ll acquire foundational skills such as planning, recording, editing, launching, and marketing your episodes, all within a rapid 5-day timeframe.
One of the big pluses is that it’s completely free of charge. However, given its quick pace, you might find yourself wanting to explore more advanced techniques or seeking additional support after the course. Overall, it serves as an excellent springboard for those new to podcasting.
11. Tansy Aster Academy
Platform: Tansy Aster website
Price: Podcast Editing School at $30/month, or Pro Group at $45/month
The Tansy Aster Academy provides a multifaceted learning experience for podcast editors and those interested in building a podcast business. It features two specialized tracks: the Podcast Editing School focuses on hands-on skills, offering live calls and video demonstrations alongside a thorough curriculum on enhancing the audio quality of your podcast.
On the other hand, the Pro Group is more focused on the business aspects of podcasting, offering a supportive environment to help you navigate the intricacies of podcast management.
In addition to the specialized coursework, the Academy fosters a sense of community, which is perfect for networking. Live calls are also incorporated into the program, allowing you to address your immediate questions with experts in real-time.
If you’re hesitant about fully committing, the Academy even offers a $10 Community pass to let you experience the course on a trial basis.
12. Podcraft Academy
Platform: The Podcast Host website
Price: $45 a month or $350 a year
If you’re interested in an immersive experience with a focus on personalized guidance and a robust community network, Podcraft Academy could be your ideal choice. Podcraft is comprehensive, covering topics from launching your show to mastering technical aspects, audience growth, monetization, and even providing personalized assistance.
Within the Academy, you’ll find a wealth of practical courses, time-saving checklists, a free library of music and sound effects, an extensive ebook collection, as well as live coaching and support. In essence, if the Academy doesn’t have the resources you’re looking for, they likely haven’t been created yet.
While the course might initially appear daunting due to its extensive content, the Academy’s checklists, live interactions, and community support make it manageable. The annual pricing option tends to be popular for this reason, offering podcasters ample time to explore and use the resources.
13. GarageBand: Free Podcasting Training
Platform: LinkedIn Learning
Price: Varies (LinkedIn Learning subscription required)
GarageBand stands out as one of the most user-friendly and budget-friendly tools you can use. In this tutorial, instructor Garrick Chow walks you through the process of creating and releasing a top-notch podcast using GarageBand.
The course kicks off by covering the essentials: defining what a podcast is and outlining the steps to transform a preliminary idea into content that’s ready for your audience. Garrick then delves into the practical aspects, like how to prepare for and record your podcast, the audio equipment you’ll need, and how to set up GarageBand for optimal results.
After your audio is captured, the course guides you through editing your content, incorporating music, and applying special effects.
14. The Podcast Launch Accelerator
Platform: Captivate website
Price: Free
This course aims to demystify the process of podcasting by explaining everything you need to know in simple, human terms. The course tackles common fears like hitting the record button, finding the ideal topic, and producing a high-quality show without being overwhelmed.
The course includes unique features like an extensive podcast launch crib sheet, access to the Podcast Launch Accelerator Facebook group for live sessions and accountability, and a thorough equipment and resources guide. Pre-designed templates, recording checklists, and launch processes are also provided to save you time and money.
Why Take a Podcast Production Course?
You might consider taking a course on podcast production to deepen your understanding of the medium and elevate the quality of your work.
Knowing the technical intricacies of sound recording and editing is invaluable. This technical knowledge not only enhances the podcast’s audio quality but also opens up creative possibilities for storytelling. Learning these skills in a course setting with expert guidance often comes with the opportunity for hands-on practice, so mistakes can be corrected in real-time.
The value of a podcast production course goes beyond technical skills. It can also cover elements like scriptwriting, narrative structure, and even interview techniques, all of which contribute to making a podcast more compelling and engaging. Furthermore, a course can offer insights into industry best practices and standards, helping you create content that resonates with your audience.
Courses can also serve as a platform for networking with other creators and industry professionals, providing opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships, and even peer feedback.
Moreover, learning about the business side of podcasting, such as effective monetization strategies and audience building, can be invaluable for turning a hobby into a profitable venture.
Ultimately, taking a course can give you confidence and efficiency in your production process, enabling you to focus more on the creative aspects of their work. It’s a structured way to quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of both the art and science of podcasting.
FAQs About Podcast Production Courses
Still have questions about podcast online training? You aren’t alone! Here are some questions people ask about podcast production courses.
How much do podcast production courses usually cost?
Prices can vary widely based on the course’s length, complexity, and reputation of the instructor. They can range from free online tutorials to several hundred dollars for comprehensive courses. Always consider your budget and the value you expect to gain.
Are online or in-person courses better for podcasting?
Both have their merits. Online courses offer convenience and self-paced learning. In-person courses provide hands-on experience and immediate feedback. Your choice may depend on your learning style and schedule.
Do I need any special equipment for the course?
Some basic courses may not require special equipment, but more advanced courses could necessitate a good quality microphone, headphones, and potentially recording software. Always check the course prerequisites.
Once you know what you need, check out our comprehensive equipment guide to find the right gear.
Will the course teach me how to monetize my podcast?
Courses that cover the business side of podcasting often include modules on monetization strategies like sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations. Check out our guides on podcast monetization and how much podcasters can make.
How long does it take to complete a podcast production course?
Duration varies. Some courses are self-paced and can be completed in a few weeks, while others, especially in-person workshops, may last several months.
Do podcast production courses offer certification at the end?
Some courses offer certificates upon completion. While certification isn’t usually necessary for podcasting, it can demonstrate your commitment and skills to potential collaborators or employers.
Do I need prior experience in podcasting or audio production?
Beginner courses usually don’t require prior experience, but intermediate or advanced courses might. Always check the prerequisites before enrolling.
Do podcast production courses cover legal issues like copyright and licensing?
Courses that aim to be comprehensive should cover legal basics like copyright, fair use, and licensing, which are crucial for avoiding legal pitfalls in podcasting.
Can I get one-on-one mentoring during or after a podcast production course?
Some courses offer one-on-one mentoring as part of the package or for an additional fee. If this is important for you, inquire before enrolling.
Is there a money-back guarantee if I’m not satisfied?
Many online courses offer a money-back guarantee within a certain period. Always read the terms and conditions to understand the refund policy.
