You don’t need a studio, a fancy microphone, or even prior experience to start your own podcast. You just need a clear voice, a quiet space, and the right setup to get going. Whether you're leading a remote team, building a startup, or trying to strengthen your company culture, podcasting can be a powerful tool to connect and engage.
At Humanise Live, we’ve seen how podcasting helps leaders share insights, boost internal communication, and even onboard new team members with more authenticity. If you're looking to launch your own show, this guide will walk you through the basics—without the tech overwhelm.
Why podcasting works for remote teams
Remote work often lacks the spontaneous hallway conversations and shared moments that happen naturally in physical offices. A podcast helps bring some of that back.
Team leaders are using podcasts to:
Share company updates in a more personal way
Interview team members across departments
Onboard new hires with stories and experiences from the team
Record QAs and respond to real questions from employees
podcast setup for beginners creates a space for leadership to feel human, and for messages to be delivered with tone and intention—something written updates can struggle to achieve.
What you need to get started
Here’s the good news: starting a podcast doesn't have to cost a lot or require months of planning. Below is a simple breakdown of what you need:
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Microphone | USB mic (e.g. Samson Q2U or Audio-Technica ATR2100x) |
| Recording software | Audacity (free), or Riverside.fm for interviews |
| Editing software | GarageBand (Mac), Audacity, or Descript |
| Hosting platform | Buzzsprout, Podbean, or Transistor |
| Quiet environment | Small room with soft furnishings helps dampen echo |
| Artwork branding | Simple cover image (1400x1400 px), clear episode titles |
| Headphones | Closed-back headphones for clean monitoring |
You don’t need all of the above on day one. Many podcasters start with just a USB mic, free software, and a clear plan.
Setting up your recording space
You don’t need a soundproof room, but environment matters. A few tips:
Choose a quiet space away from traffic or noisy appliances
Avoid large empty rooms; carpets, curtains, and soft furniture help reduce echo
Record at times when your surroundings are quietest
One project manager told us they recorded their first few episodes in a walk-in closet—and it worked. The point is: focus on reducing background noise, not perfection.
Planning your first few episodes
Before hitting record, map out your first three episodes. Keep them short—10 to 20 minutes is perfect for most listeners, especially in a workplace context. A few beginner-friendly formats:
A solo episode explaining who you are and why you’re starting this podcast
An interview with a team member or founder
A QA answering real questions from your team or audience
Write a few bullet points instead of a full script. It helps you sound more natural while keeping your thoughts organized.
Recording and editing basics
Recording: Speak clearly, and don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try. Pause, take breaks, and edit later. Tools like Descript let you edit audio like a Word doc, removing filler words or stumbles easily.
Editing: Keep it simple. Trim the start and end, remove obvious mistakes, and add an intro or outro music track. Free libraries like Free Music Archive offer royalty-free background music.
Publishing and sharing
Once your episode is ready, upload it to a podcast hosting platform. These services distribute your show to places like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Craft a short, clear description for each episode. Include guest names (if applicable) and any links you mention.
If your goal is internal communication, you don’t need to go public. You can upload private podcasts on platforms like Transistor or Humanise Live's own internal podcasting feature, designed for teams that want to stay connected without broadcasting to the world. Learn more here.
Keeping it sustainable
Don’t try to launch a weekly show from day one. Start monthly, or even once every six weeks. Consistency is key, but quality matters more than volume.
Tips to stay consistent:
Batch record 2–3 episodes in one sitting
Keep a running list of episode ideas
Set a reminder or calendar slot for your recording days
And if you’re managing a team, invite others to host episodes too. This spreads the effort and brings more voices into the mix.
Common mistakes to avoid
Over-editing: Leave some natural pauses and "ums" in—it sounds more human
Chasing perfection: Your first episode won’t be your best, and that’s okay
Skipping planning: Even a loose outline helps episodes stay focused
Not promoting it: Whether it's for your team or wider audience, share it
Real-world example: podcasting in a remote startup
At Humanise Live, we’ve worked with startup founders who use podcasts to bring their culture to life. One founder began a short weekly series called “Friday Fireside,” where they’d reflect on the week, spotlight team wins, and share company goals.
The impact? Team members felt more connected, and new hires reported that they felt the “tone” of the company before even meeting their managers.
It wasn’t professionally edited. But it was real—and that mattered more.
Final thoughts
Podcasting doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s a tool—a powerful one—that can help leaders communicate better in a remote-first world.
Start small. Be consistent. Focus on clarity and connection over polish. And if you’re building an internal show for your team, platforms like Humanise Live make it easy to publish, share, and even measure engagement in one place.
Your voice is a leadership tool. It’s time to use it.
