"I want to learn to podcast. What are the best podcasting courses you recommend?"
"Do you recommend some online training or classes on podcasting?"
These are the exact words I found in two random emails I received from my email subscribers and listeners in the last few months.
On further digging, I realized that the problem is not with finding online podcasting courses. There are plenty of free podcast training courses (and paid ones too).
Everyone wants to learn to podcast. A tiny number of serious podcasters like you signup for podcasting courses. But they struggle making a decision on what online course to pick. And that's what makes people ask those questions.
Ever since, I created my own podcasting course (more about it in the end), wrote in-depth tutorials to come up with podcast ideas, find the best podcast topics, and a lot more resources on this blog. But to tell you the truth, I always learn so much from other podcasters.
So in this article, I decided to hand-pick a few podcast training, podcast schools, masterclasses, and podcasting courses from a few of the best podcasters and teachers in the world.
These courses are not just end-to-end podcasting courses, but also specialized courses like a podcast editing class, or podcast production training, one on interviewing, or even one that goes deep into sound editing and design.
In this post, I attempt to create the best-handpicked guide to podcasting courses. You're the judge - read and you'll know why I'm saying so.
I'm going to make my recommendations along with why I think you should signup for these courses.
Alright, let's jump right in!
7 Best Podcasting Courses
I highly suggest you read my full recommendation below before deciding to pick any of them. These courses and resources are intentionally in this order, and you'll learn that as you read on.
Disclaimer: Many links in this article are affiliate links. If you use them to make a purchase, I will be paid a tiny fee. We use this money to buy more courses, tools, review them for you, and create all of this content. I have built my business on the highest set of values. I never ever recommend something to you if I don't trust with my wallet or time. We just want to be upfront about this. Thank you for your understanding and support!
1. Power-Up Podcasting by Pat Flynn
Pat Flynn started the Smart Passive Income Podcast in 2009 and has another famous show called Ask Pat (now renamed to Smart Bar). Power-Up Podcasting is Pat's signature course that he launched in 2017.
The reason this course is something that features at the top of my list is that I've used Pat Flynn's free podcasting course on YouTube when I started my podcast in 2016. His Smart Passive Income blog is what I used to learn podcasting (and affiliate marketing too). I like his teaching style and have spoken to several students of Pat too.
Update: I recently reviewed the Power-Up Podcasting 2.0 course in detail. Please take a moment and give it a read.
Weekly LIVE Office Hours You Get To Attend Every Week!
Pros
Cons
There aren't any cons with this course really. But some people might find the price is a little steep. But remember, you are learning the art from one of the most successful podcasters (and marketers) out there.
I highly recommend you sign up for Power-Up Podcasting. If you have any questions about the course, feel free to drop me a note and I'll try my best to answer your questions.
Special Bonus In Three Steps!
1️⃣ IF { you signed up for Power-Up Podcasting with this link,}
2️⃣ THEN {send an email with a screenshot of the receipt to support (at) designyourthinking.com with "PATDYT" in the subject}
3️⃣ SO THAT { I can send you a complimentary 1-1 45-minute strategy session with me AND access to one of my paid podcasting courses.}
Easy peasy!
This offer is also valid if you signup for Pat's AMP'd Up Podcasting course using this link for learning how to grow and monetize your podcast.
Having used Pat's blog, courses, and other resources for so long, we take this as a tiny way to pay it forward by doing this to his students. Much gratitude!
Success Tip: If you already have a podcast, I suggest you signup for AMP'd Up Podcasting - worth every penny!
2. Podcast Production Course by Mike Russel at Music Radio Creative
I've used Music Radio Creative for my podcast voice-over and jingles. Mike Russel and Izabella Russel are the two people behind Music Radio Creative that have been really passionate about music and podcasting.
Podcast Production Course is created by Mike, an experienced audio producer. The reason I recommend this course is because of the depth Mike goes into on the production side.
If you just got started with your podcast or if you've been doing it for a while, you'll find this course super helpful. From equipment to sound treatment for various kinds of setup, Mike covers it all.
Pros
Cons
I struggle to find cons with this course. Mike is a seasoned audio producer and he does a thorough job of this course. But if you are looking to master the art of audio engineering, this is not the course for you (I have something for you in #6).
Signup for the Podcast Production Course by Mike Russel and you have my full recommendation. And while you're there, also check out their production services for your voice-overs, jingles, and more!
3. Podcast Journal by John Lee Dumas at EOFire
What is one thing I've learned from 4 years of podcasting and close to 20 years of creating products?
Staying focused is key.
That's why The Podcast Journal is something I decided to list as #3 before listing down other podcasting courses.
Using The Podcast Journal you can launch your podcast in 50 days.
John Lee Dumas is one of the top podcasters in the world. In fact, the name John Lee Dumas is so synonymous with podcasting like how Oprah with television.
He released a new episode every single day for over 7 years on his award-winning podcast EOFire. So there's no one better than him to talk about focus.
Go ahead and give The Podcast Journal a try.
Pros
Cons
None actually. But if I had to pick one, it would be that you have to do the work of opening the journal every day and write. For some, this might seem like a new habit. But I can tell you that journaling is one worth developing.
So go ahead and get yourself a copy of The Podcast Journal today.
4. Podcasters Paradise by John Lee Dumas at EOFire
Back to courses, I definitely want to talk about one of the first podcasting courses and communities - Podcasters Paradise. This was also created by John Lee Dumas.
Filled with the course materials, monthly Q&A calls with JLD and Kate, this is one community you must consider being a part of. Back when I started, a lot of podcasters who got into this program came out with really big shows.
Pros
I must highlight the third point. Sometime back I interviewed John Lee Dumas on my podcast. It was a 20-minute interview, but JLD delivered a TON of value!
Listen to the episode to understand why I say the 8-minute strategy call is priceless.
Cons
Okay, the price might be a little too high for some. But you get JLD!
So, go ahead and signup for Podcasters Paradise now.
5. Podcasting Classes and Trainings on CreativeLive
When it comes to podcasting there are a few names that stand out. Alex Blumberg, Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin are just some names that come to my mind. But learning from these big names can cost a fortune.
That's why I love CreativeLive as it brings in all these people and their teams together. There are specific classes inside CreativeLive that I highly recommend.
Here are the classes you must not miss inside CreativeLive:
6. Podcast Engineering School (Complete Podcast Producer Course)
Now I understand some of us are so passionate about podcasting that we are looking at mastering the art of audio and production.
Is that you?
If so, the Podcast Engineering School is for you. The school is created by Chris Curran who comes from the world of music engineering and production. He's worked as an engineer, producer, or assistant engineer roles on projects with Sarah McLachlan, Jeff Buckley, MC Hammer, Ice Cube, to name a few. Sounds cool right?
You signup for this program, you sign out as a Pro. Nothing short of it.
This program is for you if you are serious about podcasting and want to pursue it as a career. Podcast Engineering School is a complete podcast production class and podcast editing class combined.
Don't trust my words? Check the program's content for yourself.
Pros
Cons
Well, it would be foolish of me to say that the price is expensive. But hey, this is like a full program at a college at the price.
Many celebrity-created courses are priced at this price point for no significant content. So yes, I have no cons. Just signup if you want to be a pro!
7. PODIENCE - Free Podcast Training Course
Want to get started learning the nitty-gritty of podcasting this weekend? Signup for Podience. In this two-day workshop-style training, you'll learn everything you need to launch a podcast. In fact, if you're ready, you will have one episode ready to days from today. Ready for it?
Please note that this is not a long course like Power-Up Podcasting or Podcast Engineering School. But if you want to experience the end-to-end process and see the result, consider signing up. Here's what you get when you signup:
Learn to Podcast Today
Podcasting courses are great. But no skill can be learned without actually practicing it. I cannot stress enough why you must consider starting a podcast today. In fact, I like the way John Lee Dumas put it when I interviewed him on my podcast:
I think so many people are just waiting for all the signs to be green, all the signs to be pointing north for all these different things. Just start. I would've started earlier. That's what I wished I'd done. That's what I'd wish to leave as a message for everybody here. Just start. Get it going. - John Lee Dumas
Start Your Podcast Today
Let's put an end to all excuses. Here are a quick set of resources to help you kick the excuses and get started.
- Podcast Ideas: If you're stuck at the beginning, read this article to get some podcast ideas to fuel your thinking.
- Podcast Topic: Want help pick a good podcast topic? Read this step-by-step post where you will learn creative ways to find your podcast topic, nail your podcast audience, and your podcast narrative.
- Podcast Outline: Have a plausible podcast idea? Read this article to create your podcast outline.
- Podcast Equipments and Software: In case you're looking for help with equipment, software, etc, here's a comprehensive list of podcasting resources.
- Free Podcasting Course: If you need more help, signup for PODIENCE, my free podcasting course.
And when you're ready, signup for one of the above courses. If you have any questions about any of the above courses, drop me an email.
Here's the bottom line: you need to start your podcast today. Leave a comment and share this article if you liked it. You're awesome!
