Remote Podcasting Tips for Summer Travel
It’s just about every person’s dream to be able to work when and where they’d like! Did you know that as a podcast creator, you are definitely one of those who can work ‘on the go’. A.k.a you can travel AND create at the same time! It might even be easier than you think to do remote podcasting
Of course, we encourage a strong work-life balance and taking time off to do what you enjoy, without bringing your work! However, we understand that in order to enjoy our summer travel, sometimes, that means going away for longer periods than our work may allow. What better way to enjoy summer travel than bringing your work with you? You get to:
Travel as far or as long as you’d like!
You can record on the go
and if it works for your show you can even include your travel in your episode(s)
Keep up with your planned recording/editing/ etc. without having to do all of the work before/after you travel
Maintain your podcast episode consistency - along with solidifying a strong audience base
You decide what remote podcasting you do vs what you get done before/after.
Plan Ahead for Remote Recording
Granted remote podcasting does require some planning, that is if you wish to enjoy your travel outside of your living quarters or stressing over finding the right equipment 😅. Just as with planning your podcasting year, it is crucial to plan what your remote podcasting will look like. Will you be recording, editing, interviewing, posting? Will you have a quiet place to work or do you have to literally bring your work on the go?
These questions all come in handy when you’re planning to partake in remoter podcasting during your summer travel! Why do you need to plan before you leave?
There are a lot of things that, once we get in the groove of producing, we forget about as it quickly becomes like second nature. Things like the internet and recording spaces become less reliable when we leave our homes. And let’s not forget about time zones! If you record on your own or have partners who live in your area, it is likely you’ve never really thought about time differences. With a little planning, patience, and flexibility you will be able to do remote recording without a hitch.
Pack Essential Equipment for On-the-Go Recording
Just as with any packing for vacation we have to make sure that we have the essentials for remote podcasting! Once you decide how much or how little remote podcasting you’ll be getting done make a checklist and gather your equipment.
Essential podcasting equipment for mobile recording setups - You will need to consider bringing your computer, microphone, headphones, and recording shields. Or use their alternates!
Phone: In place of a computer our phones can turn into amazing recording devices for recording your show while remote podcasting!
With apps like GarageBand, Anchor, Podbean, or one of the many discussed on Riverside’s blog (including Riverside’s recording app)!
Compact microphone: You can use AirPods/headsets with mics, or something like this:
or this on Amazon (this comes with an Audio interface)
Audio interface: This is needed to connect your microphones, headphones, and computer or phone. You can buy your microphone and interface separately or buy a combo such as the set linked on Amazon above.
Plan ahead for packing! How will you be transporting your equipment?!
Hard Case: Use a case-specific for your recording devices such as this hard case found on Amazon
Bubble Wrap: If you can’t bring a case for any reason use bubble wrap and soften with clothing. Make sure there’s nothing that can hit your equipment and that it won’t bang around
Manage Time Zones and Scheduling Challenges
An essential aspect of remote podcasting is being able to keep a schedule for your show. Whether it’s posting during a set time, meeting with crew members, or interviewing a guest it can get tricky when traveling through different time zones. So how will you maintain a schedule while on the go?
Keep track of your timezones and others by using tools such as:
A “Time Zone Converter” allows you to input your location and the location of where you are coordinating with. Doing the math for you!
I often use this converter here! (hint: take advantage of their meeting planner)
Calendly: is also a really great option for scheduling meetings as you put in your availability, in the time zone you will be in. When your guest/colleague schedules their interview time they will input their timezone and Calendly will convert the time for you!
Notifications: be sure to use calendars/notifications and alerts to remind you of meetings or times to post. When traveling it is easy to lose track of the time or even day when exploring and having fun!
When planning your recording time give ample room for troubleshooting connections, equipment, or any external factors!
Cross your T’s and dot your I’s
You have essentials and a safe way to transport your remote podcasting equipment but what else needs to be considered?
For interviews look into recording software: can you use recording software that allows you and your guest to record separately?
properly prepped: to avoid your vacation turning into you just working in another country, prepare for your interview and research prior to leaving! That way, before it’s time to record, you can review your research/questions and jump right into it.
Posting - do you plan to post episodes, social media, blogs, etc.? Do you have what you need? If you’re able, posting may be the only thing that you need to do while away. Consider:
Internet: will you have access to the internet where you are? Will it be strong enough to upload and/or post your podcast episode?
Prepping consider:
Pre-recording: just like when you batch content, record and/or edit all the content you can before you leave. If you can’t pre-record:
Prep content before leaving. Research, take notes, and plan your episodes ahead of time. This goes for interviewing guests as well.
Choose the Right Recording Environment
Of course, it’s likely that you won’t know the exact environment you will be in while remote podcasting, but if you can, plan ahead for what your recording environment looks like.
Will you be traveling to a friend’s house, a hotel, an Airbnb, etc?
Hotel: Use private conference rooms, and closets (if large enough), or set yourself up in your room in a corner by yourself. Read our blog for tips on soundproofing here.
Airbnb: Closets make for great make-shift studios, a private room, or if there’s an office those are all great locations
Quiet Cafe: find a cafe where you can quietly record
Outside: find a quiet/secluded area outside. Look for an area with little to no background noise or distractions.
Hint: Having a hard time finding a secluded area? Get out and record during the early mornings before the town/city wakes up.
If you are able to, purchase a microphone shield to block out as many distractions as you can while traveling in areas that you have zero control of the area.
Most importantly, remember that interruptions happen and especially while in an uncontrolled environment you want to stay flexible, you can pause and come back or include the interruption creatively!
Enjoy your summer and do what you love by remote podcasting while you travel! It may seem like a lot to consider but once you are prepped and on the go, you’ll be ecstatic you made the decision to take your studio on the road.
To have the best trip possible bring your essential equipment, stay aware of timezones, prep what you can, and most importantly stay flexible and have fun! Set yourself up for success, cross your t’s and dot your i’s, and enjoy remote podcasting!
Hav
