Tuning into Healthcare: Your Guide to Starting a Medical Podcast
Today I want to write about something that's close to my heart - podcasting. I’ve been podcasting for over a decade now, and with over 500 podcasts to my name, it’s fair to say I’m a believer!
And in this article, I’m hoping to convince you that you can create podcasts too!
Now, you might be thinking, "Podcasting? Really, Todd?" But hear me out. Podcasting isn't just for tech-savvy millennials or smooth-voiced radio hosts. It's for us too - the healthcare professionals, the medical enthusiasts, the lifelong learners.
Why Start a Podcast
So, why should you, a busy healthcare professional, consider starting a podcast? Well, for starters, it's a fantastic way to reach a wider audience. You can share your knowledge, experiences, and insights with people across the globe. Podcasts are an increasingly popular medium for learners, with research suggesting that listening to podcasts has unique learning benefits.
But more than that, it's about overcoming that little voice in your head that says, "Who would want to listen to me?" Trust me, you'd be surprised. Everyone has something valuable to say, and your unique perspective could be exactly what someone needs to hear.
Benefits of Podcasting for Personal Learning
But it's not just about the listeners. Hosting a podcast can be incredibly beneficial for your own learning. It's a chance to delve deeper into topics you're passionate about, to engage with experts in the field, and to reflect on your own practice. Plus, it counts towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD Home Program). I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned when doing podcasts - I need to prepare thoroughly so I can ask good questions, and then I get to listen to an expert talk about the topic! It’s great for my own learning.
And let's not forget - it's a whole lot of fun!
What Makes a Good Podcast
So, what makes a good podcast?
Well, clear audio is a must, so invest in a good microphone - you can get good ones for a couple of hundred dollars tops. I personally use a Rode and a Blue Yeti. If you plan to interview 1 or more guests live, make sure you get one that has a stereo or multidirectional mode (the sales assistants will help you find one). Getting a pop filter (the screen that sits in front of the mic) helps improve clarity too.
Think also about the environment. Make sure you’re in a quiet place as background noise is remarkably annoying. Turn your phone on silent and minimise distractions - and get your guests to do the same!
Content-wise, it's all about being authentic and passionate. If you're interested in the topic, chances are your listeners will be too. And don't forget to structure your podcast well - a little planning goes a long way.
Styles of Podcasts
There are many styles of podcasts to choose from. Interviews, solo podcasts, panel discussions, educational podcasts - the list goes on. Each has its pros and cons, so think about what suits your style and your content best.
I personally love the interview format. Most of the time all I do is give my guests a nudge and sit back and listen - people are so passionate about their areas of interest, it is hard not to get caught up in it. In many ways, I see myself as a human heading - I just interrupt with questions now and again to break it all up. Fun!
How to Start a Podcast
Now, the part you've all been waiting for - how to actually start a podcast. First, you'll need some equipment. As I mentioned earlier, a good microphone is crucial. You'll also need recording and editing software. I use GarageBand on my Mac, but there are plenty of alternatives for PC users.
Preparation is key. While it's important to sound natural and not overly scripted, having a clear plan will help you stay on track. Think about your main points, any questions you want to ask, and any stories you want to share.
Once you've recorded your podcast, it's time to edit. This might seem daunting, but software like GarageBand makes it pretty straightforward. You can easily trim out bits you don’t want. In my experience, less is more - podcasts are a great way at introducing new information, and if listeners are interested they will often go and do more research themselves. I aim for about 15-20 minutes which is the limit of most people’s attention (at least it is for me!)
And finally, you'll need to upload your podcast using an RSS feed. You will need to subscribe to a hosting service (I use Omnystudio) which you can then use to feed your podcasts into a range of players such as Apple Podcasts. I won't go into the details here, but there are plenty of resources available to guide you through the process - some examples can be found below.
Examples of Medical Podcasts
Looking for inspiration? There are some fantastic medical podcasts out there. Each one is unique, and there's a lot we can learn from them.
Here’s just a few :
Osler: Of course, it would be remiss of me not to mention my own! My podcasts are interviews with experts in research, different areas of clinical medicine and other inspiring clinicians with interesting things to say.
The Medical Journal of Australia: The MJA produces a regular podcast that covers a wide range of medical topics, often linked to articles published in the journal.
The GP Show: Hosted by Dr. Sam Manger, this podcast covers a wide range of topics relevant to general practice.
FOAMed - Free Open Access Medical Education: While not a podcast itself, this resource is a collection of free online medical education resources, including a number of Australian medical podcasts.
The Purple Pen Podcast: A podcast on clinical pharmacy, evidence-based medicine, and rational use of drugs.
Conclusion
So, there you have it - your guide to starting a medical podcast. It might seem like a lot, but don't be daunted. Podcasting is a journey, and every journey starts with a single step. So why not take that step today? You have a voice, and it's time to let it be heard.
Here are some useful resources on podcasting:
Digital Platforms in Performance: This is an online course offered by the University of Cambridge that covers writing for digital performance, including podcasts.
These resources cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of starting a podcast to more advanced topics like audio editing and promotion. They should provide a good starting point for anyone interested in starting their own healthcare podcast.