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Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better

By: Seven Million Bikes Podcasts
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About this listen

Welcome to Smarter Podcasting, by Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.


Niall has years of experience in podcasting, producing, editing, and hosting podcasts in various fields. He’s now on a mission to help podcasters create, publish, and build their communities through podcasting by sharing the techniques and lessons he’s learned.


The show is designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for any podcaster, whether they are individuals or businesses. Niall shares his tried and tested techniques for creating, publishing, and building a show, along with success stories of his own and his clients’ podcasts.


Whether you’re interested in starting a podcast or improving an existing one, Smarter Podcasting is a great free resource to help you.


Join Niall on this podcasting journey by subscribing or following Smarter Podcasting today.

© 2025 Smarter Podcasting: Making Podcasts Better
Education
Episodes
  • PodPast : EQUIPMENT: Finding the Perfect Fit: Selecting the Right Podcast Headphones for You
    Sep 18 2025

    In this episode, we explore the benefits and different types of podcast headphones available. We discuss the importance of features like sound isolation, comfort, and accurate audio monitoring in enhancing your podcasting experience and improving sound quality.

    Here are five key talking points for this episode:

    1. Headphone Features for Podcasters: Understand the importance of sound isolation, comfort, and accurate audio monitoring in choosing the right podcasting headphones.
    2. Wired vs. Wireless: Explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of wired and wireless headphones to determine which suits your podcasting setup best.
    3. Headphones with Built-in Microphones: Examine the pros and cons of headphones that include built-in microphones for convenience versus dedicated external mics.
    4. Headphone Recommendations: Review budget-friendly, midrange, and high-end headphone options, including Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, Audio Technica BPHS One, Audio Technica ATHM 50 X, Sony WH 1000 XM Four, and Audiz LCD Two.
    5. Compatibility Considerations: Learn how to ensure your headphones are compatible with your podcasting equipment and setup for optimal performance.

    Send us a text

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • PodPast : EQUIPMENT: How To Choose The Best Podcast Microphones For Any Budget
    Sep 11 2025

    In this episode, I provide a comprehensive guide to choosing the best podcast microphone for any budget. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster, this episode covers various microphone options, explains the differences between dynamic and condenser mics, and compares USB and XLR connectivity.

    I also shares recommendations for budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end microphones, highlighting their features and performance. You'll gain insights into microphone types, connectivity options, and factors to consider for optimal sound quality in their podcast recordings.

    Key Takeaways and the time:
    - Different microphone types: Condenser and dynamic microphones [00:09:00]
    - Pros and cons of condenser and dynamic microphones [00:10:00]
    - USB microphones offer easy setup and portability, while XLR microphones provide professional quality but require additional equipment [00:11:00]
    - Budget-friendly microphones: Shure SM57, Audio Technica ATR2100X USB, Samsung Q2U [00:13:00]
    - Mid-range microphone options: Audio Technica AT2020, Rode NT1 [00:17:00]
    - High-end microphone recommendations: Shure SM7B, Neumann U87Ei [00:19:00]
    - Factors to consider for optimal sound quality: Accessories, microphone technique, audio editing software [00:22:00]

    Resources Mentioned:
    - Descript (audio editing software) [00:24:00]
    - SpeakPipe (platform for leaving voice messages) [00:26:00]
    - sevenmillionbikes.com (host's website for resources, courses, and services)

    Send us a text

    Book a Discovery Call with me!


    Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
    Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
    I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 5 Podcasting Questions Every Podcaster Needs Answered
    Sep 8 2025

    This Q&A episode was a little different because instead of gathering listener questions, I turned to my best mate — ChatGPT — to ask me five questions about podcasting. Honestly, I had no idea what was coming, but the questions were spot-on and got me thinking deeply about what works and what doesn’t in podcasting.

    I shared lessons I’ve learned from years of trial, error, and growth, along with practical advice for podcasters at any stage. What I love about this format is that it forces me to reflect on what I actually believe, and not just what I’ve read or heard.

    Key Talking Points
    Pivoting Your Podcast – When downloads decline and engagement drops, it’s time to rethink your format or content.
    The Social Media Trap – Posting endlessly won’t grow your audience; instead, invest in organic marketing or podcast-specific ads.
    Starting from Scratch – The best advice is simple: just start. Don’t wait for the perfect gear or setup.
    Sponsorship Without Huge Numbers – Small podcasts can still win sponsors by being niche, creative, and packaging their value.
    Building Listener Loyalty – Make your audience feel like they’re part of a club—give them a name and bring them along for the ride.

    Chapters & Timestamps
    [00:00] – Introduction & why this episode is different
    [02:00] – How to know when to pivot your podcast
    [05:00] – The one thing podcasters waste time on
    [08:00] – What I’d do differently if starting today
    [10:00] – How small podcasts can attract sponsors
    [12:00] – The best way to keep listeners coming back

    Send us a text

    Book a Discovery Call with me!


    Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?
    Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.
    I’ve been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
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