So You Want to Start a Podcast

Kristen Meinzer is a podcast host, producer, and former director of nonfiction programming for Slate’s sister company, Panoply. Her hosting credits include Stitcher/Panoply’s By the Book, Stitcher’s We Love You (And So Can You), CNN’s Decades of Movies podcast, Panoply’s When Meghan Met Harry, and WNYC/PRI’s Movie Date. Her producing credits include Happier with Gretchen Rubin, The Sporkful, Food 52’s Burnt Toast, Girlboss Radio, and other award-winning shows. Kristen’s work has been celebrated in Time, the Washington Post, Bust, Buzzfeed, the Evening Standard, Real Simple, Indiewire, and dozens of other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

[Meinzer] asks pointed questions intended to help readers find their voice and refine their product. . . . Clear and direct. . . . Dabblers who think it will be easy because ‘my friend Dave and I are really funny’ will (rightfully) be discouraged, but those serious about mastering podcasting will find Meinzer’s insights invaluable. — Publishers WeeklyThe real value of this book is the balance of clear instruction with motivation as Meinzer encourages aspiring podcasters to dig deep into what they want to share, while providing them with the tools to make their voices heard. — Booklist (starred review)This is the one and only book you need to get started. — Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Four Tendencies and host of Happier with Gretchen RubinKristen Meinzer knows podcasting inside out, upside down and sideways, and she has probably mastered a fourth podcast dimension I’m not aware of. Buy it and read it: Your future listeners thank you in advance. — Chris Bannon, chief content officer, StitcherIt’s like having a smart-as-heck mentor whispering You’ve got this in your ear, with a playful laugh to remind you to take your work seriously and have fun along the way. — Kerry Donahue, director of training, PRXKristen Meinzer has brilliantly laid out everything you need to know (it’s probably more than you think!) and exactly what steps to take from here. Just do it! — Sarah Bentley, director of podcasts, originals, and non-music programming at PandoraThe book is chock full of ideas to get you to think outside the box, and really fine-tune not just the first five minutes of your show but your entire show. I really liked this book a lot. — School of PodcastingA book worth reading even if you're already podcasting. — Inside PodcastingA true expert on this subject, so listen up and take notes! — Bust MagazineKristen Meinzer’s book is a smart, funny, thoughtful step-by-step guide not just for getting into podcasting, but also for being a good person while you do it. You’ll feel validated—and ready to tackle the world! — Mia Lobel, executive producer, Revisionist HistoryKristen Meinzer has written the definitive book on how to start a podcast. She’s not just the expert; she’s your biggest cheerleader and teacher, encouraging you to be bold and share your voice. She’s there holding your hand and until she pushes you out of the nest, saying, ‘Be bold! You can do it! I believe in you!’ — Ann Heppermann, founder, the Sarah AwardsThis book is by Kristen Meinzer, co-host of one of my favorite podcasts By the Book. I would pretty much trust her with my life, so I would def trust her to teach your friend how to start a pod. — Rachel Dunkel for BuzzfeedNot only does [Meinzer] lay out a proven method to get your podcast up and running, but she inspires you to constantly improve your game. Use her success as a springboard to build a podcast that attracts listeners while giving you a platform to spread your message. — ForbesJust the book I needed. . . . I’m working on launching a new project that is not a podcast, but so much of this was applicable to my project. . . . I appreciated the comprehensive overview of a variety of topics . . . interwoven with behind-the-scenes insights and a huge dose of encouragement. — Book RiotIf you're thinking of starting a podcast or any other kind of media show, I recommend it. — PubTalk Live