Podcasting has become one of the fastest-growing ways for businesses, creatives, and professionals to share ideas. But if it’s your first time stepping into a professional Sydney podcast studio, you might be wondering what to expect. Preparing well will help you make the most of your session and walk away with great audio that captures your message.
There are 3 key reasons why preparation matters before recording your first podcast episode:
You’ll save time: Studio hire is usually booked by the hour. Being prepared ensures you stay on track and maximise your recording time.
You’ll sound more confident: Knowing your flow, questions, and talking points helps you relax and deliver naturally.
You’ll get a professional result: Preparation ensures your session goes smoothly, leading to high-quality audio that represents you well.
Step 1: Plan Your Episode
Think of your podcast like a conversation with a purpose. Going in a Sydney podcast studio without a plan can feel overwhelming, so outline the key points you want to cover.
- Define your topic or theme for the episode.
- Create a loose structure with an intro, main discussion, and outro.
- Prepare sample questions if you’re interviewing a guest.
Tip: Time yourself doing a quick run-through so you know how long the session might take.
Step 2: Brief Your Guests
If you’re bringing someone along, make sure they know what to expect. Clear communication avoids surprises and helps them feel comfortable in the studio.
- Share the Sydney podcast studio location and directions.
- Give them an idea of the discussion topics.
- Remind them to wear quiet clothing (no bangles, rustling jackets, or noisy shoes).
- Send a one-page PDF with information about your podcast, what the episode will cover, and 5 sample questions. This way, your guest can prepare thoughtful answers and feel confident on the mic.
A well-prepared guest will make your conversation flow naturally and keep the recording on track.
Step 3: Rehearse Before Recording
Even though podcasts are meant to sound natural, a little practice goes a long way.
- Do a test read of your intro and outro.
- Practice speaking at a steady pace (don’t rush).
- Record yourself on your phone to get used to your own voice.
This will help you sound confident when the mic is on.
Step 4: Pack the Essentials
Most Sydney podcast studios provide microphones, mixers, and headphones. Still, it’s worth packing a few basics:
- Your notes or laptop for reference.
- Any brand assets (like intro music or visuals) if you’re recording extras.
- A USB or hard drive if you’d like to take your raw files with you.
Step 5: Arrive Early and Get Comfortable
Give yourself time to settle in. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes before your booking means you can relax before you start. This gives you a bit of time to talk to your guests and warm up.
- Silence your phone.
- Take a deep breath.
- Trust the process – the studio team is there to help.
Step 6: Make Sure You Have Your Branding and Distribution Ready
Recording the episode is just one part of your podcasting journey. To make the most of your Sydne podcast studio time, prepare your brand assets and digital setup in advance:
- Podcast thumbnail and cover artwork
- Logo and consistent branding
- TV background graphics (if recording video in-studio)
- Website landing page for your show
- Social media accounts ready to share content
- Podcast distribution setup (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts)
Don’t worry if you don’t have these ready yet – we also offer podcast branding and distribution packages to set you up for success from day one.
Ready to Record Your First Podcast in Sydney?
Your first recording session doesn’t need to be stressful. With a little preparation, you’ll walk in confident and leave with professional-quality audio.
Now that you know how to prepare, why not record your podcast with us at Storytellers Australia? Our Sydney podcast studio is designed to give you everything you need to sound your best.
👉 Talk to our producer today or explore our podcast studio hire services to book your first session.
