Don’t Start Cutting Yet: The Setup Step That Saves Hours in Editing

You recorded your episode… now it’s time to edit. But before you start cutting, trimming, and adding music, there’s a step most new podcasters skip—and it can cost you hours.

In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through the “editing prep” workflow: tracking your recording levels, choosing editing software, importing your files correctly, and applying basic audio processing so your episode sounds consistent from start to finish.

What we cover

• The recording mistake that ruins audio: peaking/clipping (and why it’s hard to fix)
• How to track your levels while recording (aim for upper green + yellow, not the top)
• The difference between gain and sliders/volume controls
• Editing software options (and who they’re best for):
  • Audacity (free, but destructive editing)
  • Reaper (one-time cost, powerful)
  • Adobe Audition (great if you already have Adobe)
  • DaVinci Resolve (free, strong audio tools + future video option)
• How to import audio from recorders (SD card workflow, stereo file vs. individual tracks)
• Why multi-track editing gives you more control (breaths, bleed, loud laughs, room noise)
• The “make it consistent” starter stack: compressor + denoise (plus de-esser/de-hum if needed)
• Why you should never edit on laptop speakers—and how to check mixes across headphones, car, and earbuds
• How EQ and presets can shape the “signature sound” of your podcast

The big takeaway

Editing gets way easier when you set your levels and processing first. Do the setup once, and you’ll save time on every episode after.

Next episode: How to actually edit—cutting, shaping the story, and building a polished final episode.

You’ve planned the show. You’ve got the gear. You’ve set up your space. Now it’s time for the part most people picture when they think “podcasting”: recording.

In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through what to do before and during your recording session so you don’t end up rushed, stressed, or stuck with hours of painful edits.

What we cover

• Why you should block more time than you think (even for a “quick” 15-minute episode)
• The reality of recording: your raw session will usually be much longer than the final episode
• Pre-record checklist: test your gear, silence your phone, remove distractions, and confirm your audio is actually saving
• Why it helps to record a backup when you can
• How to calm your nerves and avoid the “100 miles per hour” problem
• What to do when you get tongue-tied: pause, reset, and re-do a sentence
• Why you should keep your episode flow/outline in front of you while recording
• A simple trick to stay audience-focused: keep a picture of your listener persona nearby
• The “playground” approach: try multiple intros and transitions, then choose what works in editing
• The 30-second rule: why your opening matters more than you think

The big takeaway

Your first recording isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning your voice, your pace, and your flow. Treat it like a test run, play with it, and you’ll get better fast.

Produced & Edited by: Olivia Blomberg
Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/

You bought the gear… now what?

In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks you through how to set up your podcast equipment step-by-step—starting with the most overlooked part: where you record. Because the wrong room can make even great microphones sound like you’re talking in a cave.

What we cover in this episode

• Pick the right recording space (and which spaces to avoid)
• Simple ways to reduce echo using what you already have: books, rugs, curtains, clothes, blankets
• How to set up your mic stand so your gear stays stable (and doesn’t crash mid-recording)
• XLR basics: what plugs where, and how to get that “click” connection
• How to connect your mic to a mixer/recorder (and why channel numbers matter)
• Headphone setup tips (including when you’ll need a ¼-inch adapter)
• Gain vs. fader/slider: a beginner-friendly way to set levels without getting overwhelmed
• Why you should test your full setup before a guest shows up (and how to “playground test” it)

The big takeaway

You don’t need a perfect studio—you need a good space, a clean connection, and a little time to test and play before you record for real.

Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/