The Ultimate Podcast Producer Checklist

Your guide to everything your producer is thinking about during a recording. Spoiler: pressing record is just the start…

Our clients often tell us that they have a lot of anxiety around the workflow of a podcast production. We totally get that! You’ve never done this before. 

Think of it this way, just like you get to work and check your to do list, our producers have their own little checklist. 

Remember: Their number one job priority is making you and your podcast sound good! 

To alleviate some of your concerns, we’re going to give you a sneak peek about the things they are thinking about so that you don’t have to!

The Producers Checklist

These are the questions every producer worth their salt should be thinking about the whole time during a recording. 

These are the questions every producer worth their salt should be thinking about the whole time during a recording. 

• Do you sound good? 

  • We make sure that the mic is set up and working fine. We also guide the wider set-up to make sure you are sounding your best. 

• Is your energy up?

  • The mic and producer pick up what you don’t. Authoritative, enthusiastic, conversational - whatever energy you are going for, the producer will be looking for this throughout the performance and giving you prompts when needed. 

• Are we recording! 

  • Gotta have that one. 

• Is the guest all set-up and ready to go? 

  • Where applicable, the producer will also be checking in on all of these points for your guest also. 

• Are you sticking to the script and hitting the key points you’ve planned for? 

  • It can be easy to lose sight of this when you are in the hosting seat - the producer will be across this and guide the conversation when needed. 

• Are they going off-script or ad-libbing? 

  • This can be great - but the producer needs to make sure you are staying on message!

• Are you saying the right words and the correct words? 

  • These sorts of slips are really tricky - and sometimes impossible - to fix in the edit!

• Are you speaking clearly and explaining yourself well for your listening audience?

  • This is crucial. Your producer acts as the listener’s proxy whilst you are recording. They will be listening out for comments that need expanding upon or to be made clearer, like industry jargon or unfamiliar acronyms. 

• Should you ask any additional questions for clarity or rephrase?

  • A second opinion is always helpful, isn’t it? Again, your producer is representing the listener during the recording - they will be able to catch anything missing. 

• Did you capture the recording?

  • VERY crucial.

As the host or guest, recording is your time to enjoy and have fun. The hard bit was done in the prep… and the rest… your producer is in charge of. 

If you are interested in working with a podcast producer to level up your podcast, get in touch contact@messageheard.com.