Common Problems in Podcast Production and How to Solve Them

Podcasting started out as a simple way to share ideas, stories or conversations. But once you take that idea and try to turn it into a professional show, things start to get complicated. Poor audio, falling behind on uploads, losing listener interest – these are the sorts of problems that can sneak in and hold your podcast back. Whether you're just starting your first show or you're a few episodes in and hitting snags, it's easy to feel stuck without knowing how to fix things.

If you’re based in Exeter and want your podcast to sound sharp enough to be taken seriously, you’ve got to look beyond just pressing record. It’s about bringing everything together – the tech, the schedule, the content and the way you connect with real people on the other end. Let's go through some of the usual things that go wrong with podcast production and how to sort them out before they become too big to ignore.

Audio Quality Issues

Audio is the backbone of a podcast. If your sound isn’t clean and clear, it doesn’t matter how great your content is – listeners won’t stick around. Common complaints include humming in the background, your voice dipping in and out, or that dreaded echo that makes you sound like you're recording in a hallway.

Here’s where it usually goes wrong:

- Recording in untreated or noisy rooms

- Using the wrong mic for the job

- Having too many volume highs and lows

- Forgetting to monitor levels during the session

To fix poor sound, the first move is to get your recording space under control. A quiet, carpeted room with cushions or curtains can do wonders to avoid echo and reduce outside noise. If that’s not possible, even a temporary setup like recording under a duvet can work in a pinch.

Next, look at the mic setup. Don’t place the mic too far from your mouth, and check that it’s not picking up furniture vibrations. Choose a microphone that suits voice recording, not one meant for instruments or live gigs. Getting a dynamic mic can help cut out background sound, which is great for rooms that aren't perfect.

Editing is where good becomes great. Clean up your audio before uploading by:

- Cutting out long pauses and “ums”

- Normalising volume for balance

- Removing awkward clicks or mouth sounds

Basic free software like Audacity or more advanced plugins in tools like Adobe Audition can make this part smoother. If you're serious about quality and don’t want to spend every evening editing, this is the point where outside help can save a lot of time and stress.

Content Consistency

Coming up with good ideas for your show is definitely fun – at least in the beginning. But keeping up with a regular schedule is where most people start to fall behind. Life gets in the way, unexpected things pop up, and before you know it, you're weeks behind. And when your uploads become patchy, it's hard for listeners to stay loyal.

One way to stay on track is to plan ahead as much as possible:

- Build a simple content calendar. Know what each episode will cover at least a month in advance

- Batch record when you're free. If you have time on a Sunday afternoon, get two or three episodes done in one go. This adds breathing space when busy weeks come up

- Keep a list of backup ideas or short episodes for times when you can’t manage a full session

- Use reminders or alarms to prompt editing, uploads or promotion tasks

This isn’t just about discipline. A consistent schedule makes your podcast feel reliable, like a chat with a friend you expect each week. It also gives you the momentum to improve your skills, grow your audience and feel confident that you’re actually building something that lasts.

Just think of your favourite regular shows – chances are they’ve kept to a pretty firm pattern. If you’re aiming to reach that level, consistency has to be a priority, even if the content is still evolving as you go.

Audience Engagement

Getting people to tune in is one thing, but keeping them interested is another. Listeners often have a ton of options, so making your podcast stand out can be quite the task. Engagement hinges on making your audience feel like part of the journey. This means going beyond being just a voice on their headphones.

Here’s what you can do to amp up audience engagement:

- Organise listener Q&As. Letting listeners shape some content can make them feel valued and invested. Drop them a chance to send questions on X or email them ahead of a recording

- Weave in social media. Platforms like X and Instagram can be great for sharing snippets, updating on new episodes and sparking conversations

- Tell stories that resonate. Whether it's personal anecdotes, guest stories or listener submissions, storytelling is a powerful connection tool

- Use real-time feedback as a guide. Brief polls or surveys allow listeners to share their thoughts, guiding the direction of future episodes. This exchange builds a tighter bond

Remember that listeners respond well to realness and relatability. If someone feels spoken to and not at, they're more likely to keep coming back and even spread the word to friends.

Technical Challenges

Tech woes can hit out of nowhere. Maybe it’s issues with recording equipment or your editing software acting up. If you're unprepared, a small issue can quickly evolve into a bigger headache.

Here’s how you can work around common tech troubles:

- Regularly check your gear. Ensure all your equipment, from mics to headphones, is in working order before each session

- Keep software updated. Updates often iron out known issues, keeping your recording and editing processes smooth

- Have backup gear handy. Misfortunes happen, and having a spare mic or cables can keep your recordings on schedule

- Pick reliable hosting. A strong podcast hosting platform ensures episodes are easily accessible without playback issues

While these might seem like small details, sorting them out early can save you lots of frustration later.

Encouraging Listener Growth

Once your show is on a steady course, the next big step is growing your audience. More listeners mean more opportunities, but it takes effort to spread the word and keep people tuned in.

Try these strategies to reach more ears:

- Cross-promote with other podcasters. Team up with similar shows and appear on each other's episodes to swap audience interest

- Share consistently across digital channels. Regular clips, highlights and reminders shared on channels like X or Instagram help capture attention

- Monitor behaviour. See what your audience enjoys and where they're losing interest. Use tracking tools or feedback requests to check what’s working and adjust things from there

Growth won’t be instant, but with steady promotion and careful tweaks, you can build a show that travels far beyond its starting point.

Your Next Podcast Milestone

Producing a podcast can be a truly rewarding process when done with intention and clarity. By addressing recurring issues with audio, content, tech and growth, you give your show a real chance to shine. Creating a smoother, more enjoyable production flow makes the whole experience feel less like a chore and more like a creative outlet.

If you're starting small, stay encouraged – improvement comes with each recording. For anyone already producing but struggling to juggle the headaches that come with it, expert help can take the load off. There’s peace of mind in knowing that support is there when you need it. Keep building, keep adapting and keep connecting with your audience – one episode at a time.

Boost your podcast from good to great with a little expert help. If you're aiming to take the stress out of your production, consider partnering with a professional podcast production agency that understands what it takes to create standout audio content. At EvoMedia, we work closely with you to deliver a smooth, engaging process tailored to your ideas, your schedule and your audience.