Online courses for VO and podcasting beginners and 7 audio recording software options

Today's episode is about three common questions people ask me:   How do I get into voiceover?   How do I start a podcast?   How do I record, edit, and produce audio?   First of all, thank you for trusting me with your questions.  Unfortunately, I'm not a voiceover coach or a podcasting coach.  However, I appreciate your questions, and I care about pointing you in the right direction.  So, this episode mentions online courses for VO and podcasting beginners and a list of recording software options (and related online courses or webinars) for you to consider.   VO Online Courses VO Success is taught by pharmacist, voice actor, and podcast host Mike Lenz.  Visit https://vosuccess.com.  Introduction to Voiceover is taught by voice actor and coach Rhonda Phillips.  Visit http://introductiontovoiceover.com.  Rhonda will be a guest on my podcast in June to talk about coaching newbies and her career in VO.   Podcasting Online Course The School of Podcasting is taught by Podcast Coach Dave Jackson.  The website is https://schoolofpodcasting.com.  Please use my affiliate link to purchase a monthly membership:  https://www.theschoolofpodcasting.com/bundles/school-of-podcasting-monthly-membership?ref=2bec1f.  Dave has been a podcaster for more than 15 years.  In his course, he teaches students how to plan, launch, grow, and monetize podcasts.  I personally went through his program, and I loved it!  From the time I started until I published my first episode, it took about 2 months.   Whether you're into VO or podcasting, you need to learn how to record, edit, and produce audio.  By produce, I mean create an MP3 or WAV file.  You need something called recording software.  There are a number of platforms out there.  They all have learning curves.  Do your research!  Find one in your price range that has the tools you need and works with your Mac or PC.  Then, get started!   7 recording software options I recommend: Adobe Audition Audacity (This was my first DAW.) Garage Band Hindenburg Journalist Reaper Studio One Artist (This is what I use as of April 2021.) Twisted Wave Some are better for podcasting than VO.  Do your research!  There are online courses and webinars out there for learning recording software too.  See list below:  Adobe Audition Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting (This course is included in the monthly membership.) "Uncle Roy" (aka Roy Yokelson) from Antland Productions. Audacity  Jonah Rosenthal through GVAA Larry Hudson from VO Heaven Dave Jackson from the School of Podcasting (This course is included in the monthly membership.) You can also learn Garage Band and Hindenburg Journalist from Dave Jackson.  Both are included in the monthly membership. Mike Delgaudio, aka Booth Junkie, teaches how to use Reaper.   The Studio One Artist course is called Studio One Jumpstart.  It's taught by Don Baarns and his son Donny Baarns.  I have personally taken this, and it is excellent.   Jim Edgar teaches Twisted Wave. George Whittam is a skilled audio engineer.  Search Youtube for videos.    Learning recording software takes time and practice!  Don't get frustrated.  If this is what you really want to do, just stay with it.  It gets easier!