A Beginner's Guide to Start Podcasting

72% of adults in Ireland are now listening to podcasts on a monthly basis.

They're listening 48 minutes per day - That's 12 days per year listening to podcasts!

Podcasting has exploded into a mainstream medium, and in 2025, it’s an incredible opportunity for businesses, entrepreneurs, and creators to connect with audiences in a personal, impactful way.

Ever thought about launching a podcast, but felt overwhelmed by the process?

This guide will walk you through every step with practical tips to get started - without breaking the bank or your schedule. At GK Media, we’ve helped dozens of clients turn their ideas into audio gold, and we’re excited to share that roadmap with you.

First, let’s tackle the why.

Podcasting isn’t just about jumping on a trend - it’s about building a platform where your voice becomes a trusted resource. Unlike text or video, podcasts reach people during their downtime - commutes, workouts, or chores - making it a uniquely intimate medium. It’s also cost-effective and scalable, with a low barrier to entry compared to other content types.

According to Edison Research, over 60% of U.S. adults have listened to a podcast – and those numbers continue to climb yearly. Your audience is out there waiting - why not meet them where they are?

Step 1: Define your niche.

  • This isn’t about casting the widest net; it’s about depth.

  • What do you know that others want to learn? Are you a business owner with operational insights? A creative with storytelling tips?

  • A niche keeps your content focused and attracts a loyal listener base. At GK Media, we’ve seen niche podcasts outperform broad ones every time - specificity breeds connection.

 Step 2: Gear Up

  • A decent USB microphone delivers crisp sound and plugs right into your laptop. Pair it with free software like Audacity or GarageBand for recording and editing. Headphones help you monitor audio quality - any pair will do to start. Sound matters more than perfection.

  • Listeners forgive a little background noise if the content’s good. Our clients come to use our studio space as they prefer to bring a guest to a professional studio, rather than their home. But work with your budget first, and scale up from there.

 Step 3: Plan your episode.

  • Keep it simple: a 15-20 minute chat works for beginners.

  • Start with a quick intro - who you are, what’s coming up. Then dive into your topic. Maybe it’s “Three Lessons from My First Year in Business” or “How to Hack Your Morning Routine.”

  • Wrap up with a call-to-action - invite feedback or point listeners to your website.

  • Scripting helps, but don’t over-rehearse; authenticity trumps polish in podcasting. Record a test run, listen back, and tweak as needed. Nervous? Imagine you’re chatting with a friend - it’ll loosen you up.

Step 4: Editing is your secret weapon.

  • Trim awkward pauses or “ums” with Audacity’s easy tools - just highlight and delete.

  • Add a royalty-free intro tune from sites like Free Music Archive to sound pro without copyright headaches. Keep it short - 10 seconds max.

  • Export as an MP3, and you’re ready to share. Don’t obsess over perfection; your first episode won’t be flawless, and that’s okay. Listeners love growth stories.

Step 5: Distribution is simpler than ever.

  • Platforms like Spotify for Creators host your show for free or cheerfully cheap, bringing it to Apple Podcasts, Google, and more.

  • Upload your file, write a catchy title (think “Start Here: My Top 5 Tips”), and craft a description with keywords - SEO matters in audio too.

  • Alternatively, you can invest in a paid platform on Podbean to incorporate Dynamic Ad insertion. Then add basic cover art via Canva.

Hit publish, and you’re live!

  • Sharing is caring, and that applies to your podcast too. Share the link on LinkedIn, Instagram, wherever your audience hangs out. Repurpose your podcast highlights as social media teasers to get people interested.

Remember! Consistency is your growth engine.

  • Start with one episode a month - manageable for busy schedules - then scale to biweekly as you find your rhythm.

  • Engage listeners by asking for questions or feedback via email or social. Over time, you’ll build a community. At GK Media, we’ve seen clients go from zero to thousands of downloads by sticking to this plan. One client, a health coach, hit 10,000 monthly listeners in six months with weekly 30-minute episodes.

  • Monetisation comes later - sponsorships, ads, or premium content - but focus first on value. Every episode is a chance to showcase expertise, drive traffic, or sell subtly.


A client recording their podcast in GK Media Studios.

 

Ready to start?

  • Pick your niche today, record a five-minute test, and send it to a friend for feedback. You’ll be amazed how fast it comes together.

At GK Media, we’re here to guide and support you - our studio recently won the Business All-Star Best Podcast Studio in Ireland award 2025, alongside the best audio and visual equipment.

And if you don’t like editing - we can do that for you too!

Not to mention scheduling your episodes, providing social media video clips to hook people in, and creating bespoke graphics to powerfully promote your podcast.

Just get in touch via info@gkmedia.ie

A Night in the Life of a Palliative Care Nurse: A Conversation with Hilary Neville


Introduction

In a recent episode of our podcast, I had the pleasure of engaging in a profound conversation with Hilary Neville, a night nurse with over 25 years of experience in the community. We delved into her experiences working with palliative care patients and being present during end-of-life moments. This blog post aims to share the insights and lessons from our conversation.

The Role of a Night Nurse

One of the first questions I asked Hilary was what it's like to be with people who have died. It's a question many hesitate to ask, possibly out of concern for their own family members. Hilary expressed her gratitude for being able to be present during such significant moments in people's lives. She recalled her first night as a night nurse, where she arrived at an elderly man's home and confirmed that his wife had passed away. This experience highlighted the gap between the daytime community nurses and the night nurses, and the crucial role they play in providing comfort and reassurance during these difficult times.

Life Beyond Nursing

Hilary also shared her experiences working in a foreign country where she and her husband enjoyed a tax-free income and provided accommodation. Despite the fun and party atmosphere of the place, she acknowledged that it lacked a sense of reality and that people could reinvent themselves there. However, she always knew they would eventually come back home, which they did when she was expecting their first baby.

Balancing Motherhood and Nursing

As a mother of five, Hilary explained that working night shifts allowed her to be more present for her kids during the day. She also expressed her support for her children's decision to explore the world, believing it broadens their horizons.

The Emotional Toll of Palliative Care

When asked about the emotional toll of working with patients nearing the end of their lives, Hilary shared that she has never been afraid of death. She emphasized the importance of having support and outlets to offload the emotional burden of her work. She mentioned how she used to have a friend to talk to after the school run, and now she has a group of friends who connect through WhatsApp. They provide each other with support and understanding, which helps them cope with the challenges of their profession.

The Challenges and Rewards of Palliative Care

Hilary also discussed the challenges of being a nurse in palliative care. She sometimes feels like a politician because she has to navigate different expectations and understandings from different people. However, she also gets to hear the patients' life stories and experiences, which she believes are worth telling.

Words of Wisdom

When asked about words of wisdom, Hilary recalled advice she received as a first-time mother: to listen to the midwife and be open to guidance. She applies this principle to her work in palliative care, always asking patients and their families about their expectations and understanding of the situation before providing guidance or sharing her own thoughts.

Memorable Experiences

Hilary shared several memorable experiences, such as caring for an elderly lady for an extended period during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and being present when a 101-year-old patient passed away, surrounded by her family.

Tokens of Remembrance

Hilary carries two significant items with her as reminders of her patients. The first is a set of three coins given to her by a patient she had formed a special bond with. The second item is a pin of a little hare, given to her by the mother of a baby she nursed during the COVID-19 pandemic. These tokens serve as a constant reminder of the profound impact her work has on the lives of her patients and their families.

Conclusion

Our conversation with Hilary Neville provided a deep insight into the life and work of a night nurse in palliative care. It highlighted the emotional toll, the challenges, and the rewards of this profession. It also underscored the importance of support, understanding, and open communication in providing the best possible care for patients and their families.