Podcasting is about communications.

It’s about hearing and seeing shows you like, when you like, and for podcasters it’s about getting your voice heard and your own story out there.

The attraction of podcasting is that you can create content which people can receive easily and automatically. Whether you want to enjoy or make podcasts, the more you know about podcasting the more you’ll get out of it.

Check out our upcoming workshop dates

Thinking of starting an audio podcast? Contact us for bespoke training and support info @ athenamedia dot ie

Athena Media is an award winning digital audio agency and it’s the force behind Podcasting Ireland. We’ve been making podcasts since 2006 and have run sponsored audio podcast channels in both music and speech.

Here at Podcasting Ireland, we can provide a full range of podcast training. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have experience in podcasting already, we have something for you.

Our beginner courses are aimed at those fresh to podcasting and designed for people who want to learn the basics of online content, audio and video podcasting, and become familiar with the terms, technology and potential power of podcasts.

Our intermediate and advanced courses are ideal for people who have some skills but want to learn more about editing, packaging, online support and profile and to extend their audio podcasting skills to video. Broken down into both creative and technical elements, these courses will give you practical skills and tools which can be put to use immediately.

We run workshops regularly and can organise bespoke workshops for corporate teams or groups seeking to improve their communication skills. Our own award-winning output spans a wide spectrum of audio-led content, and we’re passionate about sharing our experience and technical expertise. At the Celtic Media Festival 2018 – our Pantisocracy Christmas Special was awarded a prestigious TORC award for Excellence in the ‘Best Radio Magazine Show’ category

> First Steps in Audio Podcasting – Virtual Workshop covers:

1 What’s a podcast and why should you make one? Why is podcasting growing?

2 What are the elements that make a successful podcast? Let’s explore some success stories we can learn from and how they are made.

3 Where should I begin? First five steps to start podcasting. ‘Start Where You Are’, ‘ Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone’ “Start Small & Grow’ ‘ What’s Your Story and who is Your Audience? ‘ ‘Collaborate’

4 How can I make podcasts remotely? (we’ll explore using ZOOM.us itself and using your smart phone as well as hand held audio recorders like the Zoom Hn4 and 5. We’ll also introduce to methods and techniques to get better sound and record locally). We talk sound and how to achieve sound quality remotely. ‘Every person and every place has a sound’.

5 Key tools, techniques and resources to get you up and going from microphone equipment, podcast platforms and basic editing resources. We aim to get you started immediately. We introduce you to all stages; including a brief over-view of audio editing, and provide detailed resources, including a ‘how to’ manual, to guide you after the workshop.) These workshops are small and interactive.

6 Next stages : mapping your podcast strategy and creating a pilot to kick start your podcast idea. We offer you templates, guidance, and show you examples of what others have done who have worked with us and who are successfully podcasting and telling their story.

> What our clients say:

‘A really enjoyable and extremely informative workshop, which spanned a proper cultural analysis into the medium to a practical guide to the equipment. A lot to learn in 1 day but the instructors gave us the confidence to continue learning and practicing.’
Ciara Heffernan, Commuications Officer (Podcasting 101 Workshop, March 2020)
‘Helen and John brought a wealth of experience and were willing to share all they have learnt in a relaxed and helpful way. I feel so prepared to produce good quality podcasts having completed the training.’
Peter Boyd – Arthritis Ireland, Services Support Officer (Podcasting 101 Workshop, March 2020)
‘Excellent, extremely informative. Would love to do it again even though all aspects of podcasting were covered. Very dynamic day.’
Catherine Murray (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2019)
‘The one-day workshop was a great introduction to podcasting, giving a flavour of the different styles possible and providing practical advice on how to get started in a safe small-group environment. I learnt a lot in a few hours, thank you!’
Stephanie Moe, Bord Bia (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2019)
‘I was really glad I did the workshop as I learned so much about every aspect of the podcasting process. All my queries were handled and the teachers’ passion and breath of knowledge was incredible.’
Jonny Harvey – I’m Coming Out- The Podcast (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2019)
‘I have already recommended the workshop to friends who are interested in podcasting. It was a very enjoyable experience with great insights given into the art of podcasting and interviewing. Helen and John are wonderful workshop hosts and extremely knowledgable in their field. Overall it’s a great insight into podcasting and has re-energised me and made me more determined than ever to create my own podcast.’
Eamon McLoughlin (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2019)
‘This course is an absolute must for anyone wanting to create a podcast. Helen and John provided not only excellent up-to-date knowledge of the landscape and how you could shape your idea but all all the technical skills you would need to start a podcast from scratch and get it out there. It was jam-packed with advice on areas such as interviewing and recording to promotion and finding your authentic voice. I left really confident leaving the course that I had enough knowledge to get going. There was so much more packed into the day than I had imagined, making it really excellent value too.’
Suzi Button, CEO, Lorna Byrne Children’s Foundation www.foundation.lornabyrne.com (Podcasting 101 Workshop, May 2019)
‘I was impressed by how much useful information I was able to absorb in just one day! I highly recommend this course, it is a great way to get you started on your podcast journey!’
Maggie, Marketing Manager (Podcasting 101 Workshop, May 2019)
‘Just letting you know – your podcasting 101 workshop in March was inspiring – anyone who is thinking “you know what, I should do a podcast?!” should go!’
Caroline Swords (Podcasting 101 Workshop, March 2019)
‘Very inspiring. A whistlestop tour of everything you need to know to start podcasting along with lots of resources and tools for self-directed learning. An excellent insider overview of the industry, platform, formats and revenue models.’
Joy Redmond, joyredmond.com (Podcasting 101 Workshop, March 2019)
‘Concise but comprehensive introduction to podcasting. Left feeling inspired and ready to take the next steps!’
Marie O’Sullivan (Podcasting 101 Workshop, March 2019)
‘A great workshop that de-mystified the technical aspects of podcasting and provided insights into wider aspects such as interviewing, storytelling and getting your podcasts out into the world.’
Fionnuala Broughan, Communications Manager, Léargas (Podcasting 101 Workshop, February 2019)
‘A very useful, all-round introduction to podcasting and all it entails, and an inspiring and enjoyable day!’
Dr Anthea Lacchia, TCD (Podcasting 101 Workshop, February 2019)
‘The Podcasting workshop helped to demystify the approach, the idea and the technical know how needed to make your own Podcast. Felt on leaving the event I was well equipped to start my own personal your of podcasting. The manuals and information. provided are extensive also.’
Jacinta Murray, jacintachristy.com (Podcasting 101 Workshop, February 2019)
‘I loved the workshop! Helen and John made podcasting very accessible. The workshop was very practical, the day flew by, and I left with very clear next steps and the confidence I needed in order to get started!’
Esther Curiel (Podcasting 101 Workshop, November 2018)
‘A well-prepared and informative workshop that gave me the confidence I needed to get started with my podcast plus a wealth of useful complimentary online resources was supplied. I highly recommend!’
Liz Gleeson (Podcasting 101 Workshop, November 2018) podcast: Shapes of Grief
‘A great all-round course. Balance was exactly right in that I got enough information to start experimenting but not so much that I felt overwhelmed or intimidated.’
Carissa Casey, Print Journalist (Podcasting 101 Workshop, November 2018)
‘I found this day really helpful in getting me thinking in a more focused way about what it is I want to achieve with a podcast. I also found it opened my eyes to so many different styles of podcasts, avenues in which you can take projects and the variety of options available. I learnt a lot in terms of set up, equipment and the software involved and I would definitely recommend this workshop for anyone just starting out.’
Naomi Sturdy-Elements Yoga (Podcasting 101 Workshop, November 2018) podcast: Heart of the Matter
‘This workshop was very engaging, it opened my eyes to the depth of the podcast world and network. John was very friendly, approachable and it was really interesting to hear his stories from working in the industry. I definitely left feeling like I had the tools and understanding to go forward and actually make my idea for a podcast into a reality.’
Michelle Shannon (Podcasting 101 Workshop, Maynooth Library, October 2018)
‘This workshop provided an interesting and engaging introduction to podcasting. I now feel ready to make my own work. Thank you John.’
Maebh O Regan (Podcasting 101 Workshop, Maynooth Library,October 2018)
‘I found the workshop very enjoyable and came away inspired and full of ideas for my own podcasts.’ Hayley Reynolds, Library Assistant & copywriter (Podcasting 101 Workshop, Maynooth Library, October 2018)
‘For someone who was totally new to podcasting, this course was an ideal introduction for me. I felt very comfortable in a learning environment that encouraged the sharing of ideas from participants from a diverse range of backgrounds, supported by experienced facilitators. I now feel confident enough to give podcasting a go!’
Paul Hamill, Learning Specialist, Irish League of Credit Unions. (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2018)
‘Could not have been better as a entry point to podcasting with enough to get you up and running very quickly. Informative, engaging and fun’
Ronan Kavanagh (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2018)

‘The workshop delivered by Athena Media offers novice podcasters a great opportunity to explore how they can devise and produce strong audio content in a very accessible manner.’
Orla Sheils, Communications Manager, Inland Fisheries Ireland (Podcasting 101 Workshop, September 2018)
‘This workshop provided a fantastic, informative, supportive and really enjoyable space in which to learn more about podcasting. It opened up exciting possibilities for all of us’
Roisin Boyd (Podcasting 101 Workshop, June 2018)
‘Great course. Helen and John really knew what they were talking about . Very accessible to people who haven’t done podcasting before.’
Alan Fox (Podcasting 101 Workshop, June 2018)
‘The podcast workshop was full of excellent content introducing us to a huge range of podcasts to listen to and learn from. The technical demonstration was very helpful as a starting point as was the advice to begin with pilot projects and then critique and improve. The advice was very practical and empowering. It was an excellent experience.’
Mary McFadden – Music Teacher (Podcasting 101 Workshop, June 2018)
“Kerrie recommended the super ‘How to #Podcast – Telling Audio Stories Online’ workshop with Athena Media and it was excellent. I’m totally fired up to get making now, I’ve no excuse!

I’ve no excuse.

Aw crap. I miss having excuses.”
Doireann Markham (Podcasting 101 Workshop, June 2018)


‘I felt that the fusion of Helen’s knowledge of podcasting acquired from being a pioneer of the medium , her ability to convey some of the more nebulous aspects with clarity and enthusiasm married with John’s technological nous was a winning combo, looking forward to close reading the notes this weekend and getting my first podcast into the ether.’
Anne O Neill (Podcasting 101 Workshop)

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The studio setting in Windmill Lane was perfect. The course brought together a very friendly, creative group of people, with different levels of skill and experience. Teaching was well paced and easy to follow for someone like myself with very rudimentary technical skills. I learned exactly what I needed to begin producing my own podcasts and I was introduced to a range of equipment to get me started.’
Dr. Tony Bates, Psychologist (Podcasting 101 Workshop)

‘I would highly recommend the ‘Podcasting 101 Workshop’ to anyone with an interest in creating and producing high quality podcasts. The training and resources received were excellent, and having the opportunity to share information and ideas with participants from a wide variety of professional backgrounds really enriched the experience. Thanks to Helen, John and Pearse for running a very professional and inspiring workshop!’
Stephanie Ford, IRC Postgraduate Scholar, Dept. of Music, Maynooth University (Podcasting 101 Workshop November 2017)