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 and podcasting, and become familiar with the terms, technology and potential power of podcasts. Over 43% of people in the US listen to spoken word audio every day – Podcasting has grown by 8% in the US in the last year according to NPR while Irish audio podcast listening has grown by nearly 40% in the pandemic according to podcast platform ACAST. So why not find and connect with your audience – they’re waiting to hear your stories and be a part of your community.

Thinking of starting an audio podcast? Try our taster session ‘First Steps in Audio Podcasting‘ aimed at beginner podcasters

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.

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.

> What is podcasting?

Podcasting is a way to subscribe to audio files on the internet and have them delivered to your mobile device/computer/tablet, in much the same way as you would subscribe to your favourite magazine. The content can then be listened to whenever and wherever you like. In recent years it’s had a huge impact on how we consume audio, giving more autonomy to listeners and a lower barrier of entry to audio producers looking to get their stories heard.

> What is the difference between downloading and podcasting?

Downloading is the transfer of any file to your computer. All you need to do is save the audio file to your PC and listen to it at your leisure. However Podcasting, generally using an RSS feed, allows a subscriber to automatically receive the latest edition of their chosen programmes directly to their device and. You can then choose to download/listen as a stream from your computer or transfer to your player and listen when you want, in the gym, commuting or out walking – whatever!

> What is RSS?

Essentially RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is the technology which alerts your computer when a new podcast is available and downloads it automatically. It works on the principle that your favourite podcasts, news stories or features are be delivered directly to you.

> What do I need to do to get a podcast?

You can listen to most podcasts simply by clicking a link on the relevant website. Programs to do this are widely available free of charge. iTunes remains arguably the most popular software, with lots of new platforms coming into the fray in recent years including Spotify, and Anchor, with plenty of options within your devices app store, be it Android or iOS.

Once you have the software downloaded the fun starts! It is now that you have to decide what you want to listen to. Fret not, because Podcastingireland.ie can help you. We offer podcasts on many different topics. All you have to do is go to our podcasts page to listen to some of our recent output, browse through the programmes available and decide what programmes you would like to listen to.

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, Communications 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)