Hi! Eva here! Before I dive into what I do to prepare myself to record an episode of our podcast, I have to tell you a two things about me. First, the family suspects that I have some type of ADHD. I haven’t been officially diagnosed, I’m not on any meds for it, and I am wary of self-diagnosis or BuzzFeed quizzes to figure out what’s what (See also: Amanda Seales and her autism “diagnosis”). BUT there are a few characteristics of people with adult ADHD that I can definitely see in myself. Second, I have a VERY low tolerance for frustrating situations, and I have to have a detailed and preferably sequential to do list or nothing is getting done. We also know that I have an ever so slight issue with perfectionism, that I’m kinda working on.
Hopefully, knowing these things about me will make my pre-recording rituals make sense. Maybe these can be helpful for you as well.
Light a Candle (or Two)
While a certain podcasting partner of mine won’t admit it, we are a candle famliy. Some folks are into plug-ins, but we keep a candle stash around here. Before I start most tasks, I light an aromatherapy stress relief candle from Bath and Body Works. Lighting a candle sets the mood and helps me focus. I usually go for something calming, like eucalyptus or lavender, because it’s hard to think about stressful topics when your space smells like a spa.
Why it works for anyone: Creating a sensory cue, like a certain smell or lighting, can train your brain to shift into “recording mode.” Think of it as a signal to yourself: “Okay, it’s time to get in the zone.” If your co-hosts or guests are joining you in person, they’ll appreciate the vibe.
Do a Quick Tech Check
Nothing kills my podcasting flow faster than realizing halfway through that your mic wasn’t recording or your headphones were glitching. Since we often record in the morning before work and we are on a schedule, I make sure the tech is good before Don has finished making his coffee. I’ve learned this the hard way how time consuming it can be to fix something at the last minute. Now, I make it a point to check my mic, headphones, and recording software before we sit down to record. Once Don is seated with his coffee, I record a quick test clip to make sure the audio levels are good.
Why it works for anyone: Technical issues can be major time wasters, not to mention frustrating. Spending five minutes on a tech check will save you hours of re-recording and editing later.
Hydration and Grub
No one wants to hear a parched, croaky voice on a podcast, and you definitely don’t want your stomach growling into the mic. I always have a bottle of water nearby (room temp is best for your vocal cords) and eat a light breakfast beforehand. I steer clear of cheesy (vegan cheese of course) stuff or milk (almond!) so that I’m not on the mic struggling while my body is making mucus. It takes a lot of time to edit out needless swallowing and throat clearing. A cut up apple or some bluberries work great—something that gives me a little energy and is also hydrating..
Why it works for anyone: Hydration is key to keeping your voice smooth and your energy high. Fruit can give you just enough fuel to stay sharp without feeling weighed down.
Skim Through the Episode Outline
Yes, we make it sound like we’re winging it, but trust me—there’s always a plan. Before recording, I review the episode outline and jot down quick notes or reminders. Sometimes, I have to research a year or a name, so I make sure I have my notes handy so there are no long pauses in the recording. This also keeps me on track while still leaving room for spontaneous moments. It’s like having a safety net without feeling like you’re reading a script.
Why it works for anyone: An outline gives structure to your episode and keeps you from rambling (too much). It also helps you hit all your key points, so you don’t finish recording and think, “Aw man, I forgot to mention the best part!”
Interviewing Myself
Before I hit record, I like to pretend I’m the guest on my own podcast. Or maybe Oprah’s podcast? Meghan Markle? Michelle Obama? Any of those will do. I’ll ask myself questions like, “So, Eva, what makes you so excited to talk to us about this particular topic?” or “What is your most impactful memory about this topic – in one sentence.” Then I’ll answer them out loud, just like I would if someone else were hosting. It used to feel a little strange, but it helps me get comfortable speaking and sparks ideas for the real recording. It also helps me prepare for the phone call from Spotify or Audible to tell me that Oprah, Meghan, and Michelle are all vying for an opportunity to talk to me about the Chat and Bother Podcast.
Why it works for anyone: Interviewing yourself is a great way to warm up and refine your thoughts. It gets you thinking about the most engaging way to present your points and helps you practice speaking with clarity and confidence. Plus, it can lead to some unexpected insights that make your episode even better!
Podcasting is a mix of preparation and personality. These are just some of the things I do to not only help me stay focused but also make the process more enjoyable. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast or just want to improve your flow, give these a try! Who knows—maybe lighting a candle or chatting with yourself will become part of your pre-recording routine, too.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to hit record. See you on the next episode of Chat & Bother!
