Ask About Podcasts
Make a short podcast episode with an adult helper by writing interview questions, recording a friend's answers, and editing a one- to three-minute audio.
Step-by-step guide to Ask About Podcasts
Step 1
Choose a fun topic for your podcast and write the topic at the top of your paper.
Step 2
Write five short interview questions that are easy to answer.
Step 3
Read your five questions out loud with your adult helper.
Step 4
Pick the best three questions to use in the interview.
Step 5
Ask the friend or family member if they want to be interviewed and if it’s okay to record them.
Step 6
Find a quiet room and close doors to cut background noise.
Step 7
Do a 20-second test recording so you can check how you sound.
Step 8
Listen to the test with your adult helper and change your distance from the microphone if needed.
Step 9
Start the full recording when you and your guest are ready.
Step 10
Ask your three chosen questions one at a time and listen carefully to the answers.
Step 11
Stop the recording when the interview is finished.
Step 12
Open the recorded file in audio editing software with your adult helper.
Step 13
Trim out long pauses and any mistakes so the episode lasts between one and three minutes.
Step 14
Add a short intro that says the podcast name and a quick outro that thanks your guest then export the final audio file.
Step 15
Get permission from your guest and your adult helper and then share your finished podcast episode on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a microphone or paid audio software if we don't have them?
Use a smartphone or tablet's built-in microphone to do the 20-second test recording and free editors like Audacity or online audio editors to open the recorded file, trim mistakes, and export the final episode.
What should we do if the recording has background noise, is too quiet, or has long pauses?
Follow steps 5–7 by finding a quiet room and closing doors, do the 20-second test recording, change your distance from the microphone as you listen with your adult helper, and then trim out long pauses or mistakes in the audio editing software (step 11).
How can we change the activity for younger children or make it harder for older kids?
For younger children, have the adult helper read the five questions aloud, handle the recording and basic trimming to keep the episode 1–3 minutes, and for older kids encourage writing deeper questions, running the full recording themselves, and using the audio editing software to add intro/outro and export.
How can we extend or personalize our podcast beyond the basic instructions?
Add a short intro and outro music and sound effects while trimming in the audio editor (step 11), create cover art and a transcript, interview different guests for a series, and then export and share each episode on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Ask About Podcasts
Meet the kids who are producing a podcast at their school. - Behind the News
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Meet the kids who are producing a podcast at their school. - Behind the News
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Facts about podcasting for kids
✂️ A little editing (cutting silences, removing ums, and adding a short intro jingle) can turn raw audio into a polished 1–3 minute episode.
📝 Open-ended questions that start with "how" or "why" usually get longer, more interesting answers from guests.
🎧 Recording with headphones (and a close mic) helps prevent echo and feedback for clearer audio.
🎙️ The word "podcast" is a blend of "iPod" and "broadcast" — it started becoming popular in the early 2000s.
🧑🤝🧑 Many popular shows use the interview format — short 1–3 minute interviews are perfect for kids to practice listening and storytelling.
How do I help my child make a short podcast episode?
What materials do I need to make a kid-friendly podcast?
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