What Really Happens Between Recording and Publishing a Podcast?
So, you’ve recorded your podcast episode. You hit stop, breathe a sigh of relief—and now what? The edit begins.
But editing isn’t just about cutting out coughs and adding theme music. It’s where your podcast either becomes sharp, clear and compelling—or stays a half-baked casserole of “ums”, awkward silences, and sketchy audio quality.
At Creative Content Studio in Thatcham, we help small business owners across Berkshire turn raw recordings into polished podcasts that people actually want to hear. In this guide, we’re unpacking the two sides of editing: sound quality and editorial shaping. Whether you’re podcasting in Newbury, Reading or your kitchen, this one's for you.
1. Editing for Sound Quality (The Technical Bit)
Every podcast—no matter how relaxed—needs basic sound polish. Here’s what to check:
Separate audio files: If you’re recording an interview or co-hosted show, don’t share one mic. Use separate mics and record separate tracks. Trust us—it’s the difference between clean editing and a nightmare stew of overlapping voices.
Use a compressor: A compressor evens out volume so listeners don’t have to keep adjusting the volume. Too technical? Not really. Most editing tools—like GarageBand or Descript—include this feature.
Tidy up background noise: Low hums, buzzing fridges, or whirring laptops can all be EQ’d out. A simple EQ tool lets you reduce or remove unwanted frequencies. If in doubt, cut anything under 100Hz—it’s usually just rumble.
Watch your LUFS: Sounds like a dating app. It’s not. LUFS stands for Loudness Units Full Scale, and for podcasts, you’re aiming for -16 LUFS. That’s the sweet spot where your show won’t sound too quiet or blow out your listeners’ ears.
You don’t need to be an audio engineer. You just need to know what to listen for—and be willing to tweak and test.
2. Editing for Content (This Is Where Most Shows Go Wrong)
This is the part where you ask: “Does my audience need to hear this?”
Rambling answers: Cut them.
Off-topic tangents: Save for another episode—or scrap them.
Clunky intros, over-explaining, long pauses: Get to the point faster.
Editing for content is where your podcast earns its place in someone’s ears. It’s about respect for their time.
Here’s the kicker: editing doesn’t just shape your full episode—it’s how you find your clips. While reviewing your recording, make note of any timestamp that feels like it could stand alone. That’s your future Instagram Reel, YouTube Short, or teaser for next week.
3. How Much “Um” Is Too Much?
Editing out filler words like “um,” “uh,” and “you know” can make your show tighter—but overdo it, and your episode will sound robotic.
Tools like Descript let you remove every filler with one click. Sounds great, right? Until your guest’s thoughtful pause turns into a staccato mess. So go easy.
If you're editing yourself, don’t get precious. Perfection is the enemy of done. You’ll end up obsessing over mouth sounds and edit yourself into oblivion. Leave some of your quirks in. That’s your voice.
4. Should You Learn to Edit, or Hire Someone?
Great question—and here’s the honest answer:
If you’ve got time and curiosity, give it a go. GarageBand is free on Mac, Descript is beginner-friendly, and you’ll learn what you like (and don’t like) about your sound.
If your time is tight and you’re serious about quality, bring in an editor. You’ll save hours and get back a product that’s broadcast-ready.
At Creative Content Studio, we offer both options: editing services and one-to-one coaching for podcasters who want to DIY with some expert backup.
5. What About Video Editing?
We’re keeping this one audio-first, but if you’re recording a video podcast (or repurposing for YouTube), you’ll need to tweak your setup. Most video editing tools (like iMovie or Riverside) include basic audio editing features too.
And yes, if you want to make short-form video clips that work on social, you’ll need to edit those separately. This is where content meets context—what works in a 45-minute podcast won’t fly on a 30-second Reel.
6. Bonus: Weirdly Effective Audio Tip
Want to cut down on annoying mouth sounds before you even hit record? Eat a green apple.
It sounds like a folk remedy, but voiceover artists swear by it. Something about the pH balance in your mouth. Whether or not it’s scientifically proven, it works—and it’s cheaper than a new microphone.
Final Word
Editing isn’t optional. It’s where your podcast gets real.
If you’re podcasting for your business, or you’re just starting your first show, remember this: sound quality earns trust. Clear content keeps attention. And tight editing? That’s what turns listeners into subscribers.
Need help? Our podcast studio in Thatcham offers editing, coaching, and the kind of podcast tips you won’t get from a YouTube rabbit hole. Book a session with us and let’s make your next episode your best one yet.