You’ve recorded. You’ve cleaned up the audio. Now comes the part that makes your podcast feel like a show: sound design.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent breaks down how to add music and sound effects in a way that supports your story (not distracts from it). You’ll learn a simple workflow for layering audio, how pacing and silence can make moments hit harder, and the licensing basics you need to understand before you publish anything.What we coverWhy music and sound effects can add emotion, tension, and impact—even to simple storiesA practical workflow: edit your voice first, then layer music and SFX on topHow to use sound effects to create scenes (crowded street, rain on a tin roof, etc.)Why pacing matters: matching your voice cadence to the “movement” of the musicThe underrated tool: silence (and why it can be more powerful than constant audio)Where to find royalty-free music and sound effects (including Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/)Licensing basics: “royalty-free” doesn’t always mean “free for anything”Attribution requirementsPersonal-use vs. commercial-use restrictionsWhy it’s worth reading the license before you publishWhen it makes sense to record your own sound effects instead of downloading themExamples to listen to for inspiration (including Trent’s “Seybert” episode and “From Pitch to Puget Sound”)The big takeawaySound design is where your podcast becomes immersive. Take your time, follow the license rules, and use music + effects to make listeners feel the story—not just hear it.Produced and edited by Olivia BlombergSnohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

You’ve recorded your episode. You’ve set your levels and picked your editing software. Now comes the part that turns raw audio into something people actually want to listen to: the edit.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent breaks down a beginner-friendly editing workflow—how to clean up breaths and filler words, shape the message, and keep your pacing natural (not choppy). You’ll also learn the difference between a quick “leave it mostly raw” style and a more polished, NPR-style edit—so you can choose what fits your show.What we coverThe difference between tracks and clips (and why each voice should get its own track)Two ways to clean up audio:Cut it out (razor/blade tool)Turn it down (volume automation/nodes)Delete vs. ripple delete (and why ripple delete can save you hours)How to remove big breaths, filler words (“um,” “uh”), and awkward pauses without ruining your cadenceWhy editing is often best in multiple passes (cleanup pass + content/story pass)How to listen for clarity: “Does this make sense to someone who isn’t in my head?”What to do about mic bleed when recording with multiple people in the same roomThe biggest speed tip: learn keyboard shortcuts for your editing softwareThe big takeawayEditing isn’t about perfection—it’s about making your message easy to follow. Clean up what distracts, keep what feels human, and build a flow your audience can stay with.Snohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

Don’t Start Cutting Yet: The Setup Step That Saves Hours in EditingYou recorded your episode… now it’s time to edit. But before you start cutting, trimming, and adding music, there’s a step most new podcasters skip—and it can cost you hours.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through the “editing prep” workflow: tracking your recording levels, choosing editing software, importing your files correctly, and applying basic audio processing so your episode sounds consistent from start to finish.What we coverThe recording mistake that ruins audio: peaking/clipping (and why it’s hard to fix)How to track your levels while recording (aim for upper green + yellow, not the top)The difference between gain and sliders/volume controlsEditing software options (and who they’re best for):Audacity (free, but destructive editing)Reaper (one-time cost, powerful)Adobe Audition (great if you already have Adobe)DaVinci Resolve (free, strong audio tools + future video option)How to import audio from recorders (SD card workflow, stereo file vs. individual tracks)Why multi-track editing gives you more control (breaths, bleed, loud laughs, room noise)The “make it consistent” starter stack: compressor + denoise (plus de-esser/de-hum if needed)Why you should never edit on laptop speakers—and how to check mixes across headphones, car, and earbudsHow EQ and presets can shape the “signature sound” of your podcastThe big takeawayEditing gets way easier when you set your levels and processing first. Do the setup once, and you’ll save time on every episode after.Next episode: How to actually edit—cutting, shaping the story, and building a polished final episode.Snohomish Podcast Playground is part of the Snohomish Podcast NetworkMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

You’ve planned the show. You’ve got the gear. You’ve set up your space. Now it’s time for the part most people picture when they think “podcasting”: recording.In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks through what to do before and during your recording session so you don’t end up rushed, stressed, or stuck with hours of painful edits.What we coverWhy you should block more time than you think (even for a “quick” 15-minute episode)The reality of recording: your raw session will usually be much longer than the final episodePre-record checklist: test your gear, silence your phone, remove distractions, and confirm your audio is actually savingWhy it helps to record a backup when you canHow to calm your nerves and avoid the “100 miles per hour” problemWhat to do when you get tongue-tied: pause, reset, and re-do a sentenceWhy you should keep your episode flow/outline in front of you while recordingA simple trick to stay audience-focused: keep a picture of your listener persona nearbyThe “playground” approach: try multiple intros and transitions, then choose what works in editingThe 30-second rule: why your opening matters more than you thinkThe big takeawayYour first recording isn’t about perfection—it’s about learning your voice, your pace, and your flow. Treat it like a test run, play with it, and you’ll get better fast.Produced & Edited by: Olivia BlombergMusic: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/ 

You bought the gear… now what?In this episode of Snohomish Podcast Playground, Trent walks you through how to set up your podcast equipment step-by-step—starting with the most overlooked part: where you record. Because the wrong room can make even great microphones sound like you’re talking in a cave.What we cover in this episodePick the right recording space (and which spaces to avoid)Simple ways to reduce echo using what you already have: books, rugs, curtains, clothes, blanketsHow to set up your mic stand so your gear stays stable (and doesn’t crash mid-recording)XLR basics: what plugs where, and how to get that “click” connectionHow to connect your mic to a mixer/recorder (and why channel numbers matter)Headphone setup tips (including when you’ll need a ¼-inch adapter)Gain vs. fader/slider: a beginner-friendly way to set levels without getting overwhelmedWhy you should test your full setup before a guest shows up (and how to “playground test” it)The big takeawayYou don’t need a perfect studio—you need a good space, a clean connection, and a little time to test and play before you record for real.Music: https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-have-fun-382760/