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The Jag Show: Podcast Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

The Jag Show: Podcast Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices

By: JAG (Jon Gay)
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Podcast and radio veteran Jon "JAG" Gay provides tips, tricks, and best practices for you and your podcast. By day, JAG launches and improves podcasts for financial advisors, small businesses, nonprofits, and corporate communications departments. His company rebranded from JAG in Detroit Podcasts to JAG Podcast Productions in August, 2025. After 15 years as a radio DJ and program director, and now 8 as a podcast host and producer, he brings over two decades of audio experience and perspective to the podcasting world.2021-2026 JAG in Detroit LLC Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 5 Podcasting Tips For a Heat Wave

    5 Podcasting Tips For a Heat Wave
    Jun 30 2026

    It is extremely hot in Michigan this week, with record highs expected here and in many parts of the country. That makes podcast recording harder, especially if your space gets warm or noisy. The show can still go on, but you have to be smart about how you record.

    1) Turn off air conditioning and fans near your microphone when possible. A loud fan or air vent can create distracting background noise that makes the recording harder to listen to. That said, safety matters. If turning off the AC makes the room uncomfortable or puts you at risk of getting sick, leave it on.

    2) Use AI cleanup tools when noise is unavoidable. Riverside has Magic Audio, Descript has Studio Sound, Adobe has Adobe Enhance, and Auphonic can help clean up and balance short audio clips. These tools are not perfect, but they can help when heat forces you to record with fans or air conditioning running.

    3) Speak into a dynamic microphone. Condenser microphones pick up more room noise, including fans, vents, dogs barking, and cars outside. A dynamic mic helps reject more of that background noise. There are affordable options like the Samson Q2U, which plugs in by USB, and higher end options like the Shure SM7B. The important thing is to use a dynamic mic unless you are recording in a well treated room.

    4) Record early or late in the day. Just like walking the dog at 6 a.m. or 9 p.m. during a heat wave, recording before the day heats up or after the sun goes down can make the session more comfortable.

    5) Drink room temperature water. Avoid soda or anything carbonated because it can create gas bubbles while speaking. Avoid dairy because it can cause phlegm. Ice water may seem like the right choice in the heat, but cold can cause vocal cords to contract, which makes it harder to speak clearly.

    The bottom line is simple. Keep recording if you can, but do not risk your health for one episode. If the space is too hot or the conditions are not safe, the episode can wait.

    Read this podcast as a blog post here.

    Find jag on social media @JAGPodcastProductions or online at JAGPodcastProductions.com


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    4 mins
  • What is Echo Cancellation? A 5-Minute Explanation

    What is Echo Cancellation? A 5-Minute Explanation
    Jun 15 2026
    What is Echo Cancellation? Best Practices for Clearer Audio in Virtual Recording In the world of virtual podcasting, how do we eliminate echoes during our recordings? Echo cancellation is a crucial technology that can enhance audio quality, yet many podcasters don't know how it works and when to use it. Here is what it is, how it operates, and best practices for achieving pristine audio in your virtual sessions. What is Echo Cancellation? This is a technology designed to remove echoes that occur during audio recordings, particularlywhen podcasters aren't wearing headphones. If you’ve ever heard your own voice bouncing back at you, you know why we need this tool. How Does Echo Cancellation Work? In a perfect scenario, everyone involved in a virtual meeting or podcast recording would wear headphones. This simple act reduces feedback and eliminates echoes. However, this isn’t always possible, especially when guests join without headphones. Echo cancellation smartly mutes your microphone when sounds from your speakers are detected. For instance, if you’re the host and your guest is speaking, the software recognizes that sound and prevents it from being picked up by your mic, thus eliminating any echo. This process is used with many platforms, including Zoom, Riverside, and Zencaster. Common Misunderstandings Many people assume that if they hear an echo, the issue lies on their side of the call. However, think counterintuitively. If you hear your voice echoed, it typically means the other participant's microphone is picking up your voice through their speakers. In such cases, they need to enable echo cancellation. If you hear the echo of the other person, you should activate it on your end as well. The Importance of Headphones Ultimately, this feature should be a backup for when headphones are not available. Ideally, everyone should wear headphones, as this eliminates the need for this tool altogether. If there is still an echo with headphones on, try turning down the volume on your headphones, then your microphone. Limitations of Echo Cancellation While this is a powerful tool, it is not foolproof. You've heard this when two participants speak simultaneously, leading to distortion or muddled audio. This is often described as an underwater sound, indicating that the feature is struggling to process overlapping audio inputs. Best Practices for Clear Audio 1. Use Headphones: Always encourage guests to wear headphones to minimize feedback. 2. Enable Echo Cancellation: If headphones cannot be used, ensure that echo cancellation is turned on for all participants. 3. Adjust Audio Levels: Monitor microphone and speaker volumes to avoid feedback. Lowering the levels can often resolve echo issues. 4. Conduct a Scratch Test: Before recording, perform a quick scratch test to confirm that your microphone is correctly set up. If the other participant can hear the scratching sound, you’re good to go. If not, check your audio settings. Conclusion Echo cancellation is a valuable tool for enhancing audio quality in virtual recordings. Understanding its function and limitations can greatly improve your podcasting or virtual meeting experience. Remember, the best solution is to use headphones, but in their absence, this tool can be your ally against feedback and distortion. If you have further questions about audio recording or need guidance on improving your podcast setup, feel free to reach out. Happy recording! More: Riverside explanation on echo: https://riverside.com/video-editor/video-editing-glossary/echo Warning about echo cancellation from Podcast Engineering School: https://podcastengineeringschool.com/be-aware-using-echo-cancellation-degrades-audio-quality/ JAG Podcast Productions Equipment Guide: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/how-to-start-a-podcast/ Additional JAG Podcast Productions Blog Posts: https://jagpodcastproductions.com/blog/ Find jag on social media @JAGPodcastProductions or online at JAGPodcastProductions.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    5 mins
  • Podcasters: Beware Spotify's Siren Songs

    Podcasters: Beware Spotify's Siren Songs
    Jun 1 2026

    Most podcasters trust Spotify to host and distribute their content — but what if that trust blinds you to major pitfalls? This episode exposes two crucial risks that could threaten your podcast’s reach and your data clarity.

    Discover why relying solely on Spotify for hosting can leave your show vulnerable during outages—and how switching to independent hosts like Simplecast or Libsyn keeps your content safe across multiple platforms.

    We dive into the hidden complications of Spotify's video analytics, revealing how fragmented data can make tracking your performance feel like chasing shadows.

    If you depend on KPIs for sponsorships or growth, these insights could be game-changers.You’ll learn specific tactics, including alternative hosting strategies, the impact of Spotify’s current video tech limitations, and how upcoming Apple Podcast features may soon transform your video metrics.

    You'll also see why understanding these pitfalls is essential for creators who want control, transparency, and scalability in their podcasting journey.Neglecting these issues might mean missing out on accurate data, underestimating growth, or risking platform dependencies—risks that could limit your success in a competitive landscape. But by the end, you'll have the knowledge to make smarter hosting decisions, safeguard your content, and leverage new opportunities before your competitors do.

    This episode is perfect for podcast creators serious about growth, transparency, and owning their data. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, understanding these tech insights ensures you're building on a solid foundation—so you can focus on what truly matters: creating content that connects and grows your audience.

    Jon Gay is a podcasting expert and founder of Jag Podcast Productions, known for helping creators turn their passion into scalable, successful shows.

    Find jag on social media @JAGPodcastProductions or online at JAGPodcastProductions.com


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    4 mins
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