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Make Noise: A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling

Eric Nuzum (Goodreads Author)

4.14 · Rating details · 160 ratings · 37 reviews

“An interestingly idiosyncratic and personal vision of how to make podcasts.”—Ira Glass

Veteran podcast creator and strategist Eric Nuzum distills a career’s worth of wisdom, advice, practical information, and big-picture thinking to help podcasters “make noise”—to stand out in this fastest of fastest-growing media universes.

Nuzum identifies core principles, including w ...more

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Paperback, 264 pages

Published December 10th 2019 by Workman Publishing Company

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Dec 07, 2019 Dee Arr rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reference

There are times in all our lives when we find ourselves searching for answers. We usually have a good idea where we want to end up, but the path to get there is covered in heavy mist and smoke. For those interested in podcasting, there are thousands of examples to copy. We may prefer some more than others, but perhaps cannot articulate why. What we need is a map, a guidebook that promises not to take us in the wrong direction. The question is, what would that book look like?

At first glance, “Mak There are times in all our lives when we find ourselves searching for answers. We usually have a good idea where we want to end up, but the path to get there is covered in heavy mist and smoke. For those interested in podcasting, there are thousands of examples to copy. We may prefer some more than others, but perhaps cannot articulate why. What we need is a map, a guidebook that promises not to take us in the wrong direction. The question is, what would that book look like?

At first glance, “Make Noise” might not appear to be the solution, with its vibrant cover and a title that might be more at home at a championship basketball game. However, it has all the right elements and even the title has a great story behind it.

Author Eric Nuzum is not someone who woke up one morning and, based upon hours of listening to different talk shows, decided he was qualified to write a book on the subject. Mr. Nuzum has been part of the industry for many years and has numerous accomplishments under his belt. Bluntly, he understands the nuts and bolts of podcasting.

Which would mean nothing if he wasn’t able to put together a book that makes sense, chock-full of solid suggestions accompanied by reasons why we should take his advice. Throw in stories of the mistakes he (and others) made and you have a map of what not to do (and it’s entertaining to read stories with a human element rather than slog through 300 pages of boredom). The book is laid out in a sensible pattern that is easy to understand, thus creating a recipe for success.

Mr. Nuzum constantly reminds us of the work involved, from determining exactly what you are creating (your mission boiled down to ten words) to balancing the amount of prep before an interview or a show. Along the way the author opens our eyes (i.e., a group of interesting facts – no matter how interesting -- does NOT tell a story) and shares the secrets he has learned over the years. His methods do not encourage you to cut corners. Rather, he demonstrates how to successfully smooth and shape them so they match the end vision of whatever you are creating.

While this is an outstanding book for those interested in podcasting, I would recommend it for anyone working to carve a place for themselves on the Internet. If you are hosting a show, streaming on a gaming platform, you name it – there are valuable lessons in “Make Noise” and plenty of strong advice to keep you traveling toward your goals. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for an advance electronic copy of this title. ...more

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Nov 23, 2019 Monnie rated it really liked it

The only radio I own is in my car, and it probably hasn't been turned on in a decade (which, for the record, is five fewer years than the age of said car). If you ever find me listening to an audiobook, start unzipping the body bag - I'm almost ready. Streaming, to me, means the fish are biting and an earbud is somebody's hearing aid. So for the love of all that's holy, why am I reading a book about podcasting and audio storytelling?

In a word, curiosity. Perhaps born of a childhood infused with The only radio I own is in my car, and it probably hasn't been turned on in a decade (which, for the record, is five fewer years than the age of said car). If you ever find me listening to an audiobook, start unzipping the body bag - I'm almost ready. Streaming, to me, means the fish are biting and an earbud is somebody's hearing aid. So for the love of all that's holy, why am I reading a book about podcasting and audio storytelling?

In a word, curiosity. Perhaps born of a childhood infused with party-line crank telephones and gearshifts on steering wheels, I'm enthralled by "newfangled" gizmos and gadgets and determined to learn all I can about them (at the rate technology is advancing these days, that keeps me plenty busy). Add in years as a journalist - an industry that might not even exist were it not for curiosity - and hey, bring it on.

Factor in also that while podcasts themselves aren't all that recent, they seem to be multiplying like bunnies of late. There are more than 700,000 of them in 100 languages, the author says, and I believe him. Every day, it seems, another dozen TV talking heads, business owners and (barf!) politicians are begging me to tune into their offerings. It's a trend that as far as I can see isn't going away anytime soon, and I want to find out more. Now that I've read this book, that goal has been achieved.

Years of interviewing hundreds of people has made me painfully aware that far more time is consumed in the preparation process than in the actual writing of my newspaper articles, so the author's insistence that the same is true for podcasts certainly didn't come as a surprise. But for those who are considering the possibility of starting one - and, hopefully, making a few bucks in the process - it's a full-on reality check. Put another way, if you think that sitting down in your garage and speaking your mind into a microphone you snagged for $20 at Amazon will make you an overnight millionaire, think again. If you need further evidence, consider this: According to the author, fully 40% of all podcasts are abandoned within a year. What's in this book can help ensure that yours isn't among them.

To be clear, this book is not a step-by-step outline of the specific equipment you'll need, how to edit your tapes (yes, that's a must) and other finer points of actual podcast production. Rather, it's a detailed and interestingly written overview - by one who clearly is an expert in the field - of what anyone who's thinking about starting a podcast needs to know before plunging ahead. The nucleus of the book, the author notes, is "finding a balance between confidence and humility, between being clear and focused while remaining open, and that there is always an opportunity to improve." Achieving success, he adds, requires compelling stories and ideas, engaging characters and a unique voice. Perhaps first and foremost is identifying your audience in almost minute detail, thus allowing you to "learn to think like they listen."

There's a good-size portion devoted to leading teams - and while it serves up excellent advice for anyone who is, or will be, in that position, I admit to speeding through this section simply because even if I ever were to attempt a podcast, I'm sure my production efforts never would reach the level of cubicles filled with worker bees and my motivational buzzwords. Moving on, I thoroughly enjoyed the final section on the history of podcasting and learned a good bit more of what I'd hoped for when I picked up the book in the first place. The whole thing is wrapped up with a list of recommended reading and online resources - always a plus for a how-to book.

Beyond recommending the book to anyone who's interested in starting a podcast, or in the start-up stages, or simply wants to learn more about the process as I did, I won't spill any more bean pods and instead urge you to read it for yourself. I'm certainly glad I did, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy. ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 C. S. rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley, non-fiction

Filled with anecdotes of the author's time working in both radio and podcasting, this was an interesting read with an "insider's look" feel to it. It was also more comprehensive than other basic guides of the same type. I liked that it covered so many types of podcasts, from talk show format to fictional narrative. A must read for beginner and intermediate podcasters. ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Leanne Hunt rated it liked it

Shelves: how-to

I found this a useful book about why to podcast and how to maintain high standards in broadcasting. It is not, however, a beginner's guide to podcasting. I was looking for basic guidelines from an industry expert but there was very little attention to practical procedure here.
The author acknowledges this and points out that practical advice can be found anywhere. What he has to offer is perspective on the industry of radio and podcast creation, as well as years of experience in what works and wh ...more

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Mar 08, 2020 Keith rated it really liked it

In Make Noise, Eric Nuzum lays out an agenda that is at once extremely ambitious and directed at a narrowly defined audience: His intention is to explain to would-be creators of podcasts how to conceptualize, organize, and execute their vision in order to launch a successful venture. What the book is not about is how any of the millions of potential users might select or evaluate the podcasts they listen to. However, as the author notes, given that there are currently about 700,000 existing podc In Make Noise, Eric Nuzum lays out an agenda that is at once extremely ambitious and directed at a narrowly defined audience: His intention is to explain to would-be creators of podcasts how to conceptualize, organize, and execute their vision in order to launch a successful venture. What the book is not about is how any of the millions of potential users might select or evaluate the podcasts they listen to. However, as the author notes, given that there are currently about 700,000 existing podcasts available to choose from, this is apparently an important problem to address, in terms of both improving current products as well as influencing the development of future ones.

Nuzum would seem to be the perfect person to write such a book. He has a lengthy and impressive resume chronicling his work in this area, including program development experience in public radio and creating or producing some of the most popular podcasts in the market today (e.g., TED Radio Hour, Invisibilia). For the most part, he succeeds in translating that experience into practical and insightful advice on how a would-be podcast producer should go about the task of creating and delivering effective content. Beyond the substance of the message he conveys, Nuzum also writes in a down-to-earth style that is especially effective in getting his points across. The use of many illustrative examples from his personal knowledge of the industry is helpful in that regard.

The book is divided into ten chapters (including the Introduction), each of which explores a different aspect of the podcast development process. For me, the first several of these chapters contained the most compelling, interesting, and useful material. In particular, the author describes the importance of developing a ten-word descriptive sentence that encapsulates the creative concept as well as the need to visualize the podcast’s specific target audience. Following those discussions, Nuzum addresses the issue of how a good podcast should be structured, emphasizing both the function and the form of the product. Above all else, he stresses the idea that podcasting is all about telling stories and that understating the principles for how to tell a great story is the most important skill to have.

On the other hand, some of the material in the last few chapters was less effective at accomplishing the author’s pronounced mission. Specifically, the information on finding an audience through “guerilla marketing” tactics and how to lead teams of creative people were verbose and largely unnecessary to the core purpose. In fact, the latter chapter really read more like an excerpt from a general management textbook than advice tailored to someone interested in podcast development. Beyond that, it is actually difficult to know how to evaluate the usefulness of any of this information until a person actually tries to put it into practice launching their own audio project. Still, Make Noise is an engaging discussion from an author who writes with authority and passion, which makes it a worthwhile reading experience.
...more

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Aug 20, 2020 Kate rated it it was amazing

Maybe you were one of the hundreds (or thousands) who decided they needed to get creative with their extra time during COVID and wanted to start a podcast. It seemed easy enough. You just turn on your computer’s recording software and start talking. Well, not exactly. But also, actually, yes. There are no barriers to entry, but there are some skills that lead to success.

The world needed a book for all of those looking to begin a podcast career. What’s uncanny is that Eric Nuzum wrote Make Noise Maybe you were one of the hundreds (or thousands) who decided they needed to get creative with their extra time during COVID and wanted to start a podcast. It seemed easy enough. You just turn on your computer’s recording software and start talking. Well, not exactly. But also, actually, yes. There are no barriers to entry, but there are some skills that lead to success.

The world needed a book for all of those looking to begin a podcast career. What’s uncanny is that Eric Nuzum wrote Make Noise just before we all knew we needed it.

Even before the pandemic, two thousand new podcasts were created every week, and Nuzum argues that podcasting has far from hit its peak. “…great content finds its audience, and audiences will crawl across broken glass to get to things they love. But for that to happen, [some] things need to occur. First, you need to create something that is editorially distinct and unduplicatable.”

In Make Noise, Nuzum takes his rich experience creating chart-topping series for NPR and Audible and allows you to pick his brain on developing your own podcast.

With a lot of advice out there already on how to physically produce a podcast, Nuzum saw a void in guiding would-be podcasters on getting their start. Make Noise offers practical information on the basics, like how to come up with the winning podcast idea. Make Noise is more than a how-to; it forces the reader to consider how to create work with impact that listeners will love.

The book has it all: from a helpful history of podcasting, an analysis of current trends, and insights on opportunities in the podcasting marketplace, to a step-by-step — and also interesting — guide to developing your character, creating your backstory, amplifying your authentic voice, and conducting a must-listen-all-the-way-through interview. Nuzum even includes “bonus episodes” from his network of thoughtful expert podcasters — resources on lessons learned — or at least engaging stories that will make you think twice when it’s your turn.

“Many expect that because they are both audio mediums, [radio and podcasts] are interchangeable,” Nuzum says. “Podcasting… is about areas of interest. Podcasts are about passions. Podcasts are the hub of a community of people who are interested in a subject, type of story, hobby, or worldview.”

Those interested and passionate about storytelling, whether to create a podcast, produce viral videos, or even just improve reporting skills, will gravitate to this essential resource. ...more

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Feb 18, 2020 Grace rated it really liked it

Shelves: nonfiction, making-creating

While the audience for this is definitely people who are planning to (or even already) producing a podcast, many sections like audience building or how to lead a group of creative types could be valuable to someone producing other types of media like blogs or indie video games. It also doesn't discuss the technical details of taping a podcast, but rather how your idea can be refined and effectively reach an audience and keep the passion going so you don't end up dropping it a year in. If you hap ...more

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May 02, 2020 Kevin Murray rated it it was amazing

When my boss gave the green light to start building a podcast, I didn’t have much idea as to how to take the next steps. From clarifying the idea to defining the audience to promoting the show, Make Noise covers a lot of territory for anyone looking to start a podcast. Eric’s got the experience so you know he isn’t blowing smoke. The read is engaging and filled with plenty of real world examples to help illustrate what he’s teaching.

The end section about leading creatives is super relevant and v ...more

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Nov 22, 2019 Bakertyl rated it really liked it

Shelves: giveaways, non-fiction

I'd never heard of Eric Nuzum before this book, but I'm looking forward to finding more of his work.

This book is part "the job history portion of my resume is amazing" and part actionable advice for any storyteller. The focus is on audio, but almost all of the advice works for other formats.

Even the bragging and personal history is well done. Nuzum throws credit to others like a rapper throwing bills to strippers- early and often.

Overall: well written, well organized, a good read for anyone tel ...more

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Dec 24, 2020 Rachel Taylor rated it really liked it

I highly recommend this book to those interedted in podcasting with good storytelling. This book focuses more on the art of podcasting rather than the practical side. The author does give plenty of advice on building the foundation, the mission, of the project. He also details how to work well with others. No podcast is exactly the same because every person has a unique story and point of view.

There is a lot of practical creative advice as well ad encouragement. I'm grateful that this book is av ...more

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Jun 01, 2019 Christine rated it really liked it

"Make Noise" is a helpful book for those looking to start a podcast. It will give you very clear guidelines on the type and style of podcasts, how to execute it successfully, and popular examples. If you want to start a podcast and need some direction, this is the book for you. It doesn't include technical aspects of podcasting such as recording, equipment needed, or uploading, but with that known, this book is still very helpful.

Special thanks to NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return fo ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 Michael A. Van Kerckhove rated it it was amazing

Shelves: npr, writerly, 2020

I like a good craft book I can hang my writerly/creative brain on, and this one fits that bill. Nuzum gives us plenty to think about as he organizes what we know/didn't realize we knew/didn't know about podcasting for anyone considering adding the medium to their creative wheelhouse. Along the way, he inspires us to think about the stories we want to tell, the stories we enjoy hearing, and how they're all told, and shares with us the past, present, and possible future of the podcasting landscape ...more

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Jul 12, 2020 Betsy Ashton rated it really liked it

Nuzum offers actionable advice on planning and executing a podcast. He knows his business, having had such podcast hits as the TED Radio Hour, Where Should We Begin? and others.

His tips are commonplace yet most podcasters begin without asking them. Who's your audience? Well, it isn't everyone. Nuzum suggests finding a picture of your target audience. A single person to whom you'll be speaking personally. Sounds corny, but when he builds out the strategy, it works.

If you want to begin podcasting, ...more

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Jul 01, 2019 Naomi rated it really liked it

This book is an absolute MUST READ for any person looking to start a podcast. Told in simple, easy to understand and digest information, this book is LOADED with critical information to prevent mistakes for what is an expensive endeavor. What I loved most about this book was it has information applicable to the author, as well.

Look for my full blog review closer to publication and possible inclusion in IndiePicks Magazine!

Reviewed for publisher via Netgalley.

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Sep 06, 2019 Walker Walker rated it it was amazing

Pros: This book is epic! It gets straight to the point. However, I will admit that I put it down at first, but I tend to get bored reading about someone's narrative. This time it was different. I got involved and joined in immediately. I learned a lot along the way. Get this book if you want to get on the path of making some noise. This author will show you how to do it correctly while having fun.

Cons: None! ...more

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Aug 26, 2020 Nichola rated it really liked it

Not about nuts and bolts of choosing software or distributors, this book is about who to develop your idea and format to reach and grow your audience. It was well told, and I could tell the author's rich experiences and continued desire to help people were strong. It was also nice that he didn't prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach or a best format, but that he was really interested in helping you to tell your story. These thoughts could also apply to developing a talk or a book. ...more

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Feb 03, 2020 Mateo Rico rated it it was amazing

The creators podcast bible.

I got this book because I found myself struggling with my podcast and didn’t really know what direction to take it in. This book addressed all my problems directly in chapter 1, I was hooked.

Check out my podcast! We’re on instagram @coldhour you can find the link in our bio :)

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Mar 04, 2020 Patricia Bello rated it really liked it

Late review but this book is good. As someone who has toyed with the idea of making a podcast, this book is a good resource. The author is also quick to mention that even seasoned podcaaters will be able to get some gems from this book.

I almost want to start one already. I just have to think of what story to tell

Thank you Workman Publishing Company for the copy of this book.

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Jun 07, 2020 Nimishg rated it it was amazing

If you decide "I want to get into podcasting" but aren't sure of anything beyond that, this book is perfect.

It tells you what you're in for, what to think about, and really guides you through how to flesh your ideas out, and a taste of some of the "problems" you might face if you get successful. I feel like I know what I'm getting into now. ...more

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Mar 16, 2020 Kara rated it it was amazing

Read this book. Seriously. If you’re a podcaster, if you’re a creative, if your a marketer, if you an entrepreneur this book is for you. Required reading for anyone in the podcasting space. Loved every word. Thank you, Eric.

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Apr 01, 2020 Andy Gagnon rated it liked it

A solid introduction into the process of creating a successful podcast from an experience producer.

The title is terrible. It almost prevented me from reading the book. I strongly associate noise with noise pollution, a serious health hazard.

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Apr 07, 2020 James Cridland rated it it was amazing

An excellent book, which I heartily recommend to anyone making radio or podcasts out there. Eric's a decent writer, knowledgeable and full of great ideas, and this is a great book that'll get the creative juices flowing. ...more

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Apr 25, 2020 Michael Bennett rated it it was amazing

Packed with genuine insight and practical advice. There's a fair bit of flannel to wade through - he is VERY American - but most of it is entertaining and often relevant. Highly recommended for novice podcasters and radio journalists. ...more

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Jan 20, 2020 Stefanie rated it it was amazing

This is absolutely THE book to read if you’re wanting to start a podcast. Compelling, smart, and enjoyable.

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Mar 30, 2020 Mellissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Awesome, two chapters I partially read, good stuff!

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Jul 12, 2020 Aissa rated it it was amazing

As an aspiring podcaster, this book was extremely helpful in planning and implementing my vision. But more than anything, it was a great book that helped me discover my own voice.

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Aug 10, 2020 Reshmi Pillai rated it liked it

Shelves: 2020-reads, audiobooks

A major part of the book is geared towards big league podcasting, being on a network and the likes. But can be distilled for an individual, beginner podcaster and great lessons there.

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Oct 30, 2020 Ryan Irby rated it it was amazing

Embrace risk

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Dec 08, 2020 Bálint Táborszki rated it it was amazing

This book is pure gold for content creators. Practical, applicable, written by an industry veteran, it's one of my most treasured books in terms of its utility. ...more

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Jan 10, 2021 Yifei H rated it really liked it

Super great into to podcasting, focusing mostly on strategy and vision. Like many things in art and design, the advice given may seem obvious at first, but there can be dire consequences if some decisions are not made with intent. This book surfaces many of those unconscious decisions into the conscious, from deciding the focus, to nailing down your target (not present) audience, to interview strategies, to story elements, to managing experimentation and failure. Eric Nuzum also writes empatheti ...more

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About Eric Nuzum

Eric Nuzum

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Eric NUZUM is a writer, cofounder of podcasting company Magnificent Noise, and creator of iconic podcasts. He is considered a leading “go-to” expert in audio, podcasting, radio, and spoken word entertainment. He led NPR’s initial podcasting efforts in 2005 and remained that effort's leading creative and strategic force for a decade. As a creator, he developed some of NPR’s most successful podcasts ...more

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