Review of “Video Podcasting Made Easy” by Ross Brand and Kevin Kolbe

Score: 90+/100 (9.0+ out of 10)

Video Podcasting Made Easy by Ross Brand and Kevin Kolbe serves as a comprehensive guide and spirited discussion for individuals looking to venture into or enhance their skills in video podcasting. It targets beginners and experienced content creators, offering practical advice on gear selection, setup, hosting, and promotion. The authors leverage their extensive experience in video production and podcasting to demystify the process, emphasizing accessibility and practicality.

Ross Brand is already a multi-time Outstanding Creator Awards winner for two of his massive collaborative projects: 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions volumes I & IV! Similar to those two books, Video Podcasting Made Easy was uniquely constructed via audio-video interview(s)! That's right! This book is as much a discussion or a conversation as it is a guide.

In this book, Brand is joined by video podcaster Kevin Kolbe, whose experience in the media includes working for TV stations affiliated with FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, and CW. With all that said, one of the many interesting things he shares is that his interest in media started with radio.

Why is this so special to us?

Well, that's a sentiment that a lot of our recent authors have shared. Radio paved the way for everything else: TV, the Internet, streaming, digital media, and social media!

Judge Anthony Mohr, an Ultimate Champion in our 2024 Creator Classic, shared how his biological father, Gerald Mohr, was one of the pioneers of radio acting, bringing Westerns and other radio shows to life with just the power of his voice.

Gunsmoke: An American Institution by Ben Costello taught us that Gunsmoke--the longest-running TV Western and one of the greatest American TV shows of all time—started off as a simple radio broadcast show!

And, though radio has lost some of its luster,p eople still rely on radio stations for information and to keep up with sporting events (among other things).

So, radio has served as a gateway for many great people and many great things to find their footing in the media and the world. With that said, Brand and Kolbe are quick to tell us that media has evolved remarkably in just the last decade.

Streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch, along with podcasting and music platforms like Spotify, have come to dominate the niche.

Not to get overly political, but just look at this recent presidential election. One Joe Rogan video podcast arguably outperformed promotions and news by almost the entire legacy media.

So, podcasting—particularly video podcasting—has immensely grown in its influence and potential.

And guess what? Its influence and potential is growing by the day!

Why not learn about it and stay informed?

Aimed at both beginners and experienced creators, Video Podcasting Made Easy, provides actionable advice on essential aspects like gear selection, setup, hosting, and promotion. Drawing from their extensive expertise in video production and podcasting, the authors simplify the process, making it approachable for everyone.

The book’s structure leads readers step-by-step, starting with foundational topics such as deciding between audio and video podcasting and progressing to advanced techniques like setting up a studio and recording on the go. It begins with an introduction that underscores the importance of video in today’s digital world and outlines what readers can expect to learn.

Chapters on gear selection focus on finding cost-effective yet high-quality tools, while the studio setup section provides tips for creating a visually appealing and functional workspace.

Hosting skills are also covered, offering guidance on engaging an audience, whether in a solo format or with guests.

Finally, strategies for promoting and distributing content on major platforms like YouTube and Spotify round out the practical advice. Additional chapters on editing, mobile setups, and software solutions ensure a comprehensive understanding of video podcasting, catering to creators at all levels.

Now, of all of these sections, the section on gear stood out to us. On one hand, it was very practical and specific. It talked about the exact equipment you would need (or want) to have for video streaming as well as some options, recommendations, and suggestions. On the other hand, it seemed extremely niche and technical. It was like hearing two experts nerd out over different specs of different tech: microphones, boom arms, smartphones, cameras, lights, etc. There came a point where we started zoning out because of all the tech jargon and gushing over certain brands like Yeti. It's probably because we generally pretty simple people when it comes to technology. Thankfully, this book does acknowledge that some people want to keep it simple or don't have the means or know-how to use certain pieces of equipment. The authors talk about how iPhones can make great cameras and microphones in the right circumstances.

In hindsight, this is ultimately a great section in a solid book. There's even a part of the back of the book which lists all of the different bits of recording & streaming software and hardware that was discussed in the book. So, if you want to go out and get something discussed in the book, you know what to find and where to find it!

Check this book out on Amazon!