What are some best practices for starting a podcast?

I've never made a podcast, so these guys probably have some more valuable insight than I do. BUT if you actually enjoy podcasts and getting audio content from them, there is a podcast called The Audacity podcast that is literally, a podcast about making podcasts. It's gotten a ton of great feedback and I've only heard good things about it- here is a link to it if you're interested. http://www.voaudio.com/share493

You have to find your niche and make the podcast about your audience, not about you.  If your format includes guests, learn how to conduct engaging interviews and be a great listener to what your guests have to say. So many podcasters make it all about themselves and leave their audiences void of real information and insight.

There are many ways to make a podcast today. Not knowing anything about you and your goals and objectives I'll recommend checking out  Boss Jock which allows you to create a podcast right from your iPhone or iPad: http://bossjockstudio.com

All these tips are great, but it quite possible to become an expert at the theory of podcasting without ever putting a mic near your face hole.  Balance the theory with actually doing it. That is not to say that you should be sloppy about it - absolutely make the very best quality product that you can at all times.  But set yourself a deadline to actually get it out so that you don't spin indefinitely in a theory loop.

Basically everything you wanted to learn about podcast and what to do with them for starters you can check this one out everything is there http://www.ipodder.org/how_to_record_a_podcast

Briefly, the tools to create a podcast are pretty affordable and easy to use. On a Mac, you can use Garage Band to edit and prepare the sound files. On Mac or PC, Adobe Soundbooth is a good alternative. The Zoom H2 is a very good audio recorder with a built-in mic and excellent recording quality. Use WordPress to create the blog. Once you've got those elements, a little messing around and googling and trial and error will get you where you need to go.

It depends on how you define "professional", of course. If you define " pro" as popular, then you will hear a tremendous variation in the amount of production, format, host's voice, etc. So, there's no real answer there for how to "sound professional". If your definition of "professional" as adhering to best practices for audio production, voice inflection, interviewing skills, etc, then study radio production. The middle, most basic guide I can give you, is to talk loud, but not yell, talk close to the mic, and eliminate background noise. Then post often and predictably. This defines you and your show as an authority.

Bring the your best ideas and best of youFirst of all, you need an idea. Ideas can start small and turn into something colossal. What will your podcast be about? What do you like to talk about? What interests you and what are you passionate about? What makes you different than the rest? You need to work with your strengths and use it as leverage.Also, you need to think about your format. Do you like doing Docu-mentaries? Monologues? Scripted material? Conversations? If you're not so sure about what's going to work, try a few different formats.It's not going to be easy and you're not going to become successful overnight, but aim to be the best and always show your best.(source: http://podcastengineers.com/blogs/making-successful-podcast-5-things-newbies-need-know)

First, find an area of interest ie. health & medicine. I would write some of your favorite topics down and keep a running list. This helps you never run out of ideas. Take that list and find the one topic you might want to start on. In the beginning, outlines, information/subject material are important. Once you get the hang of it, you will probably need less prepping. Having a website and a blog can help get your podcast noticed. Use Social Media to help connect with others. They will help you announce your podcast and publicize your message. There are two very successful podcasters in Honolulu whom you night want to check out. Both of them are very different from each other and both are very popular worldwide. @Hawaii also known as Ryan Ozawa and @alohabruce also known as Bruce Fisher. Bruce is one of the world's most popular travel experts in Social Media. His specialty is "travel to Hawaii". Ryan is a local Geek in Honolulu who got his name nationally and internationally recognized while following the filming of the TV series "Lost" on Oahu (Honolulu). Just google these guys names separately and you will find good examples of podcasting. However, I think Bruce now does a videocast. This makes sense since he is in Hawaii. As for putting your podcast together, one of the best audio editing programs/software is Audacity. It can be used on both Mac and PC. Best of all it is free! Pick yourself up a USB mic at your local BestBuy or Amazon and you are all set! If you have additional questions please let me know. I'm happy to help. I have a background in broadcast as well as health/medicine. Mahalo!