If you’re new to podcasting it's hard to know what 'good' audio sounds like. But understanding this is essential if you want your podcast episodes to sound their best

The challenge? It's not necessarily something you'll recognise straight away because you have to train your ear.

In this episode, I share how to build that skill, from essential listening habits to editing techniques that will make your show sound seamless.

Whether you’re editing your own episodes or just want to recognise quality when you hear it, these tips will help you spot (and fix) audio issues before they cost you listeners.

What you’ll learn:

How to train your ear through active listening

• Why listening to a wide range of quality podcasts accelerates your skills
• How to notice the details you like (and dislike) so you can apply them to your own show

What makes a bad edit and how to avoid it

• How to spot “obvious” edits and why they break immersion
• Why over‑editing is as bad as under-editing
• The importance of listening to audio around the spot where you're editing

The importance of space

• How to use natural pauses, breaths and silence to keep your edit sounding natural
• Why cutting too tightly can make your podcast feel rushed and robotic

The most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

• Why distracted editing always leads to missed errors
• The risks of editing while multitasking
• Why a final “just listening” pass is non‑negotiable

Tools and techniques that will help you improve your edits

• How to use breath and silence files to smooth transitions
• Leveraging AI tools like Adobe Enhance (without over‑processing your voice)
• Listening critically to your own edits with eyes closed to focus on the sound

Why editing well is worth the effort

• Good audio builds trust and keeps listeners engaged
• Even small improvements in editing can make your show sound dramatically better

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host: Rachel Corbett

Editing Assistance: Josh Newth

LINKS & OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF:

Download my free podcasting guide

Check out my online podcasting course, PodSchool

Click here to submit a question to the show

Email me: rachel@rachelcorbett.com.au

Follow me: Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok or check out my blog or the PodSchool website.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Wangal people, of the Eora Nation.

I pay my respects to Elders past and present.