# Buzzsprout Setup — Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Show name: **Optimized Airway** · Host: Kirsten Trevisonn, RDH
Everything you need to paste is in `01-buzzsprout-ready-to-paste.md`.
Have that file plus `assets/podcast-cover-3000x3000.png` open before you start.
Total time: about 30–40 minutes.

---

## Step 1 — Create the account (5 min)

1. Go to buzzsprout.com → **Get Started**.
2. Enter your email and a password. **Use a mailbox you actually receive mail at** — Apple emails a verification link to the owner address, and hello@optimizedairway.com does not forward to your inbox.
3. Choose the **$12/mo · 3 hours/month** plan. That fits four 12–15 min episodes a month with room to spare.
4. Optional add-on: **Magic Mastering ($6/mo)** — auto-levels volume and cleans up room noise. Worth it since you're recording solo.

You can start on the free tier (90 days of hosting) but the free tier deletes episodes after 90 days, so go paid before you submit to Apple.

---

## Step 2 — Podcast Info (10 min)

Buzzsprout → **Settings → Podcast Info**. Paste from `01-buzzsprout-ready-to-paste.md`:

- Title: `Optimized Airway`
- Subtitle / tagline
- Description (paste the **long** version)
- Author: `Kirsten Trevisonn, RDH`
- Owner email: your real inbox (must receive Apple’s verification email)
- Website: `https://optimizedairway.com/podcast`
- Language: English (Canada)
- Explicit: **No**
- Type: **Episodic**
- Copyright: `© 2026 Optimized Airway Education`

Then **Save**.

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## Step 3 — Cover art (2 min)

Same page → **Artwork → Upload**.

Upload `podcast-cover-3000x3000.png`. Apple requires 1400×1400 minimum and 3000×3000 max, square, RGB PNG or JPG — this file is exactly at the max.

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## Step 4 — Categories & keywords (3 min)

- Primary: **Health & Fitness → Medicine**
- Secondary: **Education → Courses**
- Keywords: paste the keyword line from the ready-to-paste file.

---

## Step 5 — Upload the trailer (10 min)

Buzzsprout → **Episodes → Upload New Episode**.

- File: `oae-content/podcast/episodes/00-trailer.mp3`
- Title: `Welcome to Optimized Airway`
- Episode type: **Trailer**
- Season: 1 · Episode number: leave blank for a trailer
- Show notes: paste from `episodes/00-trailer-show-notes.md`
- Publish: **now** (this is what Apple and Spotify review)

Publishing the trailer first is the goal — directories need at least one live episode before they'll approve the feed.

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## Step 6 — Submit to directories (5 min + waiting)

Buzzsprout → **Directories**. Click each and follow the prompt:

| Directory | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apple Podcasts | Needs a free Apple ID. Review takes 1–5 days. |
| Spotify | Usually instant. |
| Amazon Music / Audible | Usually same-day. |
| YouTube Music | Instant via Buzzsprout. |
| iHeartRadio | 1–3 days. |
| Castbox, Podcast Index, Deezer | Toggle on, no review. |

Copy your RSS feed URL from this page and save it — you'll need it for the website and any future submissions.

---

## Step 7 — Schedule Episodes 1–3

Once the trailer is live and Apple has approved the show:

- Upload all three episodes and set them to publish **the same day** (Apple's "New & Noteworthy" boost favours shows with multiple episodes at launch).
- Files: `episodes/01-myo-as-an-rdh.mp3`, `02-implementing-into-practice.mp3`, `03-benefits-to-hygienists.mp3`
- Show notes: the matching `*-show-notes.md` file for each
- Time: Tuesday, 5:00 AM ET
- Every episode's show notes end with the cross-promo footer and code **PODCAST20**

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## Step 8 — Optional custom domain

Buzzsprout → **Settings → Custom Domain** → enter `podcast.optimizedairway.com`, then add the CNAME they give you in your DNS. Free, and it keeps everything on your brand.

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## Step 9 — Tell me when the feed is live

Send me your Buzzsprout RSS URL or your Apple/Spotify show links and I'll:

- Add real subscribe buttons + an episode player to the `/podcast` page
- Swap the "Launching Soon" badge for live episode listings
- Generate the launch-week audiograms and captions

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## Quick checklist

- [ ] Account created, $12/mo plan
- [ ] Podcast Info filled in and saved
- [ ] 3000×3000 cover uploaded
- [ ] Categories + keywords set
- [ ] Trailer uploaded and published
- [ ] All directories submitted
- [ ] RSS URL saved
- [ ] Episodes 1–3 scheduled together
- [ ] Custom domain (optional)