A beginner’s guide to starting a podcast

Podcasting is a valuable way for creating and marketing content. Whether you get into it for entertainment purposes, to discuss points of interest, or to offer a wide array of tips on your field of expertise, it is a great inbound marketing tool and a convenient method to get your voice heard, says long-time podcaster Mike Volitich.

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If you’re sold on creating your own podcast, the first thing to work on is deciding on your master topic. The growth and recognition of your podcast begins with getting your mindset right to this end. Remember that a podcast is more like a marathon than a sprint. Your niche topic or subject matter should thus be sustainable, sparking in like-minded listeners not just interest but a willingness to stick by you in the long haul.

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Many beginning podcasters take for granted the need to create an avatar, but this is a huge mistake. Your avatar works like your own, perfect listener, that one person who will always be there to listen to your voice. Work hard on establishing your avatar— ask important questions in the process, like is it giving valuable information, offering insights on moving past one’s biggest struggles, or addressing specific pain points? Base each podcast decision on what your avatar wants, from frequency of airing to podcast length and topic presentation.

While you shouldn’t scrimp on your podcast equipment, don’t spend too much as well. We suggest getting a decent zoom microphone like the Audio Technica ATR-1200. It’s recommended because of its mid-range price and USB port connectivity. Podcasting software can simple begin with Windows Moviemaker or iMovie, but we suggest at some point getting Adobe Audition or Audacity, adds Mike Volitich.

UCLA student Mike Volitich combines his passion for sports and anatomy through his pursuit of a Sports Therapy degree. Mike likes listening to podcasts and doing outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, ultimate frisbee, and kayaking. For related posts, visit this blog.

Principles and workouts to help you get that summer body

Summer is fast approaching, and if you haven’t started working out for your summer bod, you could be way behind schedule. It’s important to remember that staying fit throughout the year is better than cramming everything for just one season.

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Getting fit for summer is not as complex as you might, but it’s not that easy either. Instead of focusing on one area of the body, do a holistic workout to target all the areas of the body. Having a summer body is more than just having rock-hard abs. Lift weights first before doing cardio workouts; seems strange, but it works. Mike Volitich says that for you to achieve the body you want, weight training should be first as this depletes the body’s glycogen storages. Follow the weights with cardio, and your body will be more likely to get lean faster.

Raise the intensity for exercises like squats, leg curls, leg presses, and calf raises. Rather than doing four sets with breaks in between, do giant sets. Perform four varied exercises consecutively without breaks. High-intensity interval training or HIIT cardio is always on the top of the list of anyone who wants to get in shape the fastest. Mike Volitich says that this reduces the time you need to spend working out. However, this empties your tank and can leave you breathless after the workout. As you go, you’ll notice that the progress here means finishing the workout with more energy than when you first started.

Hi there! My name is Mike Volitich, and I’m currently a sports therapy student at UCLA. For more updates, head over to this page.

Don Barksdale: UCLA's pride

For those in the field of sports such as me, Mike Volitich, we appreciate that sports have been instrumental in bringing together people of different races and cultures. But decades ago, this was not the case as athletes of color had a much more difficult time because of social barriers and racial quotas. This, however, did not stop Don Barksdale from playing the game he loved.

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Barksdale was an African-American who was born in 1923 in Oakland, California. When he enrolled in Berkeley High School, he kept on trying out for the basketball varsity team. He was cut three times because the coach then implemented a rule that no more than one black player can be part of the team. He developed his basketball skills in parks and recreational facilities instead.

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Earning a scholarship to UCLA, the 6-foot-6 Barksdale played center for the Bruins from 1946-1947. Sports enthusiasts from the school, like me, Mike Volitich, have surely heard of the name Donald Argee Barksdale, who became the first African-American basketball player to be named NCAA All-American.

He continued blazing the trail for athletes of color as he was also the first African-American to play for the U.S Olympic basketball team. In 1951, he was able to sign a contract in the NBA with the Baltimore Bullets as the league, which had just been established a few years prior, began to break the color barrier. Two years later, Barksdale became the first African-American to be selected to play in the NBA All-Star Game.

For more discussion on sports or my alma mater, UCLA, be sure to follow me, Mike Volitich, on Twitter.

Boxing: Possibly the best stress reliever in all of fitness

Have you ever had one of those days that you just wanted to punch someone in the face? Don’t do that. It’ll only make things worse. Instead, buy boxing gear and enroll yourself in a boxing gym. You won’t regret it. Not only is boxing great for your overall health, it’s quite possibly the greatest stress relieving activity in all of fitness.

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I’m Mike Volitich, and there are a few other workout routines I recommend as highly as boxing.
The common misconception about boxing is that it’s all about punching and hitting bags. The first few minutes of your first session should be enough to put that myth to rest. You’ll be taught basic footwork and the few warm-up cardio routines before you do start hitting mitts and bags. You’ll be doing jump ropes that’ll burn fat like nobody’s business. And when you’re done with that, you’ll be learning how to move without crossing your legs.

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After all that is when killing the stress really begins. That’s a Mike Volitich guarantee. You’ll be hitting the mitts with a trainer and learning how to bob and weave. You’ll be blocking punches as well. You’ll be taught several different ways to throw punches and the correct way to do so. After that, you’ll be left on your own to work on different bags around the gym. Don’t overdo it though so you don’t hurt your arms. Do enough to release stress and get a good sweat going.

After a few sessions, you’ll probably wonder how you managed stress without boxing in your life. It’s that great.

Hey there. My name is Mike Volitich, currently a student at UCLA pursuing a degree in sports therapy. I like writing about sports, travel, fitness, and athletic wear. Visit this blog for similar reads.

A guide to a speedy ACL injury recovery

Anyone who has suffered an ACL injury, whether due to a bad fall or from rigorous athletic endeavors, should know that the period for complete recovery after surgery varies. Many therapists would say that it ranges from two to six months just to use the affected leg normally, but a return of the knee joint to its original, stable condition prior to the injury could take nine months or more.

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One way to speed up the recovery is to ensure that you strictly abide by the surgeon’s post-operation instructions. This will include post-op visits and regular meetings with a physical therapist. Keep to these schedules religiously, as they are meant to constitute a rehab program with a clear-cut timetable.

Make sure not to miss any follow-up appointments so that your progress is best monitored. If these are unforeseen developments, your physician will also be able to make the necessary changes quickly.

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Also, make sure that you get a referral for a physical therapist after the surgery. You might already have one in mind, but you can also ask your surgeon for options.

Abide by a healthy nutritional plan. Your body will heal more quickly if you eat foods recommended during post-op. These include leafy vegetables rich in nutrients, lean protein meat, and citrus fruits. Limit your alcohol, caffeine, and soda intake or avoid these drinks altogether and go for dairy. Finally, make sure you get the right amount of sleep, take your prescribed medications, and do the exercises you’ve been instructed for rehab.

Hey, there. My name is Mike Volitich, a student currently studying sports therapy at the UCLA. Among my interests are sports, travel, fitness, and athletic wear. More on my hobbies and interests here.

Nutrition for young developing athletes

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While getting children into sports is always a good idea, parents shouldn’t stop there. Many parents constantly strive to be a part of their child’s journey, either by practicing with them, teaching them the ropes, or having them watch highlights of the child’s favorite athletes. If you’re a parent of a child who’s passionate about sports, it’s best to know not just the sport, but the proper nutrition a child needs to develop his body and mind for the road ahead.


On that note, here are the most important things a child should consume to build his body the right way for competitive sports.

Water

Probably the most important of all food and drink, water is needed for the body to function. And because a child sweats a lot when he does sports, he constantly needs to be hydrated. Coaches and parents need to have a healthy supply of clean water every training session and every game.


Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates supply the energy children need to perform to their potential. About half of a child’s meal should be carbohydrates.

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Healthy fats

Once all the carbs are used up, the body turns to healthy fats. With this in mind, about 1/5 to 1/3 of a child’s diet should be healthy fats.


Protein

Protein doesn’t supply energy as much as carbs, but it is important in building muscles, which translates to increased strength and speed for children. Without protein, a child cannot grow to be a strong athlete.


Supplements

Vitamins and minerals are always a huge part of nutrition of professional athletes. Children as well, will benefit a lot from calcium and iron when it comes to their growth.


Hello, there. My name is Mike Volitich, and I’m currently studying sports therapy at the UCLA. My interests include sports, travel, fitness, and outdoor recreation. More of my musings here.

Take nature pics like a pro

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Two of my favorite hobbies are travel and photography, and it’s providence that they both complement each other really well. Ask any of my friends, and they’ll tell you that the most beautiful shots I take, I take when hiking in nature. I’m not saying that it’s easy, but it’s definitely rewarding.


Here are some tips I can share with you on how to take the best nature shots while in the midst of a hike.

The changing weather

The weather is a huge part of nature. It is unpredictable and awesome. Also prep your gear for changes in the weather. Consider also factors like temperature and humidity. Investing in waterproof gear (water-resistant won’t cut it) is a good idea.


Tripod, Tripod, Tripod

Often, hiking trails are uneven. Such is the natural terrain. To counter this, create a steady shot, and minimize blurring, bring a tripod.


The forest guide

Hiring a guide is a good idea if you or any of your friends aren’t familiar with the area. Not only will the guide keep you from getting lost, but they’ll also know the best spots to take your shots.


The full day effect

One of the most alluring things about the natural landscape is that it takes on different personalities depending on the time of day. A mountain range at sunrise is very different from one at sunset. The same goes for lakes, rivers, fields, and the like.


Hello, I’m Mike Volitich, a UCLA student pursuing a degree in sports therapy. When I’m not too busy with my classes, you’ll find me listening to podcasts and doing outdoor recreational activities like hiking, skiing, ultimate frisbee, and kayaking. For similar reads, visit this blog.