Remote podcast guest instructions
Joining a remote podcast recording? Start here.
We’re delighted to have you on the podcast. This page explains exactly how to join the remote studio and how to get the best possible audio and video quality.
You’ll be joining the recording through Riverside. Please use a laptop or desktop computer, ideally with Google Chrome, and allow a few minutes before the session to check your microphone, camera and headphones.
Important: please do not use a VPN during the recording. VPNs can affect connection speed and may cause upload issues.
After the recording, keep the Riverside tab open until your upload is complete.
Before the recording
Five things to check before you join.
Use Chrome on a computer
Riverside works best on Google Chrome using a laptop or desktop computer. Please avoid joining from a phone unless the host has specifically agreed this in advance.
Use headphones
Headphones help prevent echo and make the recording cleaner. Wired headphones are ideal, but Bluetooth headphones are better than using speakers.
Choose your microphone
An external microphone or headset microphone will usually sound better than your laptop microphone. Riverside will let you choose your microphone before joining.
Set your camera
Use a good webcam or your computer’s built-in camera. Place your laptop or camera at eye level where possible.
Find a quiet room
Choose a quiet, well-lit room. Turn off fans, air conditioning, washing machines and anything else that may create background noise.
Avoid backlighting
Try not to sit with a bright window behind you. Sit facing a window or with the light to the side so your face is clearly visible.
Simple rule: quiet room, good light, headphones on, Chrome open, VPN off.
Joining the session
How to join the Riverside recording.
Click the remote studio link
When it is time for the recording, click the button below to join the Podcast Studio Glasgow remote studio.
Allow microphone and camera access
Your browser will ask for permission to use your microphone and camera. Please allow both.
Choose the correct devices
On the Riverside setup screen, select the microphone, camera and headphones you want to use.
Enter your name
Type your name clearly so the host can identify you. Riverside may also ask whether you are using headphones.
Wait in the green room
You may enter a virtual green room first. The host or producer will admit you when they are ready.
During the recording
How to help the recording go smoothly.
- Keep your headphones on throughout the recording.
- Stay close enough to the microphone so your voice is clear.
- Avoid tapping the desk, typing, rustling paper or moving objects near the microphone.
- Keep your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb.
- Close unnecessary apps such as email, Slack, Teams, Dropbox, Google Drive and anything that may use bandwidth.
- Speak naturally. You do not need to perform. A good podcast should feel like a real conversation.
After the recording
Please wait for your upload to finish.
Riverside records high-quality local files on your computer and then uploads them after the recording. This is what helps us get better quality than a normal video call.
Please do not close the browser tab immediately when the conversation ends. Keep Riverside open until you see confirmation that your files have uploaded.
Do this
Leave the Riverside tab open until the upload is complete. This may take a few minutes depending on your connection.
Do not do this
Do not close your laptop, quit Chrome, disconnect from the internet, or shut the tab before Riverside confirms the upload has finished.
Closing the tab too early may result in incomplete recordings.
Quick checklist
Before you click the link.
- I am using Google Chrome on a laptop or desktop computer.
- My VPN is switched off.
- I have headphones ready.
- I have selected a quiet, well-lit room.
- I am not sitting with a bright window directly behind me.
- I have closed unnecessary apps and silenced notifications.
- I know to keep Riverside open after the recording until upload is complete.
Podcast Studio Glasgow
Need help before the recording?
Your host or producer should be able to help if you are unsure about anything. The main things are simple: use Chrome, wear headphones, choose a quiet room, switch your VPN off, and keep the tab open after recording.