Welcome to the Baird Media Podmaster™ Academy – the home of podcasting excellence in South Africa.
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already launched and want to take things further, our programs are built to give you confidence, clarity, and the tools you need to succeed.
At the Academy, you don’t just learn about podcasting. You actually build a show that works guided every step of the way by Hendrik and Ethan Baird, South Africa’s award-winning podcast duo.
Chosen by brands and creators who take their podcasts seriously.
Embark on a guided exploration of podcasting essentials, from concept to creation, in our immersive Startup Program.
Elevate your podcast with our Masterclass – a high-touch program designed to provide expert feedback, strategic guidance, and personalised support for lasting growth and impact.
Turning your idea into a podcast doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The Startup Program gives you a step-by-step roadmap so you can move from “Where do I even begin?” to “I’ve launched my podcast!”
You’ll cover the six essential stages of podcasting success:
1 – Define your “why” and your audience.
2 – Choose your genre, format, and equipment.
3 – Plan your series and script your episodes.
4 – Record, edit, master, and render your content.
5 – Publish, distribute, and market your podcast.
6 – Plan for the future and stay consistent.
We know every podcaster is different. That’s why we offer three flexible options:
Full self-paced Moodle course
Written and video lessons
Discussion forums, quizzes, assignments
Downloadable templates and tools
7-module Moodle course
8 live sessions with Ethan and Hendrik
Detailed season plan
One fully produced episode session on how to use
Bonus: AI in podcasting
Access for a podcast team.
For teams or organisations who want to launch fast
Intensive 5-day in-person program
Hands-on training in recording, editing, publishing, marketing
Season plan + script framework
One recorded & edited pilot episode
Templates and workflows tailored to your setup
Team coaching and capacity building
With live sessions, personal check-ins, and a companion book (Become a Podmaster™), you’ll never feel like you’re doing this alone.
“The step-by-step support made it all doable. The theory and the practice worked hand-in-hand.”
— Eloise Petzer
“It helped me realise how creative podcasting can be. It became part of my brand.”
— Dr Barbara van Heerden
“I loved the personal attention. You made it feel simple—but also smart.”
— Linda Rossouw
Already launched your podcast? The Accelerator is designed for active podcasters who want to sharpen their sound, grow their audience, and align their show with their bigger goals.
This program includes a pre-session diagnostic, expert review of your episodes, and three one-on-one strategy sessions.
You’ll walk away with:
A clear map of your strengths and weaknesses
A refined format, structure, and storytelling approach
A growth and monetisation strategy that fits your purpose
Templates and tools to edit smarter and engage deeper
Includes:
Pre-program self-evaluation
Expert review of 2–3 episodes
3 x 90-minute one-on-one sessions
Written feedback + personalised action plan
Warm-up guides and repurposing tools
Recordings of all sessions
Ebook copy of The Podmaster’s Voice by Hendrik Baird
(Need editing or production help too? Optional add-ons are available.)
Ready to go deeper with your podcast?
You can do a Self-Evaluation to see if you’re a good fit.
Then book a free consultation to see if the Accelerator is right for you.
“It’s a game-changer. If you’re serious about your podcast and you’re ready to do the work, this program will give you the tools, structure, and confidence to move forward.”
— Sabelo Khuzwayo, Just Laugh About It
“If you want to grow as a podcaster (technically, creatively, and professionally) this is the best investment you can make. I came in confident, and still learned so much I didn’t know I needed.”
— Dean Horwitz, Trail Chasers
“It gives you practical ways to grow and improve, no matter where you are in your podcasting journey. Every session gave me something I could use immediately.”
— Barret Edelstein, Celeb Savante
“This program gave me clarity, purpose, and a strategy to take my show to the next level. The feedback was honest, detailed, and exactly what I needed.”
— Michael Johnston, Coffee Charged Conversations