Head-to-head comparison
NPR Training vs The Podcast Host
Two of the resources tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Free audio storytelling and journalism resources from NPR's newsroom training team.
Best for: Audio journalism craft
Long-running educational blog for independent podcasters started in 2011 by Colin Gray.
Best for: Beginner education
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
NPR Training
Pros
- Completely free, no signup required
- Working-newsroom perspective
- Practical not theoretical
Watch-outs
- Strong journalism orientation
- Light on monetization topics
- Updates irregularly
The Podcast Host
Pros
- Massive free article library since 2011
- Updated regularly for 2026
- Friendly beginner tone
Watch-outs
- Heavy upsell to the Alitu editing app
- Some posts feel SEO-driven
- Less depth on industry trends
Which one should you pick?
Pick NPR Training if
You’re building around audio journalism craft. Publishes practical, opinionated craft articles for audio reporters — structure, editing, mixing, interviewing. All free.
Pick The Podcast Host if
You’re building around beginner education. One of the oldest "how to podcast" blogs that's still actively publishing. The free articles cover everything from mic recommendations to episode structure, refreshed regularly with 2026 updates on video podcasting and AI tooling.
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Or see all NPR Training alternatives.
Frequently asked
What does NPR Training do better than The Podcast Host?
NPR Training's standout is "Completely free, no signup required". The Podcast Host doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Massive free article library since 2011" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick NPR Training; if the second does, pick The Podcast Host.
What are the trade-offs?
NPR Training: strong journalism orientation. The Podcast Host: heavy upsell to the alitu editing app. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Can I use NPR Training and The Podcast Host together?
Both are resources tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using NPR Training for one show or episode type and The Podcast Host for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.