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Hi, I'm the co-editor for podcast production and I think I may be able to help with your questions.

Mics: Depending on your current recording space you have 2 options, Condenser or Dynamic Microphones. Condenser mics are very good at picking up detailed sound but they are most of the time to sensitive to be used without some sort of sound proofing or acoustic treatment to the room as they are really good at picking up even the quietest of sounds. but if you have a treated room or a acoustic shield then that might be an option to look into. Dynamic mics however are really good at capturing loud sounds and because of that, they are mostly used for singing and instruments. however they are also often used for narration because you don't have to go all out with the sound proofing as they are less sensitive. now since my talents are in post production, I don't need an expensive microphone to get a good sounding recording, so I just use a $20 Dynamic microphone from amazon, they're great in fact I bought 4 of them for a podcast I was doing, I can give samples if you would like. As for price, Condenser are on average going to cost more because of everything that goes into it. Dynamic mics are older tech, so they aren't as expensive. my friend who does the vocal recordings has the Rode NT1a, a rather expensive condenser microphone $229, and I record using the Behringer Xm8500 Dynamic mic $20 on amazon. so it's really up to your budget and editing know how.

Rode NT1a

Xm8500

You will also need a audio interface if you're going to be using XLR mics, which I highly recommend you do. Here's the one I use, although you may not need that many channels

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Software: I use Adobe Audition around $20 a month subscription. However I have in the past used Audacity and if you know how to use it, you can get some really good results. If you are looking to get into industry standard software I would recommend Pro Tools also I think $20 a month.

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Yes, people who don't use a studio generally record to their preferred Audio editor and mix/edit then upload to a hosting website for their podcast, the production I work for uses Blogtalk which I think has a free option. However there are many options for hosting websites (E.g. Acast, Podbean, Libsyn, Ect.) I recommend reading this website for hosting options.

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People typically find voice actors through Casting Calls which they themselves set up or by going through a casting call website, and yes voice actors are typically paid although some may offer volunteer if they're just getting out there or for charity. For the sake of professionalism always assume you are paying for their services, that way if they decline payment then that's their choice as an actor.

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If your podcast gains enough listeners then yes, you can definaty make money through podcasting, but you should never go only for making money. because one, it takes a while ti gain listeners and two it's just no fun if your only in it for the money.

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I remember being exactly where you are now asking these questions, so If you need any help don't hesitate to ask. I hope this helps :)

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TL,DR

Mics: I use a $20 Dynamic mic which gives me great recordings, although there are more expensive and higher quality options out there.

Software: I use Adobe Audition to edit everything but there are a myriad of other audio editing options out there including the free software Audacity.

Yes it can be as simple as Record/Edit/Post depending on what your doing and the type of podcast your going for.

You find actors through casting calls, and typically you always pay actors for their services. Always expect to pay.

Yes you can make money through podcasting depending on your listenership and Ads and things like that.

I agree with /u/KontraKode that you should just get started. As much as you want to achieve the best quality possible, that great journey needs to begin with the first step.

If you get hung up on your gear, that may hold you back. Work with what you have and do the best you can with it until you can make upgrades. This sort of trial and error as mentioned before is key in the development of your skills.

Better done than perfect. Each new project you work on will provide you with the opportunity to learn. KC Wayland has a great book for beginners that you might enjoy. Affordable, too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JJBZVZY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Make contacts here, in voice acting forums, facebook groups for audio drama/podcasting/voice acting, and the Podcast Junkie Discord, etc.

Whatever the case, the sooner you get started, the sooner you will begin to hit the quality mark you are seeking. Also, be good to people along the way and avoid those who are toxic or holding you back. Have fun!

So one thing to do would be check out some similar things that have come before, and see how they did it. Two series come to mind: I Love a Mystery and Jake Sampson, Monster Hunter These shows focus more on the "adventure" aspect, rather than the horror or fantasy. I'm sure the good folks arounf here could come up with more.

As for "how-to" information about production, you can check out the Audio Drama Production Podcast, the guys who run that also have a short book call How to Create Audio Drama (note: I am listed as an editor on that book, but all I did was format it to help them out, and I don't get anything from sales...)

All the while, start jotting down ideas and outlines, then keep coming back here to have "what's next" questions answered.

I, for one, would love to see an adventure series take off. Good luck!

I'm not sure about Podcasts, but there are a lot of "Lit-RPG" books that basically all have the same plot of some kid going full-dive immersion into VR (or stuck in VR). There's generally a large amount of meta-gaming (players trying their best to boost their stats and become the most powerful) and then a sinister plot usually centered around respawns...

The players also always end up getting legendary gear or items either on purpose or accident that gives them a huge edge.

I've read a few of D. Rus' "Play to Live" series: https://www.amazon.com/AlterWorld-Play-Live-D-Rus/dp/0990707903/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487783304&sr=8-1&keywords=play+to+live

They're pretty good, you can get the book for free on Kindle, and add audible narration for $4. Boom, podcast!

This - $58.99

This - $99.00

This - the one with the stand ($48.00)

and This - $12.50

Total: $218.49

The "soundproof shield" on the mic stand isn't enough. The only reason I say you should get it is because it will allow you to hang a blanket over your mic. You want something heavy with a cotton-like, or very dense surface. You can hang the blanket there and "duck in" to do your voice work. You can take a phone in with your lines on it so you don't have to duck in and out so much. The point is that there is no such thing as a good mic that doesn't need soundproofing, period.

With this condenser mic, good soundproofing (blanket), and the heavy pop filter, you will be surprised at the quality. The Behringer audio interface is basically an amp, you know, and it's totally fine for voice work. And remember, this is NOT a USB mic! It NEEDS an audio interface.

I realize it's more than the option already presented, but it's just so worth it. It really is so much about that blanket. The fact is if you want to sound pro without spending pro money, you need to stick your head in there and just put up with that. The results are 100% worth it.

One other thing: if you find that pop filter isn't enough, and you're still hearing "mouth clicks" (this setup, without filter, will pick up every little sound the inside of your mouth makes -- and the inside of your mouth actually makes a LOT of unintended noise, if you didn't know it), start layering on thin nylon fabric (panty hose will work) until it's gone to your satisfaction.

Here's me using this exact setup (I have tried other inexpensive setups!)

https://soundcloud.com/dan-williams-214914755/credits-1/s-881qi?in=dan-williams-214914755/sets/a-house-in-wayward-canyon/s-cfvoq

Amazon is your best bet. I bought mine here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TP7C9YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PtzwDb9S23MJN
Even though 2 packs don't fully cover my walls, they do fine in my rather spacious make-shift walk-in closet booth. There is no echo unless I'm at the other end of the closet and yelling.

Be warned, foam boards are NOT sound proofing, they ABSORB sound. Most people don't realize this, so before you spend money don't think that this will solve those pesky outside sounds. If you do want sound proofing you need special walls, but that is too pricey for most people.

Anyway,s good luck.

I turned my linen closet, which is perfectly shaped like an audio booth into my home recording studio. I lined the walls with soundproofing foam (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ACLIFBC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and record on a Blue Yeti (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072PR6W8P/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). I edit in Adobe Audition and use a pair of Audio-Technica headphones (https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATH-M50x-Professional-Monitor-Headphones/dp/B00HVLUR86)

I really loved KC Wayland’s BOMBS ALWAYS BEEP . It’s kind of pricey IMO, but it has good info.

It was released a few years ago I think. But with BBC radio dramas they rotate them and host them on the site for maybe a month or so? So this came out awhile ago. I want to say at least two or three years. I faintly remember it being on the site back then but I wasn't a member of this sub. Now I saw that they are about to re-air it so I thought that I would link it here in case anyone wanted to listen to it.

https://www.amazon.com/Good-Omens-BBC-Radio-dramatisation/dp/B00S999ED8/

I think they're re-releasing it due to the Amazon Prime show and newfound interest in it overall. They're also about to release the audio drama on CD in September if anyone wants to purchase it.

While not a podcast, there is an book series (in audiobook form) that I think you'll enjoy; We Are Legion (We Are Bob).

You might also like the Inspector Morse revival called Endeavor. https://www.amazon.com/Girl/dp/B00DUUKYFI/ref=sr_1_2?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1536510026&sr=1-2&keywords=inspector+morse+on+prime+video

I need to rewatch Father Brown myself!

Black Star - A 5 hour, sci-fi adventure audio drama released to Audible

As Sebastian crash-lands on an unknown moon, he soon discovers what drew him to there: a being far beyond his recognition. Sebastian finds himself encompassed by the ability to create and manipulate black holes. Follow along on a journey through an assortment of planets, aliens, and deadly assassins.

Black Star Chronicles - A shorter, cyberpunk noir audio drama on their podcast.

Deep in the mega-structure, Dyson, outlaw Juno Swift desperately seeks to repair her brother's stolen personality. She must turn to an ex-employee of Horizon - the company responsible for her grief.
Aware of Juno's efforts, Horizon hires a fierce bounty hunter to stop interference. Local detectives close in on the string of related crimes but will they act in time to prevent more damage?
Find out as their stories collide in a gritty, future metropolis filled with neon holograms and residents from every corner of the galaxy.

There's a Christmas special too. It's all set in the same universe. Full cast, immersive soundscapes. Lotta fun.

Released today:
iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/de/audiobook/curse-undead-john-sinclair/id978683762

amazon (USA)
http://www.amazon.com/Curse-Undead-John-Sinclair-Horror/dp/B00V9XRWE4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427445178&sr=8-2&keywords=curse+of+the+undead+sinclair

Spotify:
http://open.spotify.com/album/1q6d82OmT2QPVHDS79g3rU

These are my headphones, think they'll do?