I love discovering new tools to be more productive, as well as resources that make it easier to create media and improve my life.
I frequently get emails asking about tools, software, and resources I use so I created this page for you to reference. As I learn more, discover more, and use more, I’ll add new resources as I find them and once I test them out. If you use any of these resources based on my recommendation, please let me know about your experience!
Disclosure: Some of the following links are affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase after clicking some of these links, I’ll earn a commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you. These are links to companies and resources I have either personally used or firmly believe in, and not because of any commissions they may offer.
MY MOST RECOMMENDED
I’ve been building websites since 1996 and have used a lot of tools, both good and bad. But here are the ones I still use to this day when building a website (including this one).
I’ve used more web hosting companies over the years than I can remember. I switched to Bluehost because I needed hosting that would be reliable, would host multiple websites with a single account, and offered features that are easy to set up. For example, if you want a WordPress-based site like this one, you can literally install it with one click. I also love the fact that if I need tech support, I can get it immediately via chat instead of having to call a phone number (which is also available, if you prefer). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Bluehost for your first site. Click this link to get a special discount off the regular price!
I’ve been friends with Cliff Ravenscraft since the early days of podcasting and if you’re looking for in-depth step-by-step training with a coach that will walk you through the entire process of creating a launching a dynamic podcast of your own, Cliff’s Podcasting from A to Z class can’t be beat. If you enter the code ROSARY at check out, Cliff will knock $500 off your price tag. Click this link and enter ROSARY at checkout to save $500!
Want an awesome website without having to do any technical work at all? I highly recommend eCatholic, especially for parishes and dioceses that just want an out-of-the-box solution. Fantastic customer service, and their websites are being used in over 1,500 locations! Click here to get started with eCatholic.
BLOGGING
- WordPress: The #1 Blog Publishing Platform. Free and easily customizable with wonderful support. All of my blogs use WordPress.
HOSTING
- Bluehost: Bluehost is easy to use, and offers 1-click automatic WordPress installation along with superior customer service. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND using Bluehost for your first site.
PODCASTING
- Libsyn – We’ve been Libsyn customers ever since we uploaded our very first podcast in March 2005. To me, there’s no question on what company to use if you need hosting for your media and podcasting files.
- Cliff’s Podcast A to Z class (Use checkout code ROSARY to save $500!)
- Zoom H4 Portable Recorder – We bought the original Zoom H4 in 2006 and have used the heck out of that thing for over eight years. All of our podcasts are recorded directly to a Zoom. This is the latest version (the H4n) and when it comes time to get a new one, this is a no-brainer decision for me. I’m getting this.
- Shure SM7B Microphones – I’ve used these for years, including when my wife and I were recording 3 hours of radio everyday. A little on the pricy side, but completely worth it. Professional, rich sound.
- Soundboard
- Adobe Audition
- Audible
WRITING
- Scrivener – If you write, you need this. Period. The greatest writing tool I’ve ever used in my entire life. Click here for the Mac version and here for the Windows version. I use both. Both are awesome beyond awesome.
- CELTX – A good scriptwriting program, but I’ve found Scrivener fits the bill for most projects. But if you need to storyboard, collaborate with others, create extensive cast lists, etc., then CELTX is a good option. We wrote all the episodes of That Catholic Show, as well as the script for our sitcom pilot using Celtx.
PRODUCTIVITY
- WorkFlowy – I’ve lost track how many people I’ve referred to this amazing tool for organizing your brain and for getting things done. It looks like a simple outlining tool, but given my love of lists, and their usefulness for getting thousands of things accomplished, Workflowy has become absolutely indispensable.
PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION & SHOPPING CARTS
- E-Junkie: The shopping cart I use to sell my online products. It’s compatible with multiple shopping cart systems including Paypal Standard and Pro, Google Checkout, Authorize.net, TrialPay, Clickbank and more. It is easy to setup, and the usage price is very affordable.
- Paypal.com: Paypal is a good system for just getting going with selling products through them. There are things I wish were easier to work with on the backend, but I’ve been using Paypal for accepting both one-time and subscription payments for well over a decade and it is the market leader.
BOOKS
- The Catholics Next Door: Adventures in Imperfect Living – Co-written with my wife, Jennifer, this book has been called a must-have for couples in their first years of marriage.
- The New Evangelization and You: Be Not Afraid – My bestselling book that will help you to know, live, and share your faith like never before.
- The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield – Came highly recommended to me, and I recommend it to others to overcome the resistance that keeps you from getting work done!
VIDEO
- ScreenFlow (for Mac users) – the screen capture software I’m currently using.