I’m new to Audacity so let me apologize if this post is not compatible with this forum’s purpose. I’m posting out of frustration at trying to teach myself Audacity, which looks like great software that I’d very much like to use. I’m guessing that this is a good place to look for a tutor, as I’m on Catalina 10.15.7 using Audacity 2.4.2. I’m looking for someone who can teach from macro to micro, explaining the why as much as the how. I’m starting a podcast and want to be able to save recordings as .mp3 44100Hz 192 kbps (I’m guessing Audacity can do this). In addition to recording, I’d also like to be able to manage levels, mix in audio recordings, and do basic edits. I’ve got the equipment - now I just need a kind soul who is patient and doesn’t mind being interrupted by questions 
I’m in San Francisco so PDT. My budget’s tight but I’m happy to pay for your time. And once again, if this posting is a violation of some kind, please let me know and I’ll take it down asap. Thanks.
I’m not the one to teach you, and I’m not Mac user. But, I can give you a few “hints”.
I’m starting a podcast and want to be able to save recordings as .mp3 44100Hz 192 kbps (I’m guessing Audacity can do this).
Yes. 44,100Hz is selected in the lower-left corner of the Audacity window. If you want MP3: File → Export as MP3 and then choose your desired bitrate setting.
MP3 is lossy compression. When you open an MP3 for editing it gets decompressed so if you export again to MP3 you are going through another generation of lossy compression and the “damage” does accumulate. So if you want MP3 compress to MP3 ONCE as the last step. If you want to save temporarily, Export as WAV and you can optionally save an Audacity project.
I might be back later with a few more comments…
What equipment do you have?
Have you managed to set it up and make a simple recording?
Yes, I can make recordings that look and sound good. What I can’t do is everything else I mentioned in my post!
@dvddoug : very helpful info about exporting as WAV - thank you.
if this posting is a violation of some kind, please let me know and I’ll take it down
It’s not in violation of anything, but I don’t know of any provision for classes taking Audacity from “unwrapping the package” through to posting a finished podcast.
It may seem you have a simple project, but you don’t. This is nothing like transferring your records to MP3 or recording your voice for audiobooks. Those are both straight-line projects—push this button turn that dial.
Producing a podcast is the 2020 version of engineering a variety radio show—completely open-ended—starting from an empty room.
How long do you have? There’s a favorite forum post that starts out “I have no experience but I want to create the most complicated podcast known to man—and I need it by lunchtime.”
It may take longer than that.
What equipment do you have?
Have you managed to set it up and make a simple recording?
We have to build your world in our heads, so detailed descriptions are good. Describing the show you have in your head is a terrific push.
Koz
Ooops - earlier said I can make recording that looks and sounds good. Sorry about that. I’m also on OBS Forum at the same time as Audacity Forum! But yes, I can make recordings in Audacity using Blue Yeti mic that sound good.
Describing the show you have in your head is a terrific push.
I don’t mean “I want to mix a lot of music.” I mean the description you would give to somebody who wanted to buy your show. The podcast version of Don McNeil’s Breakfast Club, or are you producing a music review program that you’re going to send to KQED Radio.
Koz
One forum note. The Audacity forum can be blisteringly fast compared to other forums. We have active helper elves over nine time zones.
Although it is possible to get out of step. You can get duelling posts. You answer something from the wrong post without letting things settle.
Koz
@kozikowski I cannot believe you said the Don McNeill Breakfast Club. I was on the Don McNeill Breakfast Club once, live in Chi, interviewed by Don. You’ve just flashed me back many decades. Podcast is interview format, mostly two people in same room, sometimes third person remotely. 30-60 minutes. Will be featured on our website and published thru iTunes and Stitcher (maybe others). Don’t need to sell it to anyone, won’t have advertising. It’s just voices and I’d like to lay in quiet music throughout.
Does this tutorial help?
https://manual.audacityteam.org/man/tutorial_mixing_a_narration_with_background_music.html
– Bill
Does this tutorial help?
[writing that down]
Any idea who wrote that?
Koz
Bill did most of the original work back in 2007 - I did a fair amount on it in later years (you can view the page history of you log in to the alpha Manual)
Peter.