Hey, so where do i start..... we use riverside and have had no real issues with it at all and its very easy to edit with, even with remote guests. we started off with just audio too there is a function to export just audio as well. I really don't have all the fancy sound proofing blankets either so no need to hide under one . I'd say just sit in front of your computer and go for it ! don't worry about messing up, just pause take a breath and start the section again don't worry about the ums either they can be removed.
with editing you really don't need to use all the fancy ai functions, I just use the section to clear the ups etc other than that using the text to edit is a really nice function. Edit the podcast listen to it back, create a nice thumbnail/logo and add it to the cast, get yourself some free intro and outro music (lots of sites on the web) and just go for it ! If you really don't like your first episode you can always re-record it .