One of the most common questions I’m asked is about the gear needed to begin podcasting. I will honestly admit that it’s a difficult decision when you’re just starting because you want reliable equipment that does a great job, but you are also hesitant to break the bank for it. As you progress, several factors complicate the choices of gear, such as how you conduct guest interviews and whether you have a co-host. In today’s session, I’m walking you through four common podcasting scenarios and the gear I recommend for each. All of this information is compiled in the Buying Guide found inside our Healthcasters course.
You’ll Learn:
My gear setup as I started the STC podcast in 2015 with a teeny, tiny budget
My advice for beginning podcasters: “Don’t go out and purchase all the gear I mention, but go with the basics as you focus on building and honing your storytelling and interviewing skills.”
Four podcasting scenarios and the recommended equipment:
1- A single host with solo episodes and guest interviews via the Internet.
I recommend the Samsung Q2U dynamic mic, Koolertron mic shock mount, OnStage foam windscreen, pop filter, mic stand, and Rode PSA mic arm.
2- A single host who interviews guests in person.
In addition to the basic equipment in Scenario #1, I recommend a 2-3 camera set-up (very expensive!), Calendly to coordinate interviews, 2 tabletop stands/mic arms, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for recording, and XLR cables.
3- Co-hosts who connect and interview guests via the Internet.
I recommend the basic equipment in Scenario #1 for EACH co-host, along with a recording platform, like Zoom or Ecamm Live.
4- Co-hosts who get together in-person to interview guests in person. This is a dream set-up, but it is very expensive and complicated.
I recommend the basic equipment in Scenario #1 for EACH co-host and guest (Yes, that is at least three of everything!), along with the Rodecaster Pro (the Rodecaster Pro II or Pro Mini), 32 GB SD card, and XLR cables.
My advice: “Start with a lean setup. My current gear costs around $5000, but I didn’t upgrade for several years when I started out.”
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
Transcripts
Swell AI Transcript: 365: Starter Podcaster Setups
Melvin:
Hey there, it's Melvin.
Melvin: Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association. If you are a psychology professional, which I think is most of us that are listening to this podcast, maybe you're considering your next career move. Well, the American Psychological Association's PsyCareers service actually has a listing of over 400 available positions in psychology. You can check it out over at sellingthecouch.com forward slash APA. And you can create a free account, upload your resume, set up job alerts, and submit all your applications. Again, that's over at sellingthecouch.com forward slash APA. So we'll jump right into today's session.
undefined: Hello, hello, welcome to today's session of Selling the Couch. I hope you're doing well, having an incredible day.
ng now having done this since:
undefined: Thanks for listening to the selling the couch podcast for more great content. And to stay up to date, visit www.sellingthecouch.com.
undefined: Hey there, it's Melvin.
Melvin: I hope that you enjoyed today's podcast session. Just wanted to take a moment again to thank the team over at the American Psychological Association for supporting today's podcast session. If you're a psychology professional that is looking for your next job in psychology, definitely check out PsyCareers, the American Psychological Association services. career centers. CyCareers now has over 400 job postings posted specifically for psychology professionals. You can connect with leading employers and explore roles that match your skills and your professional and personal goals. You can check all of that out over at sellingthecouch.com forward slash APA, sellingthecouch.com forward slash APA. Create a free account and get started.
