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The world of podcasting is unique in that it’s easily accessible to anyone. As a medium, it’s relatively simple to create content, just as it is to consume it. Consequently, no two individuals approach podcasting in the same way. With a wide range of hardware and software solutions available, podcasting setups can vary greatly, from professional studios like those used by NPR to basic USB Skype rigs, which became increasingly popular during the pandemic.
Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Jody Avirgan, co-host of the podcast “Summer Album / Winter Album” alongside Craig Finn, the frontman of the American indie rock band The Hold Steady. In each episode, Avirgan and Finn engage in a debate about whether a classic record should be classified as a “summer album” or a “winter album.”
Avirgan, who has previously hosted shows for Radiotopia, TED, FiveThirtyEight, and ESPN, shared with us his preferred podcasting setup. Here’s his description in his own words:
“Even when I was working at ESPN/FiveThirtyEight, I always maintained a home recording setup. Since leaving, which coincided with the start of the pandemic, I’ve converted my basement into my primary recording studio. It’s actually the kitchen of a basement studio apartment, so just out of frame, behind some curtains, you’ll find a fridge, sink, and plenty of cabinets.
“However, I’ve made the space cozy and warm-sounding by hanging numerous curtains, scattering soft items around, and installing sound-dampening panels. My microphone of choice is the Electro-Voice RE27N/D, a $500 studio mic.
“To clarify, I don’t earn an income that justifies the cost of this mic. I acquired it when I was hosting 30 for 30, and when I left ESPN just before the pandemic, I sent them an email asking if they wanted me to return it. I never received a response, so I decided to keep it. This might be the reason Disney’s stock has decreased by 20% over the past five years. The mic is very warm and of high quality, but it’s also quite large.
“When I’m traveling, I use the AT2020-USB+, which connects directly to my computer and allows me to record from anywhere – usually under a blanket in a hotel closet, a common setup for many podcasters.
“I connect my mic to the FocusRite Scarlett 2i2, a simple yet powerful interface that allows me to control my mic levels and route the signal directly to my computer, where I often join calls over Zoom or Riverside. I always record a local backup file using Hindenburg and then save it to Dropbox. All my files eventually end up in Dropbox.
“One area where I deviate from the typical podcaster’s setup is in my choice of headphones. While many use the Sony MDR-7506, I prefer the Rode NTH-100 headphones. They are more comfortable, have a sleeker design, and the padding hasn’t broken down like it does on the Sony headphones, which often leaves black flecks in my ears after recording.
“Like many podcasters, I’ve been doing more video content lately. I’ve used Descript for years, and as the lines between audio and video have blurred, I now do most of my editing in it. I create social videos for my conversations on “This Day” and “Summer Album / Winter Album,” as well as original content for Instagram.
“I’ve started a weekly series where I try to guess the title of the current New Yorker cover, and I record it directly into Descript, turning it around in about 20 minutes using a template I’ve built. I’m a big fan of Descript; it’s versatile and seems to understand the needs of podcasters, unlike ProTools.
“I’ve also given some thought to my visual setup. I purchased the webcam recommended by The Wirecutter, but I actually prefer the look of the MacBook camera, so I usually use that. In the background, I’ve added some books to show that I can read, a signed photo of George Mikan, which was a running joke in “Death At The Wing,” and $28 worth of fake plants from Ikea.
“I block the view so you can’t really see the plants, but I like knowing they’re there, and they’ll always be there, thanks to the magic of forever plastics.
We’ve previously asked other favorite podcast hosts and producers to share their workflows, including the equipment and software they use to get the job done. The list so far includes:
Note that the changes made were primarily to rephrase sentences for better clarity and readability while keeping the original meaning intact. No changes were made to the structure, headings, or titles.
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