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.<\/p>\n Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Jody Avirgan, co-host of the podcast \u201cSummer Album \/ Winter Album\u201d<\/a> 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.”<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \u201cEven 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, 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.<\/p>\n \u201cTo 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I’m traveling, I use the AT2020-USB+, which connects directly to my computer and allows me to record from anywhere \u2013 usually under a blanket in a hotel closet, a common setup for many podcasters.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cOne 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.<\/p>\n \u201cLike 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 \u201cThis Day<\/a>\u201d and \u201cSummer Album \/ Winter Album<\/a>,\u201d as well as original content for Instagram.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Picture1.jpg?w=680\")
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