If I had a rand/dollar/euro/pound for every time someone asked, “What equipment do I need to start a podcast?,” I’d probably have enough to buy a very nice microphone. And leave it in a cupboard. Like most people do.
It’s a valid question. But it’s also the wrong one to ask first.
“More podcasts die of bad planning than bad microphones.”
This is a quote I remind our clients of constantly – because the assumption is always that better gear will equal better results. But in podcasting, the gear graveyard is overflowing with expensive, barely-used equipment bought by people who never made it past Episode 2.
You don’t start writing a novel by shopping for pens. Or begin a film career by asking about lenses and f-stops. When you’re creating something that matters, the first question is always:
What story do I want to tell?
Podcasting is no different. It’s just another medium in the storytelling toolbox – like books, movies, or TV. So why do we treat it like a tech project instead of a creative one?
If you’re asking about gear before you’ve figured out who you’re speaking to or what you’re trying to say, you’re putting the Rode before the course.
Let’s say your dream podcast is for single moms struggling with rebellious teenagers. Great. That’s already more specific than 90% of aspiring podcasters ever get.
Now imagine her. She’s just dropped her daughter off at school. She’s stuck in traffic. She’s got 20 minutes of silence before the chaos of the workday starts. This is her podcast time.
So what does she need from you? Emotional validation? Practical advice? A sense of humour about the madness?
And what don’t she need? Hour-long academic interviews. Rambling monologues. Bad sound quality.
Knowing your listener changes everything – your format, your tone, your episode length, even your release schedule.
Here’s a tip from Become a Podmaster: create a listener avatar with a name, a backstory, even a photo. Record your podcast like you’re speaking to that person. Because, in audio, you always are.
Most new podcasters default to the interview format. Why? Because it feels easy.
But the problem is that most new podcasters are terrible interviewers.
They don’t research. They ask generic questions. They don’t listen. They rely entirely on the guest to bring the content. And 99% of the time, it ends up being really boring.
There are other options:
A client of ours wanted to start a podcast about eco-friendly living. Initially, she planned to interview sustainability experts. But after trying a few episodes, she realised the most engaging parts were her personal stories. We switched to a solo storytelling format. Her downloads doubled within a month.
Another podcaster we worked with thought she needed high-profile guests to get noticed. But what worked best? Her unfiltered rants about surviving corporate burnout. Turns out, people connect with honesty more than polish.
And then there was Kevin. Kevin bought a full Rodecaster Pro setup, mounted boom arms, dynamic mics, acoustic foam – the works. He recorded one episode. It was 45 minutes of him talking to his cat. Kevin now runs a successful baking blog. Zero episodes have aired.
The key is this: your format should serve your story and suit your listener. Not just your comfort zone.
Here’s a fun stat: most podcasts never make it past episode six. It even has a name: podfade.
Why? Because people underestimate how much work it takes. They wing it. They burn out. And then the expensive mic goes into the same cupboard as the yoga mat, the juicer, and the treadmill.
If you’re serious, build a production plan:
Let’s say you’re doing a 10-episode season. Map it like a mini-series. What’s the through-line? What’s the arc? Where does it start and end? Think of it like a Netflix show. People binge when the narrative flows.
Do the boring prep work. It’s what makes the fun part sustainable.
Editing is part of your “equipment,” too. Because even the best mic can’t fix long-winded rambling, awkward pauses, or background noise.
You don’t need to be a pro editor, but you do need to understand pacing, clarity, and flow. At the very least:
Or hire someone to do it. A tight, clean edit can make the difference between sounding amateur and sounding intentional.
One of our podcasters sent us a 40-minute ramble. After editing, it became a sharp, 18-minute gem – and her listeners noticed.
Once you’ve got your content, format, and production plan sorted, then we can talk equipment.
If it’s just you and a mic? A decent USB microphone (like the Samson Q2U or Rode NT-USB Mini) and headphones will do. You can record into free software like Audacity or use your phone with apps like Anchor or Riverside.
If you’re doing in-person interviews? You’ll need at least two mics and an interface (like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2). Invest in stands, pop filters, and a quiet recording space.
Recording remotely? You’ll want good internet, headphones, and a platform like Zencastr, SquadCast or Riverside.fm. Bonus: some platforms record each side separately, making editing easier.
Not techy? Rent studio time. Or hire a producer. Or partner with someone who loves buttons and sliders.
One of our clients did just that. She runs a grief support podcast and wanted nothing to do with tech. She simply records her voice notes, sends them to us, and we do the rest – editing, publishing, marketing. It works because she focused on her zone of genius: telling authentic stories.
The point is: the gear depends on the format. And the format depends on the story.
And yes, you might not need any gear at all. If you’re going into a studio or outsourcing the editing, save yourself the hassle of trying to DIY while your neighbour starts mowing the lawn and the dog loses its mind.
Do I need a mixer?
Only if you’re recording multiple mics or want live control over your audio. For most beginners, it’s overkill.
What’s the best podcast mic under R2000?
The Samson Q2U is a winner. USB and XLR. Plug-and-play. Sounds great.
Can I record on my phone?
Yes, if you use a decent app and speak clearly in a quiet space. Upgrade your mic when you’re ready.
Do I need music and jingles?
Not mandatory, but they help set the tone. Just make sure you have the rights.
Short answer? No.
Podcasting is an audio-first medium. Video adds complexity: lighting, cameras, makeup, editing, wardrobe.
Unless you’re super confident on camera, or have a strategy for YouTube, start with audio. Focus on nailing the story and sound. That’s what people are actually listening to.
Besides, your listener is probably driving. Or jogging. Or folding laundry. They don’t need to see your face. They need to hear your voice.
Video podcasts can be powerful. But they’re not essential. And for many new podcasters, they’re a fast track to overwhelm.
Start simple. Get good. Then consider scaling.
It’s not the mic. It’s not the camera. It’s not the studio.
It’s the story.
Your listener will stick with you through mediocre sound if your content speaks to them. But no mic in the world can rescue a boring, unfocused show.
Focus on connection, clarity, consistency. Get the storytelling right, and the gear can be basic.
Want help getting started the right way?
At Baird Media, we help you build a podcast that works – from story development and format planning, to gear setup and editing support.
We’ve worked with solo entrepreneurs, non-profits, and national brands. Whether you want to build community, share expertise, or just have a voice – we help you get it out there.
We won’t sell you stuff you don’t need. We help you figure out what actually matters.
Because podcasting isn’t about equipment.
It’s about impact.
And the only gear that guarantees success?
Is between your ears.
Your voice is your brand. Your podcast should sound like it.
We help creators, coaches, and businesses make shows that stand out – for the right reasons.
Book a free consultation and let’s build something powerful.
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