How Much Does “Good” Equipment Matter in Podcasting?

I’m from Nashville. I’ve been around recording studios (and the people who run them) all my life. So access to good equipment and the knowledge about how to use it isn’t an issue for me.

Before I had my first podcast, I’d been hosting a radio show for ten years. I wouldn’t say I was great as a host, but I was competent.

But when I started this podcast, I decided to “own” the label of podcast, because I loved all the elements of podcasting—the quick speed of production, its “raw” feeling, and that it was available to anybody who had a few bucks to get a mic, record themselves, and put that file online.

No permission needed.

No enormous tower.

No expensive FCC license.

I embraced this, getting good, but inexpensive (or free) equipment and recording in a tricked-out walk-in closet full of moving blankets and foam.

The equipment has changed over the years, but my attitude hasn’t—I want to create more than I consume and I want to embrace the opportunities we have as podcasters. 

Is good equipment helpful? Yes. But how you show up is everything.