My Favorite Video & Podcast Set Up

At a bare minimum, you could get started with a smartphone, some headphones and a podcast host, but if you want to level up the setup a smidge, here’s what we use as of the date of this post.

After many months of meetings and ironing out an efficient workflow, artist colleague Jackie and I released the Art Studio Insights podcast on May 4th, 2021. When it came to the equipment and software, I got the chance to nerd out and research all the equipment and software we would need.

I’ll be as succinct as possible in breaking down what we use on a setup that involves both video and audio. This versatile setup works for video podcasts, vlogs (video blogs), filming classes, recording footage of your process, artwork, and studio, etc. This is could be considered a mid-level setup, and it is by no means as complex, or expensive, as a professional setup, but it’s simple enough most folks with a bit of tech savvy would be able to figure out. Before diving in, here’s a quick breakdown:

Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB Microphone with Multiple Pickup Patterns & No-Latency Monitoring for Recording and Streaming

Easy to set-up, great sound, won’t break the bank and can be connected to a computer, and with an adapter, it can also connect to smartphones and tablets.

YOUSHARES Yeti Nano Microphone Foam Windscreen – Mic Wind Cover Pop Filter Foam Cover, Professional Customized for Blue Yeti Nano

This is to reduce “pop” and “hissing” noises when speaking. This is the one we have but shop around, it shouldn’t cost you more than $5

InnoGear Microphone Stand, Weighted Base Desktop Mic Stand with Shock Mount and 3/8″ and 5/8″ Adapter Adjustable Height for Radio Broadcast

This versatile stand works with different kinds of microphones. For the Yeti Nano, we screw the microphone right into the top of the stand, no shock mount needed.

50MM Drivers Studio Headphones MAONO AU-MH601 Over Ear Stereo Monitor Closed Back Headphones for Music, DJ, Podcast (Black)

Even after long hours, they’re comfortable, sound great, and are perfectly suited for the job of editing audio and even listening to some tunes too!

There are various free and easy to use audio editing software out there including Audacity and Apple Garageband. Since I have the Adobe Creative apps subscription, I use the professional-level audio software it includes, Adobe Audition. It’s fantastic but also more advanced than what we need it for. Here’s Adobe’s description:

Audition is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content. This powerful audio workstation is designed to accelerate video production workflows and audio finishing — and deliver a polished mix with pristine sound.

How would you like to have your podcast available on all major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts?

There’s a plethora of podcast host services out there that will help you do just that. The one we use is a free one called Anchor, which is owned by Spotify. It’s incredibly easy to use, and technically you could record a podcast straight into the Anchor app using your smartphone. And again, it’s free! 🙂 Here’s the description from Anchor:

Built-in uploading, recording, and editing tools so you can easily create and publish episodes. Seamlessly distribute to all major listening apps and host unlimited content completely free, forever. Advanced analytics and insights to help you understand and grow your audience.

Joby JB01507 GorillaPod 3K Kit. Compact Tripod 3K Stand and Ballhead 3K for Compact Mirrorless Cameras or Devices up to 3K (6.6lbs). Black/Charcoal.

If you’re looking to take video with your smartphone, this is my favorite tripod, hands down. Flexible, versatile, and it can hold my light DSLR too!

Ailun Tripod Phone Mount Holder Head Standard Screw Adapter Rotatable Digtal Camera Bracket Selfie Lens Monopod Adjustable for Most Cellphones

Small, basic, inexpensive. I’ve used it on several types of camera tripods and ring lights so they can hold a smartphone.

Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″/48cm Outer 55W 5500K Dimmable LED Ring Light, Light Stand, Carrying Bag for Camera,Smartphone,YouTube,TikTok,Self-Portrait Shooting

Great light with adjustable intensity. There’s a newer version with more features, but this one is about half the price and essentially does the same thing.

Webcam with Microphone, 1080P HD Streaming USB Computer Webcam [Plug and Play] [30fps] for PC Video Conferencing/Calling/Gaming, Laptop/Desktop Mac

If you’d rather not use your phone, this is an inexpensive generic webcam and it’s doing the job just fine. Shop around if you’re looking for a higher resolution camera.

Your computer and smartphone may have options for you to record solo, but when you have two or more people, it can get a bit more complicated. That’s where we lean on Zoom, which has become a household name for video conferencing. It’s free to use, intuitive, and it allows us to record our podcast episodes regardless of where we are located. We can also have guests on screen, share documents, and there’s even an option to get auto-generated transcripts! Here’s Zoom’s description:

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars.

While there’s free video editing software like iMovie out there, to me nothing compares to ease of use and versatility of Adobe Premiere Rush. I can use it on my smartphone, tablet and computer – picking up in one device where I left off in the other. If the Adobe Creative suite isn’t in the budget, this is the one standalone I would recommend. Here’s Adobe’s description:

Adobe Premiere Rush is the mobile and desktop video editing app for creativity on the go. Wherever you are, from your phone to your computer, you can shoot, edit, and share high-quality videos. Fun, intuitive, and as fast as social media, it’s the easiest way to star in your followers’ feeds.