Podcast Kit

If you want to be a guest on podcasts, you’ll want some audio gear. At the minimum, you want a way to record yourself and a way to listen to the podcast host. Below see some mics and headsets/headphones that you can start out with. Head to the bottom of this page to see my gear.

My favorite starter mic is the ATR-2100X USB Dynamic mic.* It’s going a bit up and down in price, so if money is an issue, you might wait a bit and see if the price lowers. I still use my ATR-2100 to record on-the-go podcast episodes.

You can also choose the Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone.

If you buy a microphone, make sure you also have some way to hold it (a boom stand or a boom arm will work). Or, you can look for a bundle that comes with a stand, a windscreen, and a cable like the above do.

You’ll also need headphones that isolate sound (at least some) so the podcast host’s voice doesn’t bleed onto your recorded track through your headphones or earbuds.

Here’s a decent starter pair, Audio Technica ATH-M20X

My gear

Below is the gear I use to record my podcasts. I also used a bunch of soundproofing and/or mattress pads to soundproof my studio, but you can get those anywhere.

*Please note: I’m not affiliated with any of these items. I just wanted to give you some thoughts on what might work if you’re brand new to being a podcast guest. I’m not endorsing that you buy them. And if you decide to go in a different direction, as long as you have headphones/earbuds, a mic that it is monodirectional (records in one direction [your voice if you’re speaking into it], rather than from all around the room), and is not one you have to hold but is on a boom arm or stand, you’ll be good to go. Additionally, please don’t rely on your computer mic and speakers to record or listen. It makes the sound go terribly wonky.