7 Tools I Use to Podcast Full-Time from My Bedroom

On my Diabetech podcast, I report on the latest diabetes technology and research through both interviews and solo episodes. I chose to produce a weekly video podcast because I’ve worked in video production for a decade and already have a YouTube channel with a large audience, so I knew I had the experience to do it.

What we didn’t have was a big fancy video production studio. So I had to be very intentional with my setup to establish a minimal space routine and keep my tech nice and lean. In fact, I currently run my entire operation from an office in my bedroom.

Video podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium for communicating information. A study by research firm Morning Consult found that 46% of podcast listeners prefer podcasts with video, and that YouTube is actually the most preferred platform for regular listeners, even ahead of Spotify and Apple.

However, you don’t have to start with a video to be successful. Many new podcasters opt to go audio-only to get started. The most important step is to start putting yourself out there. (As Nike likes to say, “Just do it.”) Record, post, learn along the way, and ask for feedback along the way. Presentation and production value will improve over time.

My instructions below will help you get started, whether you’re starting audio only or want to incorporate video from day one. Here is the hardware and software I use to produce a successful weekly show from my apartment bedroom.

My video podcast gear

The most important part of a podcast is the audio. This should be the first piece of equipment you upgrade as it is essential for both video and non-video podcasts.

In my research, I found two leading players in this space: Logitech and Shure. I went with Blue Sona from Logitech and one Elgato Wave XLR mixer. I am very happy with the quality, although I do find that my “P’s” sometimes appear in the recordings.

For video recording, I first used the Macbook Pro webcam, then switched to using an iPhone with Camera Continuity. This allowed me to use my iPhone’s much better camera as a webcam. I got one too Belkin MagSafe Camera Mount to pin my phone to the top of the Mac screen. This is the easiest way for an Apple user to have excellent video quality. I have since graduated to using one Canon DSLR camera for more control over the shot.

When I switched to using a DSLR camera, I also got Elgato teleprompterwhich mounts on a camera that looks through a mirrored view of an additional computer monitor. This allows me to look directly at an interviewee and look directly into the camera lens, so I appear to be looking directly at the audience. I can display my interview questions on this screen as well, so I never have to look anywhere else.

The Elgato Teleprompter mounts a phone, DSLR or Elgato proprietary camera for filming. I’ve used both my iPhone and my Canon on it and it’s been incredibly useful. I mounted both my camera and microphone on one Elgato Wave microphone arm so they’re easy to rotate into position when it’s time to record.

Lighting is another key component to filming a video podcast. The better the lighting, the better quality video you can capture. I use Nanoleaf lines above my desk as lighting. This was a fun way to use smart decorative lighting as key lighting for my show, and I find that 10 to 12 lines on my wall does the trick, resulting from the starter kit and expansion pack. Elgato also sells some great key lights at an affordable price.

This technology will make everything look and sound good, but ultimately your voice and ideas will shine through to listeners. Don’t get bogged down by technology — just speak your truth.

Software I use to record and share episodes

There are a few things you’ll need to record and share your show.

First, you’ll need to choose a platform to host your show. Podcasts do not live directly on podcast platforms, but rather are sent via what is called an RSS feed. Podcast hosting sites provide servers for users to upload podcasts and send an RSS feed to platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

The host I decided to go with was Podbean. We’ve found Podbean to offer the best value, audience analytics, and ad integration tools. Spotify offers its own platform, but I didn’t want to be beholden to the control of a single platform. Podbean allows me to stream my show to all podcast platforms and offers the ability to upload directly to YouTube (audio only). I encourage you to do your research and find the best option for your needs.

Next, you’ll need a platform to record your podcast. Of course there is Zoom, but I found that it compresses video files and relies heavily on internet stability. I chose to use Riverside because I can film interviews using the web browser or smartphone app and each person’s footage is recorded locally so the quality is preserved. Footage can be recorded up to 4K, Riverside servers store all interviews, and the app has an intuitive interface while recording. It also has an advanced editor platform to edit podcasts directly on the site and uses AI to write transcripts and cut social clips for you.

Set yourself up for podcasting success

When your technology setup is easy to use, you’ll be freer to do what really matters, which is to share valuable insights and insights with your listeners. Set up a workstation that works for you so you can do more of what you love and have fun along the way.