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Podcasting Tools for Beginners
Hardware, Software, Online Tools, and More

Quick Setup • Hardware • Software • Misc • Launch Your Show

Note: These resources are great for anyone just getting started in podcasting (especially on a tight budget). If you have any questions, contact me.

Jeff’s Podcast Studio → See all the gear I use

Quick & Easy Setup

Fastest & Cheapest Way to Get Started

  1. Microphone: Samson Q2U ($70) → includes USB cables + desktop mic stand
  2. Headphones: use wired ones you already own
  3. Recording + Editing Software: Garageband on Mac (free) or Audacity on PC (free)
  4. Royalty-Free Music: YouTube Audio Library (free)
  5. Remote Interviews: Podcastle (free)
  6. Podcast Hosting: Captivate.fm ($19/month)
  7. Learn How to Podcast: The Podcast Launch Accelerator (free)
  8. Misc (optional, but fun!): On Air Sign ($30)

Up-front Cost: $70 (microphone)
Ongoing Costs: $19/month (podcast hosting)

Hardware

Microphones

  1. Samson Q2U ($70) → includes USB cables + desktop mic stand
  2. Samson Q9U ($100) → includes USB cables
  3. Shure MV7 ($250) → includes USB cables

Mic Stand

  1. Desktop Stand ($15)
  2. Floor Stand ($23)
  3. Boom Arm ($130)

Headphones

  1. Wired, over-the-ear headphones you already own are best (and don’t use Bluetooth)
  2. Sony MDR7506 ($80)
  3. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO ($140)

Software + Web Services

Recording + Editing

  1. Garageband Mac (free)
  2. Audacity Mac or PC (free)
  3. Adobe Audition Mac or PC ($20/month)

Royalty-Free Music + Sound Effects

  1. YouTube Audio Library (free)
  2. Pixabay (free)
  3. StoryBlocks ($15/month)

Remote Interviews

  1. Podcastle (free)
  2. Zoom (free up to 40 minutes)
  3. Boomcaster ($20/month)

Podcast Hosting

  1. Captivate.fm ($19/month)
  2. Podbean.com ($14/month)
  3. Buzzsprout.com ($12/month)

*Do NOT use any free podcast hosting companies (especially “Spotify for Podcasters”, formerly known as “Anchor”)

Misc

Learn How to Podcast

  1. The Podcast Launch Accelerator by Captivate.fm (free)
  2. How to Start a Podcast by Buzzsprout (free)
  3. Beginner Podcasting Tutorial by Pat Flynn (free)

Fun Stuff!

  1. On Air Sign ($30)
  2. Vocal Eze Throat Lozenges ($26)
  3. Podcast Movement Facebook Group (free)

Podcasting 101: Launch Your Professional Podcast

Podcasting 101

Read the article

Many of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase. I recommend these products and services because I personally use and love them, not because of the commissions I make if you decide to buy something.