How I Podcast: David Rees of Election Profit Makers

The Accessibility of Podcasting

Podcasting’s inherent appeal lies in its inclusivity; it’s a medium remarkably accessible to both creators and listeners. The diversity of approaches to podcasting is significant, with methods ranging from professional studios, such as those utilized by NPR, to simpler configurations like USB Skype setups – a common solution particularly during recent global events.

We consulted a number of esteemed podcast hosts and producers to detail their individual workflows, outlining the tools and software they employ. Contributors to this overview include:

• Eleanor Kagan of Welcome to Your Fantasy
• Avery Trufelman of Articles of Interest
• Sarah Enni of First Draft and Track Changes
• RiYL (Remote Podcasting Edition)
• Sam Dingman of Family Ghosts
• Anita Flores of I’m Listening
• Justin Richmond of Broken Record
• Lauren Spohrer of Criminal/This Is Love
• Jeffrey Cranor of Welcome to Night Vale
• Jesse Thorn of Bullseye
• Ben Lindbergh of Effectively Wild
• The author, from the RiYL podcast

Political Commentary and Wagers

The parallels between politics and sports are often drawn, though the former carries tangible consequences impacting countless lives. Election Profit Makers takes a unique approach, allowing its hosts to put their predictions to the test through financial wagers. Co-hosts David Rees, Starlee Kine, and Jon Kimball stake their own funds on political outcomes.

As an avid collector of audio equipment – with a focus on effects pedals, vintage tape machines, and modified 1980s keyboards – I had hoped to describe a highly specialized and costly podcasting setup. I envisioned detailing the use of hand-wired preamplifiers and a rare condenser microphone sourced from a military auction. Sharing images of a large reel-to-reel machine used for recording ad reads, for example, would have been ideal.

However, the reality is that my podcasting setup is quite conventional. I utilize a two-channel Scarlett interface purchased from a retail chain, and a Rode microphone as a more affordable alternative to the Shure SM7B. Recordings are made in GarageBand, a straightforward and accessible audio interface.

A single, somewhat unusual aspect of my setup is the need to secure the connection from the Scarlett interface with electrical tape. This is due to the age of my laptop, where the USB ports have become loose over time.

Election Profit Makers centers around wagering on political events through the PredictIt.org website. Co-host Jon Kimball successfully generated enough income from the 2020 election to purchase a new vehicle, while my earnings allowed for the acquisition of a new tremolo pedal.

Given the simplicity of my podcasting setup, I’ve included some of my other audio gear in accompanying photographs to add visual interest. I am prepared to embrace cassette-based podcasts with extensive analog delay when the time is right!