Jody Avirgan on How I Podcast - Summer Album / Winter Album

The Accessibility of Podcasting and Individual Approaches

Podcasting stands out as a remarkably accessible medium. It’s uniquely simple to both create and enjoy content. Consequently, each podcaster develops a distinct approach to the process.

A wide range of hardware and software options are available to aspiring podcasters. Setups can vary greatly, from professional studios like those at NPR to basic USB Skype configurations – a common solution during recent times.

Jody Avirgan’s Podcasting Setup

This week featured an interview with Jody Avirgan, co-host of “Summer Album / Winter Album” alongside Craig Finn, lead singer of the American indie rock band The Hold Steady. The podcast centers on discussions determining whether a classic album best represents summer or winter.

Avirgan, previously involved with Radiotopia, TED, FiveThirtyEight, and ESPN, shared details about his preferred podcasting setup. Here’s his description:

“I’ve consistently maintained a home recording setup, even during my time at ESPN/FiveThirtyEight. Since my departure – coinciding with the pandemic’s onset – my basement has become my primary recording space.

“It’s actually the kitchen of a basement apartment, with a fridge (currently unplugged), sink, and ample cabinets just beyond the curtains. I’ve added numerous curtains, soft materials, and sound dampening panels to create a comfortable and acoustically pleasing environment.

“My microphone is an Electro-Voice RE27N/D, a professional studio microphone costing around $500.

“To clarify: my income doesn’t reflect the price of the RE27. We acquired this microphone while I was hosting for 30 for 30. I left ESPN shortly before the pandemic, and I inquired whether they wanted the microphone returned. I didn’t receive a reply, and I didn’t follow up. Therefore, I retained it. This may be a contributing factor to Disney’s recent stock performance. It’s a warm-sounding microphone, but quite substantial in size.

“When traveling, I utilize an AT2020-USB+, which connects directly to my computer, enabling recording from various locations – typically within a hotel closet, a common practice for podcasters.

Equipment and Software Details

“I process my microphone signal through the FocusRite Scarlett 2i2, a versatile interface that allows precise control over microphone levels and direct routing to my computer. This is where I typically connect with guests via Zoom or Riverside. I consistently record a local backup file using Hindenburg, which is then saved to Dropbox. Dropbox serves as the central repository for all my files.

“I differ from many podcasters in my headphone choice. While the Sony MDR-7506 is popular, I prefer the Rode NTH-100 headphones. They offer enhanced comfort, a more appealing aesthetic, and their padding doesn’t degrade as quickly as the Sony’s, avoiding the issue of black flecks appearing after recording.

“Like many in the field, I’ve increasingly incorporated video into my work. I’ve been a Descript user for years, and now handle almost all my editing within the platform. I create social media videos for “This Day” and “Summer Album / Winter Album,” as well as original content for Instagram.

“I’m currently developing a weekly series where I attempt to predict the cover of each week’s New Yorker magazine. I record this directly into Descript and produce it within approximately 20 minutes using a pre-built template. I am a strong advocate for Descript; it’s highly versatile and demonstrably focused on the needs of podcasters, unlike ProTools.

Visual Elements and Setup

“I’ve also given considerable thought to my visual presentation. I purchased the webcam recommended by Wirecutter, but I actually prefer the quality of the built-in MacBook camera, so I generally use that instead. My background includes books to convey intellectual curiosity, a signed photograph of George Mikan (referenced in “Death At The Wing”), and $28 worth of artificial plants from Ikea.

“I strategically position these elements to minimize their visibility, but I appreciate knowing they are present, representing a commitment to enduring materials.”

We have previously featured insights from other prominent podcast hosts and producers regarding their workflows – the tools and software they employ. The growing list includes: