When fascinated with upgrading your podcasting workflow, you most likely instantly consider precise podcasting instruments: microphones, recorder/mixer/interface combos, podcast internet hosting, podcasting software program, cameras, lighting, and such. However that is not what I’ll share with you! In reality, none of those are explicitly podcasting instruments (with one on the fence). And never a single certainly one of these is yet one more AI software!
I would love to let you know about PodChapters, which helped me go from utilizing 5 instruments for about half-hour per episode down to simply 1 software taking solely about 30 seconds! It transcribes and chapters your podcast, boosting engagement and even serving to you revenue via chapters. Attempt PodChapters free in your subsequent episode!
(Among the following advice use affiliate hyperlinks and I’ll earn solely if you are going to buy via my hyperlinks. However I like to recommend issues I really consider in, no matter earnings.)
1. Laptop mouse and keyboard
These are the 2 belongings you’re continually touching all through your complete podcasting workflow: preparation, manufacturing, publishing, and promotion.
I like to recommend in search of three key qualities on your improve: quiet, comfy, and customizable.
I take advantage of a Logitech MX Grasp 3S for Mac. What I like about it’s the customizable buttons, the graceful scroll wheel that may both free-spinning or clicking, and a horizontal scroll wheel that is excellent for scrolling audio and video timelines. I can customise any button to carry out particular actions particular to completely different apps, like silencing audio sections in my editor or shortly exporting information.
This is one thing which may sound loopy: I really use two mice. In my proper hand, I’ve the Logitech mouse. Then to the left of my keyboard, I’ve an Apple trackpad for multifinger gestures like swiping between macOS areas, clean scrolling, pinching to zoom, and extra. This twin setup has been a game-changer for my productiveness!
2. Management interface
That is how I categorize gadgets like an Elgato Stream Deck. I’ve the Stream Deck Mini, which is a 3×5 button interface the place every button has a bit display screen that I can customise with textual content, icons, or colours.
Every button can set off a keyboard shortcut, an built-in characteristic, show reside knowledge, and even begin a full automation. I’ve a button that immediately opens three completely different purposes and particular folders I want for creating episode photographs. One other button reveals my present CPU utilization so I do know when to regulate my fan pace throughout recording periods. The buttons can change primarily based on which software I am in, they usually may even toggle between completely different states. And you may create a number of pages and profiles of buttons!
The Stream Deck is available in a number of sizes, even some with knobs and sliders. You may even now purchase a keyboard from Corsair that has a Stream Deck inbuilt! It is the GALLEON 100 SD.
You do not even want the {hardware} anymore—Elgato gives a digital Stream Deck on your laptop or pill. However having bodily buttons means I can attain over and press them with out wanting, which is invaluable after I want to take care of eye contact with a visitor or the digital camera.
Whereas these gadgets are sometimes related to reside streaming (therefore “Stream Deck”), they’re extremely highly effective for any podcasting workflow. They save time, cut back frustration, and actually put automation at your fingertips. I really use mine virtually each day for automating accounting duties!
3. Automation/shortcut instruments
And talking of automation, think about instruments to automate repetitive duties and make workflows extra clever. I take advantage of a number of:
I not too long ago arrange an Apple shortcut that lets me right-click on an episode folder and select “archive,” which routinely strikes it to my archive drive. Earlier than, I needed to open two Finder home windows and navigate via a number of folders. Now it is one click on!
With Keyboard Maestro, I’ve created a few dozen automations for simply my accounting software program, all mapped to buttons on my Stream Deck, after all! These automations can simulate mouse actions, click on particular buttons, copy a number of fields, and paste them in several places, all with out my having to recollect difficult keyboard shortcuts.
TextExpander has been a part of my workflow for almost twenty years. I can kind “.faucet” and it expands to https://theaudacitytopodcast.com/, with a immediate letting me add a path after the area. So “.faucet” + “textexpander” turns into the complete URL: https://heaudacitytopodcast.com/textexpander. You may create e-mail templates, social media posts, reside streaming bulletins—something you kind repeatedly. TextExpander may even run JavaScript!
Raycast has been one other new addition to my workflow, changing Cmd-Tab for macOS Highlight. With Raycast, I can shortly entry or set off all types of options from my keyboard: becoming a member of my subsequent Zoom assembly, checking area availability, pasting the right animated GIF, and way more!
4. Good house equipment
Many indie podcasters earn a living from home, so sensible house automation can considerably enhance your podcasting workflow.
I take advantage of a sensible thermostat to show off my HVAC system earlier than recording so there isn’t any background noise. I’ve sensible mild bulbs for particular lighting results or to be merely triggered after I want them, and sensible switches to manage my studio lights and different gear.
I’ve arrange an automation with my sensible speaker in order that after I say, “change to podcast mode,” it routinely:
- Turns off all regular room lights
- Activates my studio LED mild panels
- Prompts my RGB LED background glowing behind my acoustic panels
- Turns off my HVAC system so I get silence
- Adjustments the colour of a background mild
After I say “activate the workplace,” every little thing reverses, switching again to regular mode (overriding the conventional conduct for a command like that).
Some podcasters use a sensible mild bulb exterior their recording area as a “recording” indicator. When it is crimson, everybody is aware of to remain quiet and preserve pets and children away.
5. Furnishings
Suppose particularly about your desk, chair, and storage.
Your desk must assist all of your gear. I’ve an outdated huge desk constructed for CRT displays, which makes it very deep. That turned out to be excellent for having a cohost sit throughout from me (after I rearranged my room). I added a monitor arm so I can transfer the display screen out of the way in which and keep eye contact throughout recordings.
Your chair ought to be, so as of precedence: comfy, supportive, and quiet. Search for material or mesh supplies and no arduous plastic touching you and no leather-based that makes awkward squeaking sounds. Make certain it has good lumbar assist and adjustable armrests.
For storage, take into consideration each seen and invisible storage. What would you like seen in your video background for conferences, streaming, or some other movies you may document? What must be simply accessible? What must be put away?
6. Cable administration
Lastly, do not forget all of the “ties that bind!” Use zip ties, cable tracks, rails, and even staples to maintain your cables organized and searching clear. Contemplate investing in shorter or longer cables relying in your wants, and have a look at angled connectors (like 90-degree XLR connectors) that may save area.
Necessary: Maintain your energy cables away out of your analog audio cables. Excessive-voltage energy cables might trigger interference in your recordings that seems like fixed mice squeaking within the background.
A cleaner area is a much less distracting area. When your cables are managed properly, it is simpler to focus in your work, and in the event you do any video, your area seems way more skilled.
Discover me at Podfest!
I am talking on Podcasting 2.0 at Podfest 2026 and I’d love so that you can be part of my session! I’d additionally like to listen to from you what sudden upgrades you’ve got discovered on your personal podcasting workflow! Catch me at Podfest to document your reply, or ship your suggestions now!
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Disclosure
This publish might include hyperlinks to services or products with which I’ve an affiliate relationship. I’ll obtain compensation out of your actions via such hyperlinks. Nevertheless, I do not let that corrupt my perspective and I do not suggest solely associates.
