Living during the age of COVID-19, protests, and a major global recession has been…I don’t even know what.

We are working from home, teaching from home, and staying at home #atthesamedamntime.

There are a lot of unanswered questions right now about our jobs, our safety, and our money. What is crystal clear, however, is that the only person you can rely on is yourself.

This period is inspiring a lot of you to finally start THAT THING — that business, brand, podcast, or whatever — that will help you create multiple revenue streams, get your message out there, and help other people.

I’ve gotten several inquiries about what I use to create The Shontavia Show and what equipment suggestions I have for people just starting out with their podcasts and/or vlogs.

So, I’m writing a blog post with those suggestions.

In the spirit of transparency, I have to first say that, pre-COVID-19, I recorded my show 100% in a fancy studio.

All I did way back then (man, does 2019 seem far away) was show up with my laptop, brain and voice.

Sigh. Those were the days.

When it’s safe to go back, I’ll make sure to do a behind-the-scenes show where we talk about the different kinds of equipment that the team uses.

Since things have been more or less shut down, I’ve been working to find the sweet spot that matches my:

• desired quality (very high),
• skill level (very low), and
• budget (somewhere in the middle).

If want to keep it really, really simple, your cell phone plus some YouTube tutorials will probably do the trick.

But, I want something with a little more *umph* to create high quality content.

Here’s what I’ll be experimenting with until I can get back to my professional studio.

Camera(s):

• Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
• Canon camera tripod: JOBY Gorillapod Original
• Sony ZV-1
• Sony camera tripod and wireless control: Sony Vlogger Accessory Kit

Since much of my content relies on video, I need a reliable camera.

You don’t need both of these cameras — I borrowed the Canon camera to try it out before investing in something.

The Canon G7X has been beloved by vloggers for a long time, and I’ve been blown away by it. It’s a great machine in a very small package.

But, while I love the Canon, the internal microphone isn’t great and there’s no easy, low-tech way to attach a better, external microphone.

Fixing and aligning audio and video in post production is not my ministry, so, I’ll be using the Sony camera for The Shontavia Show starting in July.

Microphone:

• Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone (this attaches directly to the Sony camera for vlogging)
• Shure SM58-LC Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone (for podcasting with my full setup–I bought two in the event I’m interviewing someone)

Again, I don’t think you need both. I’m doing some experimenting with audio and video, so I’m trying a few things out.

For vlogging and social media videos, I’ll use the Sony camera and Rode microphone.

For my podcast and video series, I’ll use the Sony plus the Shure microphone with the following accessories:

• Zoom H6 6-Track Portable Recorder (records audio files of what you’re saying in the microphone)
• Lexar memory cards (where the recorder saves your audio files–you use these to transfer the audio files to your computer)
• Rechargeable AA batteries (so you always have power for your Zoom H6)
• Moukey Desk Mic Stand (holds the microphone up)
• XLR 3 Pin Microphone Cable (to connect the microphone to the recorder)
• Shure A58WS-BLK Foam Windscreen (reduces unwanted breath and wind noise without affecting the sound quality)

I owe a huge shoutout to Arlan Hamilton’s Twitter thread for getting me on the right track with the audio.

Lighting:

Getting your lighting right is a bear. After speaking with the media team that helps make my in-person shows and doing some YouTube research, here’s where I’ve settled:

• Arkon SPLEDRING Rechargeable LED Clip On Selfie Ring Light (for more flattering lighting while taking selfies and live streaming)
• HPUSN Softbox Lighting Kit (for more flattering lighting while doing Shontavia Show videos)

*This article doesn’t talk at all about soundproofing or acoustic treatments for the room you’ll be in. That’s a whole ‘nother can of worms that maybe I’ll circle back to.

So there you have it. The Shontavia Show, #CovidEdition.

This is, of course, just one of about a billion different combinations you can try for your podcast.

But, I hope you found it helpful as you comb through all of the options.

You can tell me how it looks and sounds when I release new episodes! I’ll also report back with what I think about my choices.

Please note that the links I’ve shared may be affiliate links, meaning I’ll get a commission if you buy the products I recommend below. This will be at no additional cost to you.