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Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming, especially when you fall down the rabbit hole of gear videos, reviews, and people arguing online about what microphone is “right.” Here’s the truth - There is no perfect setup, and buying the most expensive equipment will not magically make your podcast good. I’ve worked on my own shows, helped other creators launch, and spent plenty of money figuring out what actually matters and what doesn’t. What I’ve learned is simple: Content and consistency will take you further than gear ever will. Good equipment should enhance a solid show, not rescue a weak one. This guide is for DIY podcasters who are either: just starting from scratch, or ready to step into something better than the basics. I’ll show you what I personally use, plus budget options and premium upgrades depending on where you are in your journey. My goal is to help you feel confident about what to buy — and avoid wasting money on “industry standard” items you don’t actually need. USB vs XLR (Quick Beginner Explanation) You’ll see these terms everywhere. USB mics  plug straight into your computer or phone. They’re convenient and simple. XLR mics  require an interface or mixer, but they typically provide: better sound quality more control fewer weird connection problems easier upgrading long term If convenience is king → USB is fine. If you want stronger quality and room to grow → XLR is worth it. Microphones Josh's Pick: Rode PodMic This mic is one of the best values in podcasting. I chose it because it delivers sound similar to the famous podcast microphones you see everywhere, but for less than half the cost . The build quality is excellent, it looks professional on camera, and it’s extremely easy to set up. What problem it solved Immediately got more consistent, fuller audio compared to the cheaper mics I started with. Who it’s for Honestly? Almost anyone. Beginner to pro. Tons of shows use these. Downsides None worth worrying about. Should a beginner buy it? At around $100, it might feel like a jump, but you will not regret it at any stage. Budget Option: Wireless USB-C Mics These are great if you’re recording directly into your phone or want something ultra portable. They’re affordable and will still sound noticeably better than your built-in device mic. Tradeoffs You have to keep them charged You get less control over shaping the sound Not as rich as XLR setups Who should buy this Brand new creators making content straight from their phone or laptop. When you’ll outgrow it When you want more professional control and flexibility. Premium Option: Shure SM7B This is the iconic podcast look and sound. Who it’s for People who want top-tier, industry-recognized gear. What it improves You get connection flexibility and built-in tools depending on the model. Would I recommend it to start? No. You can achieve very similar results for far less money. Future proof? Absolutely. Interfaces If you’re going XLR, this is how your microphone talks to your computer. My Pick: Behringer UMC404HD This thing is a workhorse. Four inputs, great sound, easy connection, and usually around $139. It’s one of the best values out there. What problem it solved Recording multiple hosts/guests became simple, and my audio quality jumped immediately. Who it’s perfect for Anyone who wants flexibility with multiple mics while keeping setup beginner friendly. Learning curve You’ll need to understand input/output selection in your software, but it’s not hard. When to buy Any stage, especially if you have guests. Budget Option: Behringer UMC202HD Almost the same as my unit, just two inputs instead of four . Perfect for one or two hosts. You only outgrow this when you need more channels. Premium / All-In-One: Rodecaster Pro II This is for people who want everything in one box. You ca n record straight to it, adjust audio, and avoid messing with computer routing. What frustrations it removes No complicated setup. Fewer ways to plug something in wrong. Beginner friendly? If you want simple and have the budget, yes. Limit You’re capped at four mic inputs. Headphones My Pick: Sony MDR-V6 Comfortable, reliable, and they sound great without being crazy expensive. I can also replace parts when they wear out. What problem it solved I can isolate the mix and make sure everything sounds right while I’m recording. Who it’s for Any level of podcaster who wants real monitoring. When to buy When you’re serious about improving quality. Budget Option: Apple Wired EarPods Super accessible, connect to almost anything, and honestly impressive for the price. Tradeoffs Some people find them uncomfortable. Who should buy Phone-based creators or beginners who want better sound than built-in phone microphone. Premium Option: RØDE NTH-100M High quality, very comfortable, and includes a boom mic. Should beginners buy it? Probably not unless you love the form factor and have the money. Future proof? Yes. Accessories That Matter More Than You Think Here’s something people don’t expect me to say: Upgrading cables  has made a bigger improvement in reliability for me than upgrading microphones. Good cables mean: fewer random noises fewer failures less troubleshooting more confidence Other smart adds: pop filters solid boom arms basic room softening (carpet, curtains, furniture) You don’t need a perfect studio. You just need fewer reflections and clean signal flow. What Guests Tell Me One of my favorite compliments I’ve received is that my setup feels clean and professional without being intimidating . People who were nervous about being recorded ended up relaxing quickly, and that leads to better conversations. That matters more than flashy equipment. Final Encouragement: Just Start If you’re nervous, use what you have. Your phone, a pair of wired headphones, and hit record. Improve each episode. Stay consistent. Learn as you go. Because in the long run, the shows that grow aren’t the ones with the best gear… They’re the ones that keep going.

Every year on Judged by the Cover , we take an episode to look back at the music, design, and physical releases that stood out most. The Best of 2025 episode was all about reflection — not just on great albums, but on the artwork, packaging, and cultural shifts that shaped the year in music. Is the “Song of the Summer”… Gone? We started the episode with a question that felt weirdly heavy: Did 2025 even have a true “song of the summer”? There used to be one song every year that you couldn’t escape. It didn’t matter if you listened to pop, rock, or country — you heard it at the grocery store, at the pool, in commercials, on the radio, everywhere. This year? Not so much. Billboard officially named “Ordinary” by Alex Warren  as the Song of the Summer, and sure, we’d heard it before. But it didn’t feel like a shared cultural moment. It felt more like, “Oh yeah… that song.” We kept coming back to the same thought:Streaming and social media have put all of us in our own little music bubbles. Algorithms feed us what we already like, and as a result, we don’t have as many of those big, collective music moments anymore. It’s cool that everyone gets a personalized soundtrack. But yeah… we kind of miss the days when one song ruled the world for a few months. Our Favorite Album Covers of 2025 Phil’s Pick: Buddy Guy — Ain’t Done With the Blues You don’t expect someone pushing 90 years old to drop one of the boldest-looking covers of the year, but Buddy Guy did exactly that. The cover is simple, but it hits hard: A blazing red background A dramatic, almost silhouetted portrait Deep shadows and rich contrast It feels confident. Timeless. Unapologetic. There’s no over-designing, no trendy gimmicks — just a powerful image of a legend who clearly still has something to say. The design matches the spirit of the music perfectly. Josh’s Picks I had a harder time picking just one this year, so I cheated a little. Mammoth — The End This one is loud in the best way. Bright yellow background. A figure engulfed in flames. Gritty textures that make the whole thing feel chaotic and intense. It leans into that apocalyptic tone the album title suggests, and it absolutely jumps out at you in a sea of tiny digital thumbnails. Mammoth’s previous covers leaned more into fine-art territory, so this one feels like a shift — but it’s still bold, memorable, and unmistakably rock. Andy Mineo — The And Completely different energy here — minimal, conceptual, and layered with meaning. At first glance, it’s mostly white space with repeated text variations of “The End?” scattered across the cover. But once you listen to the album, it clicks. The project came after a long gap and a big career transition, and the cover reflects that uncertainty and questioning. It’s a great example of design that doesn’t scream for attention, but rewards you when you slow down and connect the dots. Best Physical Packaging of 2025 If you think physical music is dying, 2025 had some releases that would change your mind real quick. Phil’s Pick: Fine Young Cannibals – 40th Anniversary Reissue This packaging is just fun. The whole thing is designed like an elevator: Brushed metal-style exterior Track listing laid out like elevator buttons Interior artwork that looks like elevator doors opening It’s clever without feeling cheesy, and it turns the album into more than just something you listen to — it becomes an object you explore. That kind of thought and creativity is exactly what makes physical releases worth owning. Josh’s Pick: Sleep Token — Even in Arcadia Sleep Token already has this mysterious, almost mythic vibe as a band, and this packaging leans all the way into it. The vinyl artwork is dark, cinematic, and surreal — deep pinks, heavy blacks, and this haunting landscape that feels more like a movie still than an album insert. When you open it up, the full-spread artwork feels like something you could frame. It’s moody, beautiful, and totally in line with the band’s identity. What Stood Out to You? Those were our picks, but we know we only scratched the surface. What album cover blew you away this year? What physical release made you actually want to buy music again?What artist did you discover out of nowhere? We’re always looking for new music and great design to talk about, and your recommendations often lead to our favorite finds. And if you’re an artist thinking about your next release — remember, the visuals matter just as much as the sound. A strong cover and thoughtful packaging can turn a good project into an unforgettable one.

If I had to describe 2025 at JW Creates in one sentence, it would be this... equal parts exciting and stressful.... This year brought big life changes, unexpected challenges, creative wins, and moments where it felt like time completely slipped through my fingers. It’s honestly wild to be sitting here at the end of the year wondering how we already made it to the New Year and realizing there are still things I wanted to do that I never quite got to. But that’s life. And that’s running a creative business. Big Changes, Big Adjustments One of the biggest moments of the year happened outside of JW Creates, we sold our house. That came with excitement, but also a major shift, losing my studio space. That studio wasn’t just a room. It was my escape, my creative zone, and the place where Judged by the Cover  episodes came to life. Losing that dedicated space made consistency harder, creativity more scattered, and forced me to rethink how and where I work. On top of that, juggling personal changes, the natural ebb and flow of client projects, and bringing a new venture (Podnooga) into the JW Creates world made this year feel nonstop. There were moments I felt behind. Moments I felt reactive instead of proactive. And moments where creative outlets like playing guitar or experimenting just had to take a back seat. But those challenges also forced growth. Creative Wins I’m Really Proud Of Despite the chaos, 2025 delivered some projects I’m incredibly proud of. A few highlights: Real to Reel cover art for Phil Hyland and his band Girlfriend  . A LOT of really fun logo and branding projects The Poetry Pit branding and production. Several end-of-year projects that I can’t talk about yet  — but trust me, they’re exciting. I also worked with a return client who unexpectedly brought me two additional projects for her podcast, which a return client is always one of the biggest compliments I can receive! One of my favorite moments this year was working on a podcast cover art project where the client was excited every step of the way. Watching someone light up as their idea turns into something better than they imagined never gets old. That kind of energy fuels everything I do. And I’m currently working on one of the biggest cover art projects of my career and its one that’s pushing me far outside my comfort zone and may end up being some of my best work yet. You won’t see it until 2026… but it’s coming. Community Makes This Possible If there’s one thing that stayed constant this year, it’s the importance of community. Having Phil Hyland in my corner is a massive gift. Whether we’re grabbing coffee, working on Judged by the Cover, or planning Podnooga events. His support, encouragement, and trust in me creatively mean more than he probably knows. Restarting the Podnooga community has also been incredibly rewarding. Bringing Phil and Eric Clajus on board to help relaunch it made all the difference. Being able to share ideas, responsibilities, and vision has taken so much pressure off my shoulders even as I continue learning how to delegate better. I’m also grateful for: The team at 148 Studios Aaron at Walnut Street Publishing The guys at Be Caffeinated Thank you for opening your spaces and supporting what we’re building with Podnooga. And above all else I would love to say thank you to my wife, Genevieve. None of this happens without her constant support, patience, and belief in everything I do. Thank You (Truly) I don’t take it lightly that people choose to work with me. There are countless tools, platforms, and designers out there so if you trusted me with your project this year, I am genuinely grateful. If you’re discovering JW Creates for the first time:I love cover art. I love getting to know the people behind the projects. And I care deeply about making sure what we create actually serves your goals not just “gets it done.” If you’ve got a project in mind for the new year — podcast cover art, album artwork, branding, or a website — I’d love to hear about it!! Here’s to creating more together in 2026!!

Podnooga is a growing community built for podcasters, content creators, and the people who support them. We believe podcasting thrives when creators are connected to the right people and the right resources. Whether you're recording in your garage or producing a full-scale show, Podnooga is here to help you grow, collaborate, and feel less alone in the process. COMMUNITY - RESOURCES - NETWORK Welcome to Podnooga a growing community built for podcasters, content creators, and the people who support them. We believe podcasting thrives when creators are connected to the right people and the right resources. Whether you're recording in your closet or producing a full-scale show, Podnooga is here to help you grow, collaborate, and feel less alone in the process. FOLLOW US ON YOUR FAVORITE SOCIALS COMMUNITY PODCASTERS Whether you're a hobbyist recording for fun or a professional podcaster building a brand, Podnooga is for you. We know podcasting can feel isolating — but it doesn’t have to be. We’re creating space for podcasters to sharpen their skills, and connect with others in the same lane. CONTENT CREATORS If you create, you belong here. Podcasters, video creators, social media pros — we’re all telling stories in different formats. Podnooga is a home for content creators who want to collaborate, grow their audience, and build new opportunities together. RESOURCES Great podcasts need great support — and that’s where you come in. Podnooga is building a trusted network of studios, editors, designers, producers, and more. If you offer a service that helps creators bring their ideas to life, we want you to be part of the Podnooga community. JOIN THE COMMUNITY Email* JOIN THE COMMUNITY I want to subscribe to your mailing list. EVENTS 10 days to the event Podnooga Community - February Thu, Feb 19 148 Studios The riches are in the niches - a community conversation about the benefits of niching your podcast. RSVP MEET THE TEAM JOSH WILHELM I’m the owner and lead designer of JW Creates, where I specialize in cover art, logos, and website design. I’m also the host of Judged by the Cover, a podcast exploring cover art design and music discovery. Since starting in podcasting in 2019, I’ve produced, recorded, and launched shows from the ground up, which eventually led me to take over leadership of Podnooga. Now, I’m passionate about helping other podcasters and creators in Chattanooga grow and thrive through community and collaboration. ERIC CLAJUS I’m a video editor rooted in the Apple universe with a passion for helping people tell their stories. My background in broadcast news gave me years of experience interviewing, recording, and editing stories that gave a voice to the unheard. Today, I bring that same storytelling focus to podcasts, short-form narratives, and social media content. From producing podcasts to creating marketing pieces and testimonials, I help individuals and businesses amplify their voice and make a bigger impact. PHIL HYLAND Phil has a passion for bringing people together and connecting creatives with each other and to valuable resources. He launched his first podcast, Originals, in Los Angeles and has been featured multiple times on Freightwaves’ What the Truck. Today, he co-hosts the music discovery podcast Judged by the Cover. Phil is excited to collaborate with and support the creative community in Chattanooga. RESOURCES Behind every great podcast is a team of skilled creatives — from audio editors to branding experts. At Podnooga, we’re creating a directory of trusted resources to help podcasters and content creators find the right people to help them grow. It’s about building relationships, not just contracts. Best Podcast Gear for Beginners: My Setup + Budget and Pro Alternatives Starting a podcast can feel overwhelming, especially when you fall down the rabbit hole of gear videos, reviews, and people arguing online about what microphone is “right.” Josh Wilhelm NETWORK As Podnooga grows, so does the opportunity to build something special — a network of like-minded creators who elevate each other. When podcasts with shared purpose and passion come together, everyone wins. WANT TO LEARN MORE...? No matter where you are on your podcasting journey behind the mic, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between, Podnooga is your creative home base. Join us as we build a stronger, smarter, and more connected podcasting community. JOIN CONTACT US First name* Last name Email* Write a message Submit

JW Creates specializes in pre-made and custom album cover art design. Whether you need a cover for your single or full album cover design we have options for you. Also creating cover art options for podcasters COVER ART Cover art design options for artists, bands, and podcasters of all experience levels, genres, and budgets. Fully custom designs for your full physical release, pre-made covers that can be turned around quickly for digital releases, and everything in between!! Learn more below. CUSTOM COVER ART No templates here. 100% Unique design, created specifically for your project. Click the Learn More button to see examples of my work and learn about my process. LEARN MORE PRE-MADE COVER ART Select a Cover from multiple design options, enter your information, and email us your picture. Within two business days, or optional 24 hour rush delivery, you will receive a tailor-made version of the cover you selected. GET STARTED PODCAST COVER ART Cover art is not just for bands and musicians. If you find yourself diving into the exciting world of podcasting, we have you cover-ed. Custom cover art, and pre-made options specifically for podcasters coming soon. GET STARTED album anchor LET'S WORK TOGETHER

Custom made cover art for your project. As a musician, I know you pour your heart and soul into every project, and I believe that your album cover is a gateway that entices people to check it out. CUSTOM COVERS As a musician, I know you pour your heart and soul into every project, and I believe that your album cover is the gateway that entices people to check it out. Thats where I come in, I tell the story of your song, album, or artist brand through great design. CUSTOM COVER ART Custom is 100% custom, no pre-made templates here. Bring your own concept or allow me to create a concept based on your music and story. As a musician myself, I listen to music differently than most people, and I love the process of taking the theme of a song or album and bringing it to life. HANDS ON PROCESS I specialize in projects that require a hands on process. Digital tools allow for a lot of creation to happen simply using a computer, but there is something special about creating or manipulating elements in real life that brings a layer of realism to a design. CUSTOM ART Maybe a custom art piece is what the concept calls for. I have partnerships with awesome artists that can create pieces for your cover. DIGITAL RELEASE OR FULL ALBUM DEISGN No project is too big or small for a custom designed cover. Whether you are needing a digital release cover or a full physical design, we can work together to create the best package for you. PAC K AGES DIGITAL ONLY Single image for digital upload 3000 x 3000 300 dpi image 2 Concepts 2 Rounds of revisions Unrestricted usage and rights PNG, JPEG file type exports ENQUIRE FOR PRICE FRONT & BACK Everything in Digital Only package Back cover layout with song names, and additional content as needed Template setup for physical packaging (if needed) PNG, JPEG , and PDF file type exports ENQUIRE FOR PRICE FULL PHYSICAL Everything in Digital and Front & Back packages Up to 6 additional panel designs and layouts Template setup for physical packaging (if needed) PNG, JPEG , and PDF file type exports ENQUIRE FOR PRICE LET'S WORK TOGETHER