Tools for Creating the Perfect Podcast and Videos

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Imagine hearing reviews for a great new podcast. The content is engaging and relevant, the speakers are authentic and creative. But when you tune in for the first episode, it sounds like it’s all been recorded on a 2003 iPhone. I bet you don’t stick around for that amazing content, do you? Having the right tools for creating the perfect podcast is a must. And, if you are also planning to record videos or take a lot of photos, having the right equipment will make you feel like a pro in no time. Here is my list of tools to help you achieve professional, quality podcasts that will drive more and more listeners to your podcast.

Sound Equipment

The most important investment for your podcast is quality sound equipment. Just listen to some of the top-ranked shows on iTunes and notice what they all have in common. You’ll be able to tell that they’ve been recorded with consistent, quality audio. The dialogue is clear and without distractions that distract from the content of the show. Quality recording equipment ensures your listeners will be able to enjoy listening, learning, or being entertained.

Microphone

Heil PR 40 Microphone

Don’t scrimp here. The absolute most important piece of equipment for recording great podcasts is a microphone. You definitely won’t make it to the “new and noteworthy” list with podcast content that sounds sharp and tinny. If you hurt your listeners’ ears, they won’t stick around even if you have amazing content. To do things right, invest in an excellent recording microphone.

Blue Yeti USB Microphone

This high performance mic has all the bells and whistles to give you crystal clear sound without interference from background or handling noise. If you want clear, professional recordings, the Heil PR 40 is the perfect microphone to give you impeccable results.

If you aren’t quite ready to splurge on the Heil, my second choice is the Blue Yeti USB Microphone. This super easy to use and durable mic plugs into your computer’s USB port and features controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute and microphone gain. While it may not give you all the frills of some other microphones, this is a great mic for the price.

ROde PSA1 Studio Boom Arm

Broadcast Boom

You’ll also want a quality boom to support your state-of-the-art microphone. The Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm is a two-section, spring-loaded broadcast microphone arm designed for quiet and flexible positioning. It conveniently rotates 360° and has an impressive reach of up to 32″.

Spider Shockmount Pop Filter

Pop Filter

A pop filter is a great investment to improve sound and protect your expensive microphone. It prevents the popping sound when you laugh or articulate using a microphone. (Think of that awful “puh” sound when pronouncing words that begin with the letter P.) Plus, it prolongs the life of your mic by protecting it from saliva when speaking closely into it. The Spider Shockmount with Integrated Pop Filter eliminates vibrations for even better quality sound. It features 8 elastic suspension points as well as an integrated pop filter that can be rotated down or removed. Additionally, it can be attached to standard microphone stands for versatility.

PRSM Shockmount

Shockmount

To prevent even more annoying interference, add a shock mount to your list of tools for creating the perfect podcast. It elastically connects a microphone to your mic stand or boom. The elastic connection provides secure mounting and the freedom to move the microphone independently of the mic stand. This reduces the amount of mechanically transmitted noise (shock) from the microphone. I use the PRSM Shockmount from Heil Sound.

ATH-M50xBT Headphones

Headphones

Second only to your microphone, headphones are the next important piece of your podcast arsenal. Because in order to be able to monitor while recording audio, you need a decent pair of headphones to accurately translate your recordings. The ATH-M50xBT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones provide quality sound with mobile convenience. They provide both clear audio and rich, deep bass with Bluetooth transmission.

Recording Equipment

Camera and lens

Sony Alpha a6500 Camera

For superb image quality, you need a great camera. My top pick is the Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Digital Camera. It’s easy to use for pictures or video and produces professional-quality images. It’s easy to focus with image stabilization, slo-mo, quick-mo, a timer, built in WiFi, and much more. 

Sony Vario-Tessar lens with Zeiss glass

Make sure to get a good lens to complete the package. Check out the Sony Vario-Tessar 16-70 mm lens. The best feature of this lens is the Zeiss’ anti-reflective coating that eliminates ghosting and flare for the perfect shots. With a wide angle and ultra fast aperture, as well as image stabilization, this lens will make you feel like a pro in no time.

560AS LED Panel

Lights

Lighting can make or break your photographs and videos. Invest in quality lighting to ensure crisp, natural images. I use the 560AS Bi-Color LED 2-Panel Kit from GVM. It comes with two dimmable panels with color. Each panel has a diffuser to soften the bright LEDs, as well as a light stand and carry case.

So do you wanna see if all this equipment really matters? Then head on over to the Lindsey Elmore Show and give it a listen.

Love practical business strategies and tools? Come check out Brand Strategies Lab!

Falafel Cakes with Rice Salad and Sumac Radishes

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This fun twist on a classic Middle Eastern dish happened by accident. These vegan Falafel Cakes cook up a bit faster than traditional balls and have more surface area with that satisfying crunch of crust. They pair nicely with the cool, spicy rice salad and sumac seasoned radishes for a complete meal. These Falafel Cakes with Rice Salad and Sumac Radishes are simple and satisfying.

History of Falafel

When I think of Middle Eastern food, I think of falafel. The delicious deep fried ball of chickpeas are a trademark food of Israel. But surprisingly, falafel did not originate in Israel. It actually came from Egypt originally.

It began with the Christian Copts of Egypt, who’s religious practices included abstaining from eating meat during certain holidays. They created an alternative called ta’amiya, which was made out of fava beans. Later, Jewish pioneers made their own version of these tasty fritters using chickpeas. These are what we know today as Israeli falafel.

Falafel became popular in the 1950s when the Yemeni Jews began serving falafel balls in pitas. Because it is satisfying, easy, and relatively inexpensive to make, falafel became a common street food in the Middle East. Today, Israeli falafel is typically served in a pita with hummus and tahini dip and salad items of your choice.

Seasonings

Sumac

Sumac is a household staple spice in Middle Eastern countries, much like salt and pepper in the United States. Actually a member of the cashew family, sumac berries lend a tart, acidic taste to many dishes. Interestingly, he sour lemony flavor actually gave rise to the tradition of pink lemonade in America.

Zhoug Seasoning

Zhoug is a fragrant paste of hot peppers, cilantro, parsley, garlic and warm Middle Eastern spices. It resembles pesto, but it packs quite a bit more heat and flavor. Although zhoug originated in Yemen, it’s famous for being a much-loved condiment in Israeli street food. Zhoug works well to season roasted vegetables (especially root veggies). It also adds a bit of punch to many dressings & vinaigrettes.

Love cooking ethnic food like these Falafel Cakes with Rice Salad? Check out Korean Tofu Bowls!

DIY Gentle Exfoliating Powder

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Exfoliating your skin keeps it healthy and vibrant. But sadly, many exfoliators contain harsh ingredients that can damage skin. Lots of DIY recipes contain sugar, which is not ideal for your complexion. After much trial-and-error recipe testing for a facial exfoliator without sugar that actually works, I came up with this Gentle Exfoliating Powder. It works a bit differently than a cream exfoliator, but you will love the results from this recipe.

About the Ingredients

Colloidal oatmeal is the primary ingredient in this mixture. Oatmeal is great for skin because it protects against skin irritants and helps to balance pH. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to soothe itchy, dry skin.

Baking soda and fine sea salt also help add exfoliating power to this powder. If you have very sensitive skin, you may choose to omit the salt. You can really use any essential oils you prefer in this recipe. I chose lavender and frankincense for their skin-nourishing properties.

Gentle Exfoliating Powder

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the rolled oats, in a coffee grinder or blender and pulse until finely ground.
  2. Then, stir in the baking soda, sea salt, and essential oils.
  3. Store your exfoliating powder in a spice jar or other container with a lid.

To Use

  1. Combine about 2 teaspoons of Gentle Exfoliating Powder with your daily facial cleanser in your palm.
  2. Gently scrub the face with fingertips and rinse thoroughly.
  3. My favorite way to use this scrub is with my Blue Tansy Cleansing Cream!

Balancing Chakras: The Basics

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Some people are turned off or even frightened by the idea of chakras. However, we are all born with these energy centers in our bodies, and learning about how they govern our systems can help us to live healthier, happier lives, both physically and emotionally. As you begin balancing chakras, you will develop an appreciation and understanding about the role that energy plays in every facet of your being.

What Are Chakras?

Before we define chakras, it’s important to understand one thing: You are energy. In fact, all living things are comprised of energy. Proper flow and function of our energy centers helps us maintain psychological, emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. Chakras are simply focused areas of energy within our bodies that regulate all of its processes.

Seven chakras are positioned from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra governs specific body systems and functions. As we explore each different chakra, be aware of areas that feel “stuck”, stagnant, or a source of stress in your life. Chances are, those chakras are out-of-balance.

The Seven Energy Centers

Root or Muladhara Chakra

Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is your connection to the earth. It is what ensures you feel grounded and balanced no matter where you are. It is also the foundation of our security and survival.

Body Systems: Reproductive system and sex organs

Balanced:

  • Grounded
  • Secure
  • Confident relationship with money
  • Protected

Out of Balance:

  • Negative
  • Greedy
  • Eating disorders
  • Insecure
  • Lazy
  • Paranoid
  • Back pain
  • Digestive issues
  • Cold hands and feet

Crystals: Black or red stones: hematite, rhodochrosite, jet, smokey quartz

Sacral or Swadhisthana Chakra

The sacral chakra is in the lower abdomen just below your navel and governs feelings, emotions, and creativity, as well as sexuality, relationships, and inner joy.

Body Systems: Lymphatic system, immune system, adrenal glands

Balanced:

  • Creative
  • Flow with the waves of life
  • Nurturing
  • Harmonious with others

Out of Balance:

  • Excessive dependency or co-dependency
  • Feeling “stuck”
  • Lack of sex drive or excessive sexuality
  • Inability to get work done
  • Low energy
  • Bladder discomfort

Crystals: Orange stones: citrine, carnelian, tiger’s eye

Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra

Characterized by the expression of will and mental abilities, the solar plexus chakra is the source of our personal power. It is situated in the upper abdomen.

Body Systems: Digestive system, pancreas

Balanced:

  • Optimal digestion
  • Excellent self awareness
  • Appropriate assertiveness

Out of Balance:

  • Controlling and manipulative
  • Rebellious
  • Helplessness
  • Irresponsible
  • Lack of direction
  • Obsessive
  • Difficulties with short-term memory
  • Bloating and nausea

Crystals: Yellow stones: amber, citrine, yellow tourmaline

Heart or Anahata Chakra

The heart chakra is in the middle of the chest and is the center of love both for yourself and others. Because it falls in the center of all chakras, it also helps with overall flow and balance among your energy centers.

Body Systems: Respiratory and circulatory systems, thymus gland

Balanced:

  • Give and receive love appropriately
  • Feel deep connections
  • Compassionate
  • Empathetic
  • Forgiving
  • Accepting

Out of Balance:

  • Difficulty in relationships and fear of intimacy
  • Jealousy
  • Codependency
  • Defensiveness
  • Antisocial
  • Insomnia
  • Immune dysfunction

Crystals: Green or pink stones: rose quartz, green calcite, jade

Throat or Vishuddha Chakra

The throat chakra, located in the center of the throat, brings energy and expression to our speech and also enables communication.

Body Systems: Thyroid gland, which is involved in processing energy in the body through temperature, growth, and metabolism.

Balanced:

  • Authentic
  • Clear communications that are not in excess or deficit
  • Realistic perception of life

Out of Balance:

  • Inappropriate speech or fear of speaking
  • Inability to listen to others
  • Dishonesty
  • Gossip
  • Sore throat
  • Fluctuating hormone levels
  • Stiff or achy neck

Crystals: Blue stones: Apatite, aquamarine, turquoise

Third Eye or Ajna Chakra

Located between the eyebrows, the third eye chakra is the center of intuition and foresight. Thus, the function of this chakra is driven by openness and imagination.

Body Systems: Pituitary gland, also known as the body’s master gland

Balanced:

  • Clear vision of the future
  • Memorable dreams
  • Intuitive
  • Spiritually connected

Out of Balance:

  • Lack of vision or purpose
  • Disillusionment
  • Rejection of spiritual things
  • Insomnia
  • Procrastination,
  • Fear
  • Frequent headaches
  • Eye discomfort
  • Sinus pain

Crystals: Purple stones: Amethyst, fluorite

Crown or Sahasrara Chakra

Finally, the crown chakra is our connection with the universe or God. Situated at the top of the head, it is our energy that reaches up to the sky. 

Body Systems: Pituitary, pineal and hypothalamus glands, which work to regulate the endocrine system, brain and nervous system.

Balanced:

  • Unity and peace with life
  • Awareness of higher consciousness and wisdom

Out of Balance:

  • Spiritually disconnected
  • Closed-minded, especially about spiritual matters
  • Lack of inspiration
  • Poor coordination
  • Exhaustion

Crystals: Clear or white stones: Clear quartz, selenite, sugilite

I want to balance chakras, where do I start?

Chakra balancing simply refers to restoring equilibrium to the natural flow of energy through the body. Negative experiences, stress, lack of sleep, grief, trauma, and physical injury can upset this flow. When a chakra is “blocked”, it means the energy flowing through that chakra is reduced.

Chakra copy

Chakra balancing techniques fall roughly into in three different categories. Physical balancing includes exercises focusing on connecting the mind and body, such as yoga. Meditative balancing involves breathing techniques and introspective quieting of the mind. And finally, we can balance using the transmission of energy, such as hands-on energy healing.

Other ways to transfer energy include using crystals, essential oils, and even eating foods and surrounding yourself with the color of each chakra. Every person has the ability to balance his/her own chakras through these methods.

To start balancing chakras you must start at the root chakra because it is the base of all the other energy centers and provides your sense of security and peace. To balance the root chakra, it’s important to connect to the earth. Get outdoors and walk barefooted on the grass, dig your hands in the dirt, or plant seeds. Physical activity also helps stimulate the root chakra.

Once the root chakra is balanced, then you can move up through the sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. My favorite method for restoring equilibrium is with yoga, meditation, and essential oils. I often select an appropriate crystal for balancing and opening chakras as well. Focusing on each chakra, starting from the root, I apply or inhale an essential oil and hold a crystal while visualizing the opening of the corresponding chakra. Additionally, I employ specific yoga postures and meditations to encourage the flow.

Want to Learn More?

Join my 7-week Yoga, Chakras, Crystals, and Essential Oils course! This seven-part course focuses on one chakra area each week. We’ll combine yoga, chakras, crystals, and essential oils to restore your body and improve your resiliency to stress.

Check out Essential Oils for Chakras, Supplements for Chakras, and The Healing Properties of Crystals.