For all the aspiring podcasters out there, the world of podcasting is a vast and diverse landscape filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. The beauty of podcasting lies in its accessibility – anyone with a microphone and a story to tell can create their own unique show. Each podcaster brings their individual style and perspective to the table, resulting in a rich tapestry of content that caters to various interests and tastes.
In our quest to unravel the mysteries behind the scenes of podcast production, we turned to some of the industry’s brightest stars for insights into their workflows. This week, we shine a light on Alex Goldman, a luminary in the podcasting realm. Known for co-founding the wildly popular Gimlet podcast “Reply All,” Goldman now works his magic on Radiotopia’s “Hyperfixeda.” From his cozy podcasting basement, he churns out episodes brimming with hope, helpfulness, and adventure.
Embracing the new normal of remote podcast recording, Goldman has transformed a small 8×8 room in his basement into a sanctuary for creativity. Despite its resemblance to the cabin in “Evil Dead,” his podcasting lair brims with warmth and character, a testament to his ingenuity. Engineers may stress over the technicalities of room prep, but Goldman knows that clutter is his friend – the more packed the space, the better the sound quality.
Creating a conducive recording environment is crucial, and Goldman has perfected his setup with an eye for both functionality and aesthetics. His space boasts a giant Black Sabbath Vol. 4 wall flag, sound baffles for reducing echo, and an array of devices to make music. Armed with a Shure SM7B microphone and Focusrite audio interfaces, Goldman delves into the realm of music production with finesse.
When it comes to crafting music for his show, Goldman relies on The Mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder or his own musical prowess. With a Sequential Circuits Prophet 6 Synthesizer at his disposal, he spins magic out of thin air, summoning melodies that resonate with listeners. Drum sounds from Ableton and a mix of samplers and drum machines add depth and texture to his podcast’s soundtrack.
Amidst the sea of wires and devices lies a quirky relic – a rubber glove that has become a permanent fixture in Goldman’s studio. A testament to the space’s evolution, the rubber glove adds a touch of whimsy to an otherwise functional setup. Despite its humble origins, it has morphed into a symbol of creativity and resilience, reminding Goldman of the journey that brought him to where he is today.
In a world where podcasting knows no bounds, Alex Goldman stands as a beacon of inspiration, his journey a testament to the power of storytelling and innovation. As we peel back the layers of his podcasting empire, we uncover a world teeming with creativity, ingenuity, and a healthy dose of rock ‘n roll spirit. So, the next time you tune into “Hyperfixed,” remember the magic unfolding in Goldman’s podcasting basement – a world of endless possibilities waiting to be explored.
