From NPR Studios to Basement Setups: Jody Avirgan's Trek through the Expansive World of Podcasting

Jody Avirgan, revered for his engaging podcast hosting style, represents the quintessence of the current podcasting revolution. An industry that is as accessible to create as it is to consume, podcasting leverages multiple hardware and software solutions giving birth to a diverse array of setups. The settings now range from the professional echelon of NPR studios to simplistic USB Skype setups, accentuating how everyone manages to inject their unique flair into the process.

Avirgan, in collaboration with American indie rock band The Hold Steady’s frontman, Craig Finn, hosts an intriguing podcast - ‘Summer Album / Winter Album’. Each episode ventures into a captivating debate, categorizing an iconic record as either a ‘summer album’ or a ‘winter album’. Having previously hosted shows for esteemed organizations such as Radiotopia, TED, FiveThirtyEight, and ESPN, Avirgan provides valuable insights and anecdotes about his preferred podcasting set-up.

Avirgan’s journey sheds light on an overarching message for aspiring podcasters. It emphasizes the importance of embracing the available resources, taming the unpredictability of the process, and above all, staying true to one’s own unique voice. The world of podcasting is replete with opportunities, inviting creatives to jump in and become a part of its evolving narrative.