Episode 319 | Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast | Courtney Elmer

Featured Guest: Junaid Ahmed
Junaid is the founder of Humblezone and creator of Home Studio Mastery, which teaches you how to build your home studio. He has two decades of experience in video production and design focused on a systematic process and seamless UX. He provides podcasters, speakers, and content creators with a comprehensive plan for their studio equipment, lighting, and layout. He is the author of 3 books on Home Studio Mastery.

The Secret to a Home Studio Setup That Commands Authority

If you’ve been researching podcast setup tips, you’ve probably seen the same advice everywhere:

• Buy a high-end microphone for crystal-clear sound.
• Invest in professional lighting to build credibility.
• Upgrade your camera so people take you seriously.

And while this might sound like good advice, it’s actually one of the biggest reasons podcasters waste time and money—and still struggle to grow their audience.

Because here’s the truth no one tells you:

Better gear won’t make you a better podcaster.

You don’t need a $400 microphone to sound like a pro. You don’t need a studio setup to build authority. And you definitely don’t need to spend thousands just to get people to take your podcast seriously.

You just need to know how to use what you already have.

That’s why I teamed up with home studio expert Junaid Ahmed for this episode, because with 20+ years of experience in audio and video design, Junaid has helped podcasters, entrepreneurs, and content creators build home studios that command authority—on any budget.

In this post, we’re breaking down the biggest mistakes podcasters make with their home studio setup, and why your dedication to your craft matters more than the gear you use. So if you’ve been holding off on launching (or growing) your podcast because you don’t think your setup is “good enough,” this one’s for you.

Let’s dive in.

But Don’t I Need to Have High-Quality Audio?

If you’ve hesitated to start (or grow) your podcast because you don’t have a high-end mic or a soundproof studio, you’re not alone. Most podcasters believe audio quality is everything (i.e., that higher-quality tech = higher-quality content).

And to be fair, audio quality does matter—but not in the way you think.

Because here’s what no one tells you:

Your podcast can have perfect audio and still fail.

Think about it. Have you ever stopped listening to a podcast because the content was boring, even though the sound was crystal clear?

Or better yet—have you ever kept listening to a low-quality recording because the content was so good you didn’t want to miss it?.

Some of the most successful podcasts today didn’t start with high-end equipment at all. They started with budget setups that prioritized content over tech.

• Joe Rogan? Started with a webcam and a basic USB mic (the Blue Yeti, to be specific).
• Jordan Harbinger? Started by recording informal networking sessions on a mini-disc player during his time in law school.
• John Lee Dumas? Started his podcast from his car.

All of them now generate well over seven figures a year in revenue from their respective podcasts. 

Because what actually makes a podcast successful isn’t a $400 mic—it’s a message that resonates, a voice that connects, and a show people can’t stop listening to.

Most podcasters assume high-quality audio is the secret to listener growth.

But if better gear automatically meant success, every podcaster with a studio-quality setup would be at the top of the charts.

But they’re not.

The truth? 

It’s not your sound quality that keeps listeners coming back—it’s your ability to connect with them. A well-placed mic and a quiet room can make a big difference in your podcast setup, but no amount of gear will fix a podcast that lacks energy, clarity, and direction.

So let’s break down the real mistakes that ruin your podcast setup (and how to fix them without wasting money on unnecessary upgrades).

Mistake #1: Thinking Gear Equals Authority

A fancy podcast setup might look impressive. But it won’t automatically make listeners trust you.

Yet, so many podcasters fall into the trap of thinking:

• If I upgrade my mic, people will take me seriously.

• If I get professional lighting, I’ll look more credible.

• If I invest in a studio setup, my audience will grow faster.

But if buying expensive kitchen tools automatically made you a better chef… why are there still terrible cooks with high-end equipment? 

Or if an expensive camera was the key to success, why isn’t everyone with a DSLR a professional photographer? 

And if a high-end microphone was the key to authority, why do some podcasts with the best gear still struggle to grow?

Because authority isn’t something you buy—it’s something you build.

Podcasting isn’t about having the best mic. It’s about having something worth saying and delivering it in a way that makes people listen.

And that’s where most podcasters get it wrong. They prioritize gear instead of developing their presence, message, and skills of communication and connection.

Mistake #2: Prioritizing Tech Over Technique

You’ve probably seen gear guides that rank the “best microphones for podcasting” or the “best cameras for your podcast setup.”

But have you ever seen a list of the best ways to improve your podcasting skills?

Probably not. Because tech is easier to sell than technique. “People think, ‘If I just get the right mic, my show will sound better,’ Junaid says. But that’s like thinking a new laptop will make you a better writer.

An $80 mic, properly placed, will sound better than a $480 mic used incorrectly.

Instead of asking, “What’s the best mic?” ask, “How can I use my mic properly?”

• Reduce background noise. (Record in a small, quiet space.)
• Soften hard, flat surfaces to absorb sound. (Rugs, curtains, pillows—it all helps.)
• Move your mic two to three inches from your mouth. (Too far away? You’ll sound distant and hollow.)

These tiny changes will improve your sound instantly—no expensive gear required.

Mistake #3: Waiting for the “Perfect Setup” Before Starting

This is the #1 mistake that kills podcasts before they even launch.

You tell yourself:

I’ll start recording once I have the right mic.
I’ll go on video once I upgrade my lighting.
I’ll take my podcast seriously once my setup is “good enough.”

But that moment never comes.

Every podcaster who waits for the perfect setup keeps waiting while someone else (who started with nothing but a phone and an idea) builds an audience.

Junaid sees this all the time. “Start from where you are,” he says. “Start with whatever device you have.” Because what separates successful podcasters from the ones who never launch isn’t better gear—it’s the fact that they took action before they felt ready. 

Translation? The only way to build a successful podcast that attracts and converts listeners is to stop waiting and start laying the foundation—crafting a clear message, dialing in your audience, and structuring your episodes with intention. The setup will come. What matters most is starting strategically. 

When Should You Upgrade Your Podcast Gear?

So what happens when you’ve already started, your podcast is growing, and you’re wondering if better gear would actually help?

Look at the top podcasters—you see their high-end studio, crisp audio, and polished setup and assume that’s what made them successful.

But here’s what you’re not seeing:

They didn’t get a massive audience because of their gear.
They got better gear because they built a massive audience.

Their setup is a result of their success, not the reason for it.

They built a loyal audience first. Then, once their content proved its value, they upgraded their setup to match their level of success. Because if gear alone guaranteed growth, then anyone who spent thousands on the best podcast setup would have a massive audience. But we both know they don’t.

So if gear isn’t the answer, when should you invest in better equipment?

Here’s the unspoken rule:

1. Upgrade when you’ve done everything you can with your current setup.
   You’ve positioned your mic properly, minimized background noise, improved your delivery, but your audio still sounds distant, muffled, or hollow. At that point, better gear—not better technique—will actually make a difference.
   
   
2. Upgrade when your content outgrows your current setup.
   Your audience doesn’t expect perfection, but they do expect clarity. If listeners are struggling to hear you clearly despite optimizing your environment, or if your content format shifts (e.g., adding video, recording in multiple locations), an upgrade might make sense.
   
   
3. Upgrade when your revenue justifies reinvesting in better tech.
   When your podcast is generating income—whether through clients, sponsors, or products—upgrading your setup can be a strategic move to enhance quality without it being a financial burden.

The podcasters dropping $10K+ on a studio? They’ve already put in the work.

If you’re still figuring out your message, audience, or consistency—spending money on gear isn’t the answer. Because success in podcasting isn’t about the tools you have—it’s about the value you deliver. 

Instead of chasing shiny new gear, focus on becoming a better podcaster.

And when you’re ready to upgrade? You’ll actually know what gear you need—because you’ll know how to use it. Because the podcasters who grow the fastest aren’t the ones with the best tech. They’re the ones who know how to make every episode worth listening to in the first place.

And when you get that right? Upgrading your setup becomes an investment in your growth—not an unsuccessful attempt to manufacture it.

So if you’re ready to finally see predictable results from your podcast (and want expert help building the podcast systems that drive them),  book a free strategy call with our team to find out if you’re a fit for PodLaunch®. It might be the most strategic conversation you have about your podcast all year.

And if you want weekly insights on making your podcast bingeworthy? Hit “Follow” on Insider Secrets to a Top 100 Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Up Next:

We’ve busted the myth that better gear makes you a better podcaster—so now, let’s talk about when upgrading actually makes sense. In the next episode, podcast home studio expert Junaid Ahmed is back to walk you through the four stages of home studio evolution. We’ll break down when to invest in new gear, when to hold off, and the specific upgrades that make the biggest difference (and where to find them at the best price).

If you’ve ever wondered how to grow into a pro-level setup (without wasting money on things you don’t need), don’t miss this one!