How to Start a Podcast Without Waiting for Perfect Gear

How to start a podcast without waiting for perfect gear — just pick a narrow niche and find your 10 episode ideas. In this how-to episode, Slava and Jonathan walk through the actual process of launching a podcast in 2026, from defining your topic and audience to building a setup that fits your budget. They cover the 10-episode test that separates viable ideas from broad ones that get buried, why specificity wins over production value, and a breakdown of equipment options from $0 (phone in a closet) to $300+. Then they tour their own setup: Rode NTG1 mic, Elgato arm and key light, Govee background lights, and a full DSLR rig — plus tactics for finding it all cheaper on Facebook Marketplace. The bottom line: execution and consistency matter more than having the nicest gear when you start. Pick your niche, record 10 episodes, and upgrade as you grow. — 📺 SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/channel/@sidequestpodcast 🎧 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO VERSION All platforms: https://linktr.ee/asidequest 🌐 JOIN THE GUILD Official website / Quest Log: https://www.thesidequestpodcast.com/ 💬 FOLLOW OUR ADVENTURES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidequestpodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@sidequestpodcast Discord: https://discord.gg/WAPRX9Hbq 🎬 CREDITS Hosts: Slava and Jonathan Editing: Wellerson Clemer https://www.behance.net/wellersonclemer123 Music: HoliznaCC0 Distribution: Transistor.fm — https://transistor.fm/how-to-start-a-podcast/?via=slava Side Quest Book Club is a podcast about books, the people who write them, and the tangents in between. Some links above are referral links. If you sign up through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. #SideQuestBookClub #PetSematary #StephenKing