Frequently Asked Questions

What audio gear do you use?

Every now and then I talk about what gear I use online, but here is a handy list of what I'm using at the moment.

I use Logic Pro X for recording and editing / mixing, and I use a combination of mics:

For solo voice work (intros / outros): Rode NT1-A
And then two different setups for interviews, either:
Rode NT1-A with C-1 Behringer
Shotgun mic with Rode PG2-R pistol grip shock mount

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and I'm still working out which works best for me. The shotgun mic setup allows me to direct the interview more, but this is not always a good thing. Using two condenser mics throws up a bunch of other sound issues, most significantly noise bleed, and can make editing more difficult. I'm still deciding what I'd prefer to use for season two.

I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB interface or a Zoom H4n recorder. 

What audio gear should I get?

My setup is definitely not The Ultimate or anything like that, in fact, it's basically just equipment I've accumulated over the years (I record music and did an audio engineering course back in 2013), so there is definitely better stuff out there now. If you're looking just for gear for podcasting check out some podcast specific mics (that connect through USB, making a usb interface redundant). Those ones will likely cut out a lot of annoying stuff for you. A very basic google search will give you some ideas as to what's on the market right now.

All that being said though I'm very much of the "do the thing before spending money" style, as long as it still fits with the style of the thing. You'll learn a lot just from giving it a go, and that you can do by borrowing mics or working with what you got. Otherwise maybe volunteer at a community radio station and see if you can nab yourself some studio time to record some tape!

Can you interview me?

All the interviews for Season One of Starving Artist are done and dusted, and I'll be looking for Season Two a bit further through the year. That being said, I get a lot of people requesting me to interview them, so here's some things to keep in mind before you email me:

  • Each episode of Starving Artist tries to focus on a very specific theme or question, whether it be using Instagram, negotiating a raise, or doing your tax. It's very hard to say yes to someone if I don't know their work and I don't have something specific that I could interview them about. So if you know all the best tips for Patreon, or you know exactly how to game Reddit so you get your artwork to the front page, or you've found out how to utilise local dogs to help with your crowdfunding campaign, let me know. If you tell me what I could specifically ask YOU about that makes it way easier for me to see how it could be a great interview.
  • Each episode of Starving Artist costs me, as an independent producer, a significant amount of money to produce, and a lot of hours. So when people are asking me to interview them, they're actually asking me to invest a sizeable amount of time and money in interviewing them, and this is good to keep in mind if you want to suggest yourself. Don't be shy (or lazy), put together a good sales pitch for why you'd be a good person to interview. Make sure you've listened to the podcast and tell me who you are (including links to your work), what specific wisdom or experience you could speak to, and why you think you'd be a great guest. Also compliments are nice, everyone likes those ;)

What is Patreon?

Patreon is like a tip-jar for artists and creators. People can become patrons of creators and donate small amounts of money to ensure that creators can keep doing the thing they do best: create! Patreon is how Starving Artist was able to make the leap from being a bunch of interviews lurking about in the depths of my computer to being a real world thing that exists in the real world. If you're interested in making sure that Season Two of Starving Artist is also a thing that happens in the real world you can support me on Patreon at There's cool stuff up for grabs like calls on your birthday, early edits of podcasts, or monthly group calls where you can ask me any questions you like!

Who are your handsome editors?

Lance Turnbull and Peter C. Hayward