James McKinven

Freelance Podcast and Video Producer

Issue #105 November 21, 2021

About

James McKinven is a freelance podcast and video producer, who runs the Indie Bites podcast, talking to bootstrapped entrepreneurs who have turned their side-projects into profitable, sustainable internet businesses. In his spare time, you'll find him crafting away on high-quality handmade leather goods for Whitstable Craft Co.

Photos

3 images

Gear

8 items

Camera Lumix GH5 camera — the most versatile little 4k sharpshooter I own. Pair this with the Lumix S5. Buy

Lighting Aputure 120d light w/ Mini-Lightdome — best video light I’ve bought. Forget getting anything else if you want to shoot videos, this will do everything and more.

Accessories Shure SM7B microphone (on Rode PSA-1) — this was the more expensive microphone I mentioned earlier. It’s what all the big podcasters use but I can’t really tell the difference (don’t tell anyone). Buy

Accessories Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface + Cloudlifter — just to make the microphone work. Buy

Chair HAG Capisco chair — a supposedly ergonomic, yet quite uncomfortable chair you can sit on in multiple positions. I just think it looks pretty dope.

Desk Furna standing desk — got this for free from creator Charli Marie while I was in London. A cracking option for sit, standing. Often go here if I’ve been sitting too long. Buy

Accessories Ikea trolley for leathercraft tools — my tools for leathercraft used to be everywhere, but this handy little trolley means they have their own home.

Desk Mat UESTA A1 cutting mat — a fantastic mat that covers the desk so I can craft away without causing permanent damage to my lovely desk. Buy

Software

7 apps

Descript — mind-blowing software to edit podcasts as if they were a word doc.

Final Cut Pro X — where the video making magic happens.

Figma — where I attempt to design things.

Alfred — spotlight search, but better.

Notion — literally runs my life (and some of my websites).

Superhuman — overly expensive email client that I’m addicted to.

Procreate — fun for doing drawings on my iPad.

Interview

2 questions

› What is included in your main setup?

M1 MacBook Air - tackles 4k video editing like a breeze and is a joy without a fan. M1 iPad Pro w/ Magic Keyboard & Apple Pencil - a completely unnecessary piece of kit that I love using for writing and calls. Apple Magic Keyboard & Mouse - I’ve always liked the Apple peripherals. Nice tactile feel to the keyboard and some lovely gesture control on the mouse (despite the frankly horrible ergonomics). Samsung 32" 4K monitor - I prefer dual screens, but new MBA can only take a single screen Shure MV7 microphone (on Rode PSA-1) - The best USB mic under $250 that I use to run my podcast. I’ve had expensive mics before, but this is perfect because I can plug it in and forget it. CalDigit USB-C Hub - this hub is incredible. I now plug a single cable into my laptop for everything, including the screen, charging, microphone, SD cards and more. Can’t recommend it enough. Sonos One speaker - I have Sonos throughout my flat and they are just sensational. The sound from this little rascal fills the room no problem. I now rarely wear headphones. Leather Desk Mat by Whitstable Craft Co - one of the products I handmade myself and adds a lovely surface for my keyboard and mouse. Dotgrid notebook & Uniball Air pen - admittedly prefer typing notes, but sometimes nice to jot some things down on a call or when I’ve had enough of my screen. Ikea desktop + 2 Alex drawer units - the standard desk, right? Have had these units for maybe 10 years and they are still as functional as ever. Herman Miller Aeron chair - the best investment to my setup by far. I got it second hand for $300 and never have back pain, ever.

› What are your most used tools and software?

Riverside.fm - records high quality podcasts remotely. Descript - mind-blowing software to edit podcasts as if they were a word doc. Final Cut Pro X - where the video making magic happens. Figma - where I attempt to design things. Transistor.fm - takes my podcast and sends it to the internet (hosting). Alfred - spotlight search, but better. Notion - literally runs my life (and some of my websites). Superhuman - overly expensive email client that I’m addicted to. Procreate - fun for doing drawings on my iPad.