A few years ago Erik shared with me his ideas for starting a podcast called The Cabincast. I shared that a podcast was one of my dreams too. Read more of The Cabincast story in THIS POST.

(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

We now have over 60 episodes under our belt and interesting interviews with amazing guests. You can LISTEN HERE.

Before we started Erik did a lot of research on what equipment we purchased and we have been really happy with all of items.

Here’s the basic and best equipment we recommend to start a podcast or upgrade what you are already using for professional sounding podcasting.

Basic Podcasting Equipment

• Computer
• SD Card
• Power Strip

Best Equipment to Start A Podcast

RODEcaster Pro Podcast Production Studio

The RODEcaster Pro Podcast Production Studio has been a great all in one recording piece. It’s easy to transport, set up and work with. There are four mic hook ups, eight programmable spots to add in sound effects or music intros and outros you use often.

There’s a one touch button to begin and stop recording and everything is saved to a microSD card.

Each mic is recorded as a separate track making it easier for editing in post production. If Erik coughs while I’m talking, or I hiccup while he is reading, only the person speaking will have their recording heard. The other track will be taken out.

One thing we have really liked about The RODEcaster is the option it gives us to interview remotely with our guests. We simply hook up one of our cellphones either with Bluetooth or the cable.

See More of The RODEcaster Pro Podcast Production Studio

Rode Boom Arm Bundle

Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Boom Arm Bundle with XLR Cable and Polishing Cloth is a professional studio arm that is easy to attach to our recording table with the included desk mount clamp.

It’s easy to set up. The Rode Boom Arm is also quiet while moving it into the perfect position for each host or guests height and position.

See More of Rode PSA1 Professional Studio Boom Arm Bundle with XLR Cable and Polishing Cloth

Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series)

For our microphones we use the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series).

They easily fit into the booms or we can use the tripod desk stand that comes with the Microphone when we don’t want to set the booms up. We do remote recordings sometimes and don’t take the booms along. The tripods work great for these scenarios, the legs even fold making them easy to pack. The mics can even be used handheld.

See More of Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB Cardioid Dynamic Microphone (ATR Series).

Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield With A Flexible 360° Gooseneck Clip Stabilizing Arm

The Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield For Blue Yeti and Any Other Microphone, Mic Dual Layered Wind Pop Screen With A Flexible 360° Gooseneck Clip Stabilizing Arm really makes a difference in the sound quality of our recordings.

These Pop Filters have double layered screening that help stop any air blasts made by our talking and using certain sounds in our words that send out a burst of air pressure like hisses and lisps with “S”, “B” and “Ps”.

They have an adjustable screw rotating clamp and gripper that makes them universally able to secure. There is an adjustable gooseneck that can adjust the angle and distance between the screen and the microphone to get in the best position for recording.

See More of Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter Mask Shield For Blue Yeti and Any Other Microphone, Mic Dual Layered Wind Pop Screen With A Flexible 360° Gooseneck Clip Stabilizing Arm

Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones

The Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones are so comfortable to wear. We typically record for an hour or more each week and I forget I even have the headphones on. They adjust to fit my head well.

The Headphones fold which makes them easy to pack away and travel with. They also have great sound.

See More of Tascam TH-02 Closed Back Studio Headphones

Blue Yeti

For recording on my own I purchased the Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording and Streaming on PC and Mac, Blue VO!CE effects, 4 Pickup Patterns, Headphone Output and Volume Control, Adjustable Stand, Plug and Play. I also take it along often when I travel. I went to visit my grandmother and wanted to record some of her stories, so I took along the Blue Yeti and two sets of Headphones. I had purchased two sets of Headphones for me personally to keep at home or in my office with my Blue Yeti.

This case is helpful to store it and take it when I travel.

What to Buy to Start a Podcast

Here’s a summary of what we purchased. Depending on your situation you may need more or less. If you are a single host and won’t be hosting in house guests, you may need only one of each item.

We ordered four of most things so each of us cohosts could have one and have two extra depending on how many guests we have come into the studio.

We purchased:

• Four Microphones
• Four Booms
• One The RODEcaster Pro Podcast Production Studio
• Four Pop Filters
• Four Headphones
• Computer
• SD Card
• Power Strip
• Blue Yeti and Case

How to Start a Podcast

Let us know what questions you have about how to start a podcast as we continue this series of helpful tutorials for those just starting out, or those wanting to up their game.

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We start off by sharing one of our favorite views of the fall colors, the Porcupine Mountains. There are nice hiking trails and overlooks.

I share one of my favorite memories of heading out to visit my brother when he lived in Vermont during the Fall and eating lots of apple cider doughnuts.

Photo: upmatters.com

This leads to Erik sharing his favorite Fall memories of growing up on an apple orchard and what his life was like on those 40 acres. 

I share about my dad’s Fall bike ride across the state of Wisconsin. He lives in Montana and brought his biking friends along to explore the bike trails and quaint towns along the way.

Erik tells us about his recent adventures at Pirate’s Hideaway in Eagle River, WI. Here they have a big pirate ship that you can rent for birthday parties for kids or adults! This is a very fun activity for the family! 

Thank you to our sponsor, White Arrows Home. 

Up next Erik shares a funny situation with his truck as well as a reading from Recreation Magazine! This article goes into detail about how this man figured out he can use his car to go fishing. This old story is sure to make you smile!

Thank you to our sponsor, Roughing it in Style.

To conclude the episode, I share a great song from the Okee Dokee Brothers called “Can You Canoe?” These childhood friends create family-friendly music that inspires kids and parents alike to get outside.

Thank you so much for tuning in to another episode of The Cabincast, see you next Friday wherever you listen to your podcasts! 

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The post The Cabincast Podcast Episode 43 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

Welcome back to The Cabincast for another fantastic interview. This week, in Episode #041: Alderwood Red, we are joined by Becca Bartling from Alderwood Resort, located on the Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes. 

Before hopping into the interview, Erik and I share a quick Cabin Chat. Summer has ended in the Northwoods with the Labor Day sendoff. Erik shares his end-of-summer traditions including ice cream from The Windmill in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. We chat about the tradition of waving goodbye to the tourists on Highway 51 at Witman’s.

Our interview today with Becca is all about running a resort, which got me thinking about the history of resorts. I found a great article all about the history of The Northwoods in our Cabin Chat. 

Up next, Erik gives us a refresh on the rules of Kick the Can, a classic children’s (or adult!) game that we reference in the episode. 

Thank you to our sponsor White Arrows Home.

Now for the interview with Becca! We begin our chat by diving into family traditions people bring to Alderwood Resort. From wood signs to custom tee shirts to newsletters, Alderwood has been a part of it all!

Honoring family traditions is their mission, so cabins get booked up quickly. However, they do have a waiting list for new visitors after current guests have had their pick of cabins!

Becca shares the typical day of their many guests. Some spend their entire vacation at the resort and others use Alderwood as their outpost as they explore the surrounding Northwoods.

We also hear from Becca her vision for Alderwood, keeping the nostalgic feel with modern amenities. Becca also shares her vision behind the resort’s dreamy Instagram. 

“I want my Instagram to feel like the warmth and nostalgia our cabins have.” -Becca Bartling

Becca shares how she began at Alderwood with her parents-in-law owning it and beginning to manage the resort about seven years ago. She shares the best part of her job.

“The best part of the job is when a guest becomes a friend, and then they return year after year and they are almost like family in the end.” -Becca Bartling

Becca also lets us know what she wishes every guest would know when vacationing in the Northwoods at Alderwood. 

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style.

Becca’s husband’s family also owns a cranberry farm so stayed tuned for an upcoming interview on that. 

In this episode, we also hear about the history of Alderwood beginning in the 1930s.

Becca has a 1.5-year-old daughter and has great tips for traveling with kids. This leads to a discussion about kids who get to grow up in the Northwoods. 

“The Northwoods is a place where you run into way more kids that get to spend way more time outside, not just an activity thing but more a state of mind.” -Erik

And to conclude the episode, we get to hear about Becca’s perfect Northwoods day. 

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Cabincast, see you next week!

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We begin the conversation by hearing a listener note from Erik written by our listener Tony. Tony shares his story about how he found the cabincast, his cabin story, and his new tattoo!

We would like to remind you to rate us and leave The Cabincast a review on Apple Podcasts, as it greatly supports our show and lets us know what you think!

Thank you to our sponsor White Arrows Home.

Up next, Erik and I share the excitement in our households for the upcoming school year and the first day! We also reminisce about this past summer sharing my family’s last-minute summer bucket list item we got to cross off. We took a trip with friends to our favorite local secret beach. It was the perfect way to close out summer in the Northwoods.

We are transitioning into Fall here in the Northwoods and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We never get tired of any season because they change and each has things to enjoy! The weather has begun to cool off and some leaves are changing. Erik and I share our excitement for the upcoming season. 

Following this chat, I share a reading from the book “Woodfolk at School” written in 1902. This excerpt shares the thoughts of a bear in a fun and playful way giving the bear human-like thoughts and attributes. This style of writing however was the source of controversy surrounding Nature Fakers. Listen to the episode to hear more about this interesting controversy.

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style.

To conclude the episode, Erik shares a song from the Vandoliers “Waiting On A Train.”
Thank you so much for tuning into another episode of The Cabincast, see you next Friday for another great episode!

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The post The Cabincast Podcast- Episode 40 appeared first on White Arrows Home.

Episode 39: Return to Wake Robin is LIVE! In this episode of The Cabincast, Erik and I share an incredible interview with Marnie O. Mamminga the author of Return to Wake Robin. This interview is full of incredible stories that make up this book as well as her memories and experience at their cabin named Wake Robin. 

Before hopping into the interview, Erik and I share a quick Cabin Chat. In our chat, Erik shares a couple funny cabin experiences he had this past week. His stories remind me of a story my husband and I still laugh about. 

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style.

Erik and I catch up on how our love for Return to Wake Robin grew. Erik shares an excerpt of a poem by Marnie and we recall the episode where we originally shared a reading from her book, Episode 34.

To wrap up the Cabin Chat, Erik shares a song called Waiting for Lighting by The National Parks. 

Hopping into the interview, Marnie begins by sharing the story behind her cabin and how the cabin got its name. The family cabin was designed by her grandfather and the cabin was named after a common wildflower that bloomed across the forest floor- Wake Robin. The cabin has now been in the family for 92 years and many generations.

Marnie shares her fond memories of the trip up to the cabin from Northern Illinois when she was a kid to now traveling with her grandkids. 

“Its a long journey but it’s worth every mile.” -Marnie

We hear how she collected the stories she tells throughout the book. From interviewing family members to saving letters from when her grandparents’ owned the place, with the help of her mother and family, Marnie was able to piece together these family stories that make up Return to Wake Robin. 

Marnie also shares the time she got the idea to put these stories into a book, sitting on the dock watching the lake change. We hear the story behind the photo that makes up the cover of the book and her writing process.

“Family vacations are such small slivers in time when you look at the whole calendar of your life, but they are so indelible in the memories that they make.” – Erik 43:31-43:44

“It doesn’t need to be extravagant, some of those simpler things are the things that mean the most.” -Marnie

We also had the great honor to hear Marnie read the last chapter of her book, a touching conclusion about leaving the cabin.

And as always, to end the episode, we hear about Marnie’s perfect cabin day from spending the day on the dock to napping on the porch swing. 

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Cabincast! See you next week!

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Erik and I share a quick Cabin Chat before heading into the interview. I begin by sharing a book series that my daughter recommended to me and I just had to share with podcast listeners. The series is the Vintage National Park Novel Series by Karen Barnett. These books are a mix of romance and mystery and take place in the national parks. I highly recommend this series to everyone and it would even make a great gift!

Up next, Erik shares a Cabin in the News. This cabin is unique in its architecture and is a fascinating read. The article is titled “This contemporary treehouse-inspired cabin is a playful composition between squares and circles!” This beautiful home reinvents the traditional cabin architecture.

Photo: www.yankodesign.com

To conclude the Cabin Chat, I share a music recommendation. I found this band when I was at a vintage market in Montana, they were playing live and I knew immediately this music was perfect for our cabin playlists. The band is called Archertown and the song is “For a Good Time.” 

Following this chat, we welcome Chris and Ron for the interview. We hear from The Connoisseurs all about how they started their business of helping people find cabins. They had an idea, believed in it and it has since taken off, they are advertising for cabins across the globe. 

Photo: @cabinconnoisseurllc on Instagram

They share the relationship they have with the cabin owners and they share their deep connections to each and every cabin. 

“The people that follow us everyday, never fail to put a smile on my face.” -Ron

We also discuss what makes a cabin a cabin. We hear their wonderful perspective on cabin living and what it means to be part of the cabin community.

“[A cabin] is more about the getaway, the peace of mind that you get when you are there visiting.” -Erik

“There is no right or wrong answer [to what makes a cabin] it’s almost the nature of it, going back to being young again, being able to disconnect from all the distractions that we have in life.” -Chris

To conclude the episode, we hear about their perfect cabin day enjoying the nature that surrounds and getting outdoors. 

Thank you so much for tuning into this episode of The Cabincast! Be sure to follow along on all the socials, (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest) and check out our YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast!

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Episode 37: The Traveling Log Cabin at Happy Days Farm is LIVE! You are going to love this interview with Penny from Happy Days Farm all about her little log cabin on her property that has traveled with her throughout her moves. 

Photo: @happydaysfarm on Instagram

To begin this episode, Erik and I spend some time catching up on the crazy weather in the Northwoods. From the intense humidity to the crazy storms knocking out power, we chat about the reality of Northern Wisconsin weather.

Up next, I have a great cookbook recommendation titled Campfire Cookery: Adventuresome Recipes and Other Curiosities for the Great Outdoors by Sarah Huck. This cookbook is actually one of my college friend’s sister’s book! This cookbook is packed with mouth watering recipes and great stories. I love to read cookbooks, the stories in between are my favorite parts. Erik shares how his aunt and uncle pick a cookbook and cook every recipe in the book cover to cover. 

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style!

Hopping into the interview, Penny kicks off this chat by sharing the story of how she found her sweet old cabin. Penny had a dream to take this cabin and move it to her property, and she did just that. We hear the moving story of taking the cabin to its new home on Penny’s property as well as it’s second moving story 20 years later to Penny and her husband’s new home. 

“I just love my little cabin, I can see it right now while we are talking on the phone, when I go out to it during the day or in the evening, it immediately gives me a sense of peace and calm” -Penny

We hear the history of this 200 square foot cabin. Penny describes the structure and the awesome loft space!

Penny shares how she kept the cabin in its original condition adding only the bare minimum modern touches to make the space usable. 

Photo: @happydaysfarm on Instagram

Penny also wrote a children’s book which shares 5 stories from the Happy Days Farm. You can check out the book for purchase here.

As always to conclude the episode, Penny shares her perfect cabin day filled with relaxing in the cabin and decorating it for the seasons.

Thank you for tuning in to this week’s episode!

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In this episode Erik and I share a Cabin Chat with a little twist. I am joining the podcast from Montana! We are in Montana for our annual family trip out to my parents’ house. 

“I just love road trips and seeing the countryside… it’s just beautiful to take it all in as you drive.”-Kristin

I share how this trip was extra special because my husband achieved his dream of taking our boat out to Montana with us! It was so fun to explore Whitefish Lake on our boat and wakesurf, cruise and hang out together as a family.

The views on this trip were limited because of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. To learn more about wildfires check out our episode #3 with Catherine Koele, a wildfire prevention specialist and Smokey Bear’s Agent.

I share how the kids and I stayed busy on the 21 hour drive with a few of our new favorite audiobooks. The first was The Wilder Boys by Brandon Wallis, and the second is The Boys and The Boat by Daniel James Brown, read by Edward Herman. Both are great for the whole family to enjoy listening to. 

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style and White Arrows Home. 

Up next, Erik shares a Cabin in the News. This article is titled, A Cabin Made of Hempcrete Rises in a Remote Corner of the Czech Republic from dwell.com. This cabin is eco-friendly and stunning! 

Photo from dwell.com.

Erik also shares a story of his roadtrip to Mount Rushmore and how he and his wife found their next travel destination with their friends! 

Following this, Erik reads a heartwarming email from a listener, PJ, who shares about her family’s cabin on Shell Lake and how it resonated with our Legend Lake episode #33.

“I love parts in the song where you can hear the voices of her grandparents because it brings me back to all those evenings playing games and giggling around the campfire, and it brought tears to my eyes.” -PJ’s Email

“But so much togetherness and so much of enjoying spaces together.”-Erik

Thank you so much for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Cabincast! Catch you next week!

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(Affiliate links are used for your convenience. Read my full disclosure here.)

Episode 35: That Log and Timber Home Life is LIVE! In this episode, we had the pleasure of interviewing Donna Peak, the Editor-in-Chief of Log and Timber Home Living Magazine, loghome.com, timberhomeliving.com and cabinlife.com.

This chat is far-ranging about her role as editor, her love of the cabin and timber home life, the difference is between the two, and much more.

We kick off this episode by catching up with Erik and me as we chat about the recent intense weather that swept through The Northwoods! 

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style.

To begin the interview with Donna Peak, Donna shares how her love for cabins grew. From a young age she had a deep appreciation for interior design and architecture. Donna also shares the story of her family cabin. From the sounds, to the smells, to the feelings you have when you return to the cabin, Donna poetically describes their small cabin on the river.

“There are these sensory experiences that a cabin provides that you just don’t get anywhere else.” -Donna Peak

We then dive into a discussion about the atmosphere and realness of a cabin living. Cabin living means imperfection, and through that imperfection comes a sense of authenticity and comfort. Donna and her team at the magazine do a wonderful job at capturing this authenticity and Donna shares how they achieve just that. 

“There is something about cabins where there isn’t perfection there…but that’s not the things that scare you away, those are the things that make it such a wonderful experience.” -Erik

Continuing on in the discussion, Donna, Erik and I discuss the uniquely wonderful family time that exists at the cabin. We talk about how with less distractions at the cabin, there’s the opportunity for more togetherness. 

Photo: cabinlife.com

Following this, Donna discusses recent cabin trends in the U.S., and shares how there is a new shift to multi-generational homes. Donna shares her tips on how to create healthy boundaries when designing a home for multi-generations and expresses their importance. 

We also hear Donna’s best tips for enjoying the magazine. She shares how many people may find the magazine’s photos of cabins unattainable due to budget, location and more. She shares great insight as to using the magazine as a way to see what is possible rather than strive to replicate the photo. 

Beyond this, Donna shares what her workload is like as an Editor-in-Chief and the joys of being part of a close-knit company. 

To wrap up the episode, Donna shares her perfect cabin day from when she was a young child. The smell of coffee and bacon in the morning would start the day and it would end listening to her uncle play gospel songs on the cabin’s orange piano.

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Cabincast, see you next week!

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In this episode, join us for a Cabin Chat full of our favorite things- loons, waterskiing and cocktails.

We hop into this Cabin Chat by discussing Erik’s kids recent achievement of learning how to waterski. Erik shares how he and his wife tackled the task of teaching their children and definitely has some awesome tips for parents trying to do just that. 

This leads into a chat about the community and relationship with your neighbors that you have in the Northwoods. We share the joys of neighbor kids and family friends. 

“You end up making really wonderful connections and relationships with your neighbors family.” -Erik

Up next, I share a listener’s cocktail recommendation for a cabin favorite, an Elderberry Cocktail.

Thank you to our sponsor Roughing it in Style.

Following this discussion we transition to talking about a Northwoods icon, the loon.

“I love loons, I love falling asleep and hearing them throughout the night” -Kristin

I share a reading from a favorite book, Return to Wake Robin by Marnie O. Mamminga about loons. 

Then, Erik shares a variety of loon sounds and their meaning, so you can understand what these beautiful birds are saying!

To conclude this episode, Erik shares a tune from the Michigan Rattlers called “That Kind of Life.”

Thank you so much for tuning in for this week’s Cabin Chat!

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The post The Cabincast Podcast- Episode 34 appeared first on White Arrows Home.