That’s something I noticed a while ago: all podcasters have those huge microphones in front of them - sometimes with a gigantic boom - that wouldn’t look out of place on 1950s TV. But unlike in the 1950s, they’re not trying to hide them, no no: the more visible, the bigger, the better.
I can’t figure out the point of that prop. If I did a podcast, I’d try to unclutter the shot myself.
Early on in podcasting/vidcasting, you had two things going on. People coming from a professional media background (Leo Laporte, Adam Curry, etc.) who either had access to the high end broadcast equipment or bought what they knew. And then you had new podcasters who were on a near zero budget. Big mics had a lot more range for the money. It became symbolic even as equipment got smaller and cheaper. It became a sign that you’re serious and legitimate.
Adam Curry, now there’s a name I have not seen in a long time.
I watched his show on Europa TV, then MP3s appeared and he jumped on it. He was one of the first (of not the first) podcaster. I think he was the one who came up with the name.
Good times.