Monumental Studio Tour: Inside Modern Wisdom’s Expensive Podcast Set

This article details the creation and features of the new "Monumental Studio," a project described as the most expensive and complex undertaking by its creator. The studio, located in Austin, Texas, serves as the new home for the Modern Wisdom podcast.

The Journey to the Monumental Studio

The studio's development was fraught with challenges, beginning with the discovery of extensive mold in the building. This necessitated a complex remediation process, complicated by the property being part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), requiring approvals for any changes. The construction involved sequential steps, from mold remediation and particulate cleaning to the actual build-out, all while coordinating various contractors and specialists.

The creator emphasized the difficulty of managing a building project, especially one involving intricate electronics, lighting setups, and multiple vendors for cameras, lenses, and storage solutions. The process demanded immense patience, with constant hold-ups and an "unrelenting stream of challenge after challenge."

Studio Design and Features

The studio, purchased in October, was originally a marketing office. Significant structural changes were made, including the addition of pillars, a central section, and fake walls and ceilings. The design aimed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, with every detail carefully considered.

Green Room and Office Spaces

A "green room adjacent" area was created for guests and their companions, featuring a "sexy cool vegetable thing" and a customizable board for messages. The office spaces are designed to be light and airy, with a mezzanine for fresh air and calls. The creator's personal office includes a copy of Joe Rogan's favorite book, inscribed to Yoko Ono.

Interior Decor and Furnishings

The studio's interior design reflects a blend of comfort and unique aesthetics:

• Soft Furnishings: Cozy Earth products were chosen for comfort.
• Wallpaper: A "pencil design head in the sand ostrich wallpaper" adds a quirky touch.
• Kitchen: A well-stocked kitchen with a custom Neutronic fridge provides a variety of snacks and frosty beverages.
• Art and Decor: The creator was deeply involved in selecting art and soft furnishings.
• Air Quality: Due to past experiences with VOCs and mold, the studio features micro-particulate cleaning, Jasper air purifiers in every room, and furniture made from no-VOC materials from Human Scale.
• Bookcases: Vertical bookcases, a personal favorite, are present throughout.
• Bullpen: A dedicated "bullpen" area is where titles and thumbnails are created.

The Main Studio Set

The centerpiece of the studio is the podcast set, designed for a unique and versatile recording experience:

• Custom Table: A custom trapezoid-shaped table allows for a four-shot from a wide angle, ensuring all guests are visible.
• Color Scheme: A copper and teal color scheme, inspired by Hollywood's use of complementary colors, creates a visually appealing backdrop.
• Custom Tree: A custom-made tree from Singapore serves as both a decorative element and shelving for practicals and art.
• Lighting: The lighting setup is highly sophisticated, utilizing Nanlites and Aperture equipment. Custom softboxes with muslin cloth are used to create flattering light falloff on faces.
• Fake Windows: A key feature is the use of "fake windows" that house Pavo tubes and Nanlites. These are controlled by the same system as the rest of the lighting, allowing for dynamic changes in ambiance.
• Hand-Crafted Details: The fake windows incorporate hand-cracked, hand-painted, and hand-stained glass panes with individually colored gels and custom-made tree branches.
• Dynamic Lighting: The lighting system can transform the set from daytime to nighttime, sunset, or a "spooky house" look, with foreground lighting adjusting to match the background for a cohesive feel.
• "Derelict" Aesthetic: Despite being a new build, parts of the studio were intentionally made to look derelict, with hand-applied moss and custom-created cracks in the walls to hide cabling.
• Personal Touches: The studio features a large, humorous photo of the host and a friend, a nod to a famous photo, and a "Hand of Adam" decal, a recurring motif from previous studios.

Virtual Set and Future Plans

A dedicated virtual set, featuring custom binds and textures, is available for remote guests. The creator emphasizes the importance of virtual episodes for content quality and plans to continue them. Future content will include more solo reflections, Q&As, lessons episodes, and medleys of favorite moments from past guests.

The Evolution of Modern Wisdom

The creator reflected on the show's humble beginnings, recording in bedrooms, spare rooms, and Airbnbs. This "spit and sawdust" approach, while effective, was not conducive to a sane lifestyle. The new studio represents a significant upgrade, providing a dedicated workspace and fostering a more collaborative environment.

The journey from a shoe-string budget to a state-of-the-art studio was a gradual process, fueled by reinvesting earnings back into production quality. The creator acknowledged the support of the audience, stating that their engagement "literally changed my life."

The new studio is seen as a "home base" in central Austin, facilitating guest visits and content creation. It marks a transition from a "prostitute to a girlfriend," signifying a long-term commitment to the show's production. The creator expressed excitement for the future, anticipating less travel and more opportunities to create high-quality content from this new, impressive space.