Studio Sunday #3, Set Design

Mar 08, 2026

Today's tidbit comes from the video podcasting world. The two examples I am going to share with you are similar in basic design but VERY different in content and presentation.

Everyone is familiar with the basic “Talking Head” style Live Stream or podcast set. Usually it is an individual sitting at a desk with a bookshelf, a plant and maybe a widow in the background. Usually set against a flat wall or a corner for the converging lines.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type of set design premise when it is lit correctly for the camera and the presenter.

But, what about an in person interview type of Podcast Set???

I give to you the “Unsubscribe Podcast”, as of this posting ranked #66 on YouTubes top 100 podcasts and The Shawn Ryan Show, currently ranked #9 on YouTubes top 100 podcasts.

Both are interview style podcasts, both use a wide set design, both use multiple cameras and angles, both use multiple zoom shots.

Where they differ in set design is in the backdrop and how it's used.

The Unsubscribe Podcast uses a 3 wall format, the back wall being the main backdrop and is the wide wall and the two side walls to contain the set image.

Here is a screen grab of their set from a video that was posted on their producers YouTube channel, links to everyone will be below.

As you can see in the image, most everything is shot from one side to the other, using multiple camera angles. Here are a few clips of those different angles from an episode of the Unsub Podcast…

There is also one camera angle pointing back to the peanut gallery to catch those watching the Podcast in person, when something interesting or profound is said that can add to the show.

In contrast to the Unsubscribe Podcast style of set design is the Shawn Ryan Show. His set design is similar but uniquely different from the Unsub Podcast set.

Shawn Ryan's set is uniquely designed to take advantage of all 4 sides. His show can be shot from either long side depending on the vibe of the show or interviewee.

Here are a few examples of the angles that it can be shot from...

He also uses multiple camera angles but in a unique way as when the guest is highlighted, the guest has a different background then when Shawn is highlighted.

The technique that Shawn uses is known as a “Taylored Environment" where the interviewer has a branded background while the interviewee has a guest background or if remotely interviewed a more natural contextual background.

Both of these shows have a unique flavor to them, mostly intentional and by the choice of set design for each unique niche.

There are many small and large choices that have been made in each of these set designs, from the individual nic nac’s on a shelf to how each wall or image is lit and highlighted

So there you have it, two similar but VERY different interview style Podcasts for you to consider for your Live Stream set design.

Just remember the background props and set decoration, such as the items on shelves or pictures on walls should reflect your personality and the Live Stream/Podcasts personality.

Here are the links to the episodes that I snip the images from…

Until the next installment…