Introducing Podlo Picasso Studio: A Sleek New Podcasting Space in the Endcap Collective

There is something incredibly special about watching an idea turn into a real, physical space.

What started as a vision for a polished, creative, brand-forward podcasting studio has officially become Podlo Picasso Studio, a boutique podcast and video recording space located inside the Endcap Market and Studios in downtown Grand Rapids.

Designed for creators, entrepreneurs, business owners, storytellers, educators, brands, and anyone ready to bring their voice to life, Podlo Picasso Studio offers a sleek, intimate environment for recording podcast episodes, video interviews, brand conversations, YouTube content, training videos, client testimonials, thought leadership pieces, and more.

The studio was built to feel elevated without feeling intimidating. It is professional, but still warm. Stylish, but still comfortable. Intentional, but still approachable. From the recording setup to the lighting to the acoustic treatment, every detail was chosen to help guests feel confident, focused, and ready to create.

At Podlo Picasso Studio on the third floor of Endcap Market and Studios in Grand Rapids, you'll find a cozy podcast recording spot with two comfy chairs, mics, and a sleek, modern vibe.

Inside the studio, you’ll find two comfortable recording chairs, professional podcast microphones on adjustable arm stands, headphones, a recording laptop, a soundboard, studio lighting, a 4K webcam, acoustic wood wall paneling, neutral decor, sound-treated walls, and customizable color-changing lights that can help match your brand, mood, campaign, or creative vision.

But as proud as I am of the finished space, I am even more proud of the people who helped bring it to life. This studio exists because of a tremendous amount of care, creativity, problem-solving, and hard work from my interns, Rachel, and especially Drew.

Student interns Drew and Rachel discuss their latest project in the newly constructed studio they meticulously designed and built after extensive research.

Drew was my journalism student at Grand Valley State University, and this summer, I have the joy of having him intern with me. Watching him step into this project has been one of the most rewarding parts of building the podcast studio.

He helped shape the studio from the ground up. He picked out the color palette, meticulously researched and selected equipment, and learned his way around the recording setup. He spent time understanding the sound, the flow, the tools, and the small details that make a studio feel both professional and usable. He worked on soundproofing the space with Rachel’s help, taking on the kind of behind-the-scenes work that most people never see but absolutely makes a difference.

Drew, a broadcasting student at Grand Valley State University, confidently tests out the podcast equipment he meticulously researched for weeks.

There were cords to figure out, settings to learn, sound issues to solve, equipment pieces to test, and about a million tiny decisions that had to come together before the room felt ready.

Drew poured himself into this project, and I am incredibly proud of the care, patience, and ownership he brought to it.

Rachel has also been such an important part of this process, helping with sound treatment, setup, and production. In fact, our very first recording in the studio had Rachel in the producer seat, which made the moment feel even more meaningful. There is something unforgettable about the first time the microphones are live, the lights are on, and the space finally becomes what you imagined it could be.

That first recording reminded us exactly why this studio matters. Because podcasting is not just about equipment. Video content is not just about cameras. Recording is not just about pressing a button.

My business partner Erik recording with Dr. Kevin Mays.

It is about creating a space where people can tell stories, share ideas, teach something meaningful, build their brand, connect with an audience, and show up in a way that feels polished and true to who they are.

That is what we wanted Podlo Picasso Studio to be. A place where someone can walk in with an idea and leave with content they are proud to share.

A place where a business owner can record a client interview, a founder can share their story, a creative can launch a podcast, a professional can film thought leadership content, or a brand can create something that feels intentional from the very first frame.

And now, we are so excited to officially say:

Podlo Picasso Studio is open for booking!

Individual recording sessions are available for those who need flexible access to a polished podcast and video space, and studio memberships are available for creators and brands who want to record consistently. Professional producer support is also available for those who want help with setup, recording, content planning, production, or creative direction.

We built this space with creators in mind, and we cannot wait to welcome people in.

Whether you are launching your first podcast, recording a video interview, creating social media content, building a branded series, or finally bringing that idea you have been carrying around to life, Podlo Picasso Studio is ready for you.

We're proud of this space. We're proud of the work that went into it. And we can't wait to hear what gets created at Podlo.

BOOK YOUR RECORDING

Podlo Picasso Studio is owned and operated by Lead Story Studio and located on the third floor of the Endcap Market and Studios at 359 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

All bookings are handled through Lead Story Studio. For questions about the podcast studio, availability, recording support, or custom production needs, please contact Stacey at stacey@leadstorystudio.com.