Christy Carlson Romano's everyday favorites
Workout clothes: Fresought Two-Piece Workout Set
Podcast microphone: Shure MV7 USB Microphone with Tripod
Christy Carlson Romano spent her childhood hopping between Disney Channel TV and movie sets and Broadway stages, where she starred in everything from “Evens Stevens,” “Kim Possible” and “Cadet Kelly” to “Annie” and “The Sound of Music.” Today, the mom of two heads up podcasting company PodCo with her husband, Brendan Rooney, splitting her time between Austin, Texas, where they’re raising their daughters, and Los Angeles, California, where the company is based.
“Building a podcast network is very different for a team of creatives than for business-school graduates,” Carlson Romano says of the experience. “We put as much effort into building relationships with sponsors as we do empowering our hosts with the development and roll-out process. We are strategizing growth models while designing logos, booking live shows and creating viral moments in-studio — all at the same time. To date, we’ve taken no outside investment, so we are the equivalent of indie filmmakers in this space,” she says, adding that PodCo rolled out a new podcast in April dubbed “Pretty Little Liars: True Crime.”
With multiple network podcasts under PodCo’s belt, including “Iconic with CCR,” the company is constantly changing and growing. “Podcasting is the Wild West in many ways,” she says. “It’s an intersection between being a social media creation hub and a 24-hour media network that distributes traditional serialized content with well-known actors granting exclusive access to their points of view.”
What does the actress and entrepreneur do when she’s not podcasting (or creating hilarious social media content)? Carlson Romano recently discovered a little thing called exercise. “I just started working out, and I’m embarrassed it took me this long to listen to my Marine veteran husband, who walks 4 miles daily while on work calls,” Carlson Romano says, adding that she recently turned 40 and has been working to become a healthier version of herself.
Ahead, Carlson Romano shares her daily life essentials, from her skin care favorites and on-camera must-haves to the podcasting equipment that helped launch her business.
How does Carlson Romano get her face camera ready? “The Charlotte Tilbury beauty filter products have changed my life,” she says, adding that she goes with shade 4 Medium. “I’ve moved from the old-school way of doing makeup in the early 2000s to the cleaner-girl vibe of today. Flawless Filter is easy to nail and helps you look glowy and youthful.” Available in 12 shades, this editor-loved product gives airbrushed results, smoothing the skin, minimizing pores and illuminating high points like the cheekbones.?
Looking to launch your own podcast? Carlson Romano has some tips. “A decent, high-performing camera and a versatile microphone are the most critical parts of any content,” she says. Her picks include this microphone, which comes with both USB or XLR connections for digital or analog recording, a touch panel for customizing gain and volume (including mic muting) and a built-in headphone output. She also recommends a quality camera, and while there might be some sticker shock here, she assures us that this Sony option is worth the splurge.?
Tangled, gnarly hair is a universal problem, and Carlson Romano’s found the solution.?Great for smoothing and protecting hair from UV and thermal damage, this leave-in conditioner is also beloved for adding a ton of moisture to lackluster locks.?
While Carlson Romano loves “anything Alo,” she’s also a fan of this affordable Amazon find. “I have found that Amazon is a great way to mimic the looks for less,” she says, pointing out that this Fresought two-piece workout set is a steal at under 30 bucks. Available in seven colors and sizes small to large, the set’s top has adjustable shoulder straps.
Skin care is an investment, and Carlson Romano knows this all too well. “I love med spa-level skin care now that I am 40,” she says. “Neocutis is always on [the] top of my list.” The powerful anti-aging serum relies on peptides and human growth factors to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously brightening and moisturizing the skin.
