There is only one thing that I would put in the “need to have” category, and that is some sort of microphone.
There is only one thing that I would put in the “need to have” category, and that is some sort of microphone. The reason is because you want to produce high audio quality so it is an enjoyable experience for your listeners. Remember: everything you do is a reflection of your brand. You should be able to get your podcast audio to a near professional level pretty easily without having to spend a ton of money.