MMA Podcast Barn: How Coach Santino DeFranco Built His Dream Studio In A Tuff Shed

In Search of the Perfect Studio

When MMA coach and entrepreneur Santino DeFranco needed a place to record his growing sports betting podcast, the Phoenix heat forced him to get creative.

DeFranco, who trains multiple UFC fighters and runs several businesses—including a gas station and restaurant—had been podcasting from a friend’s warehouse. But by late spring, the triple-digit temperatures made it unbearable. Buying a finished studio space would cost $80,000–$120,000, so he started looking for another option.

How a Tuff Shed Premier Pro Barn Solved the Problem

While out driving one day he spotted a large shed and had an idea. After exploring options online, he found TuffShed.com and fell in love with our configurator. He designed a 12×16 building—just under the size and height thresholds requiring a permit in Phoenix—and purchased it from our local retail location.

From there, the transformation began. DeFranco worked with an electrician to pre-wire the space, hired out insulation, and handled the drywall, flooring, and paint himself with help from friends and family (including his 12-year-old son, who helped dig a 30-foot trench for electrical service). He added a mini-split for climate control, hardwired cameras, lights, and microphones, and installed a ceiling fan for extra comfort.

The Podcast Barn Serves Double Duty

The result? A turnkey podcast studio that doubled as a poolside retreat. The French doors opened directly to the pool, making it a perfect space for watching fights on the 65” TV or hanging out as a family. Over time, the “podcast barn” became a second living room, a guest suite for his sister, and a favorite spot for his kids to play video games.

Half the Cost

All told, DeFranco invested around $20,000–$25,000—roughly half of what other build-out options would have cost. And when he sold his home recently, the Tuff Shed was a huge selling point.

“It was a lot more livable than I thought it would be,” DeFranco said. “It started as a podcast studio, but it became a space where we all spent time together. Honestly, it helped sell the house.”

All About Simplicity

DeFranco’s advice for anyone considering a Tuff Shed? Keep it simple:

“It was easy, it made sense, and it checked all the boxes. Other sheds were more expensive, didn’t have the features I wanted, or were harder to buy. Tuff Shed was the best option.”

Looking for other podcast sheds? Check out Sean Holman’s Premier Pro Ranch podcast studio build.