Not a fan of the pod machines, although I don't doubt that they can be quite useful in som circumstances.
What espresso machine do you have?
Nothing fancy. I have a really tiny chicken so I went with a combo unit. not the best quality espresso I've ever had. But it gets the job done and it tastes much better than anything I've had from any pod machine.
https://www.delonghi.com/en-ca/products/coffee-espresso/coffee-makers/all-in-one/bco432t-0132510002
I need a good grinder now. I've got a burr grinder, but the finest setting seems to be the same as the most coarse so it isn't doing a good job. Been using pre-ground (urg) espresso. But I would much rather use my favourite beans (Kicking Horse 454 Horsepower)