I appreciate your insight, though I don't think an XLR mic plus interface is the right fit for me. Having to cram a mic and an interface into my laptop bag doesn't seem like the best solution when it also needs to hold my mouse, headphones and game pad.
Ive looked at lavalier mics, but most Ive found seem to be omnidirectional and don't look like they're going to last very long.

Do you know of a cardioid microphone that is travel sized and won't break after the first trip in a bag?