Empowering Women to Find Their Voice Through Podcasting
By Neisha Rogers
On July 25th, I had the privilege of hosting a podcasting class at The Bakery CoWork space, the largest female coworking space in Atlanta, Georgia. The vibe was nothing short of inspiring—imagine aesthetically pleasing pastel colors, a refreshing atmosphere, and a room full of enthusiastic women eager to find their voice in the podcasting world.
As I stepped into the room, the energy was palpable. Around 20 women, all excited to embark on their podcasting journeys, gathered in the beautifully designed space. The Bakery Workspace, with its fresh, airy feel, seemed to breathe life into the room, creating an environment perfect for creativity and learning.
As the instructor, I was thrilled to share my passion for podcasting with these amazing women. We delved into every aspect of starting a podcast, beginning with the basics—what podcasting is and why it's such a powerful medium. Drawing from my own experience, having interviewed everyone from politicians like Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms to celebrities such as TI and Tyrese, I was able to provide real-world insights into the world of podcasting.
One of the key discussions was around common fears that many people face when starting a podcast. We tackled the fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and the technical intimidation that comes with learning how to use podcasting gear. But this wasn't just a lecture. I wanted the class to be as interactive as possible, so I introduced a role-playing activity that allowed the women to practice speaking, brainstorm podcast ideas, and break through any insecurities they had about starting their own shows.
Two volunteers were called up to put their newfound skills to the test. They exercised their speaking abilities, helping to break down barriers and build confidence. We also explored the intricacies of balancing guest dynamics, setting interview intentions, and ensuring that every conversation had a clear purpose. These are crucial elements that can shape the outcome of any interview and make the editing process much smoother.
Finally, we touched on the practicalities of launching a podcast. I shared insights on various distribution platforms like Anchor and PodSprout, and we discussed strategies for monetizing a podcast, from creating booking fees to securing sponsorships and attracting subscribers. The atmosphere remained lighthearted and fun, and by the end of the session, everyone left with a clearer vision and the tools they needed to start their own podcasts.
If you’re considering starting a podcast, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re driven by a passion for storytelling, the desire to share knowledge, or the dream of making your voice heard, podcasting offers a unique platform to do just that.
Call to Action:
Take the first step today. Grab a notebook and jot down three topics you're passionate about. These could be anything from lifestyle tips to deep-dive interviews with experts in a field you love. Once you have your topics, think about the kind of audience you want to reach. What do they care about? How can you serve them with your content?
Stay tuned to our blog, where we’ll be announcing more details about future podcasting workshops and sharing tips to help you get started on your podcasting journey.
Podcasting isn’t just about recording your voice—it’s about finding it. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Photo Credit: Rosalind Williams Photography
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