March 2013 in Michigan, the year I lived alone, worked alone, and was lonely for the first time. March is the month where it is always still winter weather, yet annually we act surprised it isn’t yet sunny. It was a particularly dark spring for me that year. I didn’t have any local friends but on the internet I had quite a few. I’d developed relationships that were virtual yet meaningful. When quarantine started I had déjà vu of this odd monk-like existence I inhabited for a good chunk of my early twenties--one that now in my early thirties I'm in awe of and miss parts of. Without social engagements, I filled my time by working and walking around listening to audio I found on my first iPhone. It was mostly recorded self-help or spiritual lectures I found in an app on my phone to play them, which was the podcast app. As an auditory learner and slow reader, this format allowed me to take in information more rapidly than ever while I drove or walked. |
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Again, I had no friends so I tore through episodes the way my peers were moving through dates and late nights. I was more isolated then than at any other stage in my life. I didn’t like being with my own thoughts all the time, so I’d play and replay these lectures until I had them memorized. Eventually, I branched out and went back to a staple from college: Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Studying broadcast journalism and working at my college radio station led me to fall in love with Terry’s style of interviewing and eclectic mix of topics and guests. In school my career aspiration was to be a TV news reporter, but before we were allowed to enroll in any video (TV) classes, we had to complete 4 semesters of audio (Radio) classes. In semester one of Radio Journalism 202 we studied the greats. I fell in love with the iconic Terry Gross, her soothing voice, extensive research, talent for making the guest feel comfortable, and somehow always asking exactly what I, the listener was curious about – while still being a non-robotic human being. This was something I aspired to and still do. |
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I learned that TV news required moving to a small market and slowly working your way up. So I abandoned my TV goal, and after college I got a full-time job in marketing. The job didn’t hit all my notes creatively, but it allowed me to move. It was flexible enough for me to maintain side projects like teaching yoga, and blogging, and eventually the podcast I still do. I was 22 and–I want to reiterate–had no friends, so when I say podcasters felt like friends–they were a stand-in for companionship. I felt like I knew the hosts and learned about topics and art I never would have discovered otherwise. Listening made me want to try it myself. The stakes felt low since barely anyone knew what a podcast was at this point, so I didn't consider an audience. Something that contributed to me actually starting is the fact that, as soon as I decided I wanted to, I told someone. It felt uncomfortable to have an idea brewing with no clue how to make it happen but as soon as I told my boyfriend, I immediately felt relief. We'd been dating since college and it was now long-distance. He was supportive from the other side of the country, and as soon as the idea was no longer in my mind alone, it seemed less scary–-even attainable. It was the technological logistics that scared me the most. But he quashed my fear, telling me to focus on interviewing and he'd figure out the logistics. He is someone (unlike me) who lives by the mantra, “everything is a google away,” whereas I live by the mantra, “yikes I’m overwhelmed and frustrated. I will get a snack now and disassociate instead…” His encouragement and assistance back then is the only reason you are reading this now. We broke up soon after that, so I did figure out the parts of podcasting that overwhelmed me. And I’ve kept figuring them out… 400 episodes, and nine years later, I’m still figuring them out. If I can figure it out and do it consistently, truly that means anyone can… A couple years in, to my surprise, the dorky audio app I'd been sharing interviews on grew in popularity. I started getting questions from friends and strangers about how to make a podcast. I became to others what my boyfriend had been to me. I started podcast consulting for individuals and brands eventually as these inquiries increased. I realized how influential his encouragement was to me. Not everyone with an idea to start a podcast or project of any kind has a positive person in their corner to help them, so they give up. In 2017 I started organizing all the information I’d learned and taught myself about editing, recording, and interviewing into one place to help more people have podcasts of their own. Around this time I wildly was interviewed about the rise of podcasting in Forbes… |
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Well this email became a real sappy love letter to podcasting but this medium has given me so much: introducing me to friends, helping me get a book deal, etc. The show has over 4 million total downloads but what I’m more proud of is that as a result of hosting it I’ve become a better conversationalist. And best of all I’ve had conversations with some of my favorite authors, artists, designers, filmmakers and teachers - many of whom have become real life friends and mentors after we connected through my podcast. If you or someone you know has considered podcasting, I’ve compiled all the information I've learned, plus interviewed dozens of other hosts and producers on their process: into this course. I've continued to update it over the years. It is a robust workshop that includes: brainstorming a show concept, producing it technically and equipment-wise and getting it to iTunes, etc. But also all the parts I love and I taught myself in the past near-decade of podcasting. About interviewing and booking and marketing and eventually monetizing. Below is a photo of my friend and talented audio engineer Clay, who I hired to help me make this course, and I after we finally finished it… |
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Here’s why I just told you a very long story … regardless of whether you have any desire to ever record your voice and share it on a podcast… I think there are some lessons here… - Just start, before you’re ready. There won’t be a good time and you’ll feel relief once you do. Whether it’s a podcast or anything you want to make…
- Tell someone safe. Their encouragement and support goes a long way. (Don’t tell too many people–too many cooks in the kitchen never makes a good meal.)
- Don’t let not knowing the details hold you back. Ask for help for what isn’t your strong suit.
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I never anticipated in 2013, alone in my cold apartment, that I’d still be doing it and that it would’ve brought me so much connection. As I said in the intro of the 400th episode with Alyssa, I’ve learned a massive amount through these interviews and I still have boat loads to learn. *** One thing I lost between 2013 and now is my ability to execute on an idea before I'm ready. Perhaps this was my naive young confidence? Or the fact again… I was deeply uncool, without friends… either way I'm working on finding it again… I find that ideas I keep in my mind alone end up dissolving. But at the same time, when I talk about an idea too much before completing it, it can also dissolve. I learned our brains get a hit of dopamine from talking about an idea, so you lose some of the pressure for executing it since the brain has already received some of the reward you think you’ll gain by creating it. So I'm going to try to take a page from myself back then… and as I talk about an idea, simultaneously take at least some action in the direction of it.
Like I did back then… -December 2012, I got the idea to have a podcast and recorded my first interview. -March of 2013, had it on iTunes and it’s come out every week since then. That is wild to me and was a fluke. I haven't done anything as quickly since, but I credit it to having someone (my boyfriend) push me to actually do it. If you want to start anything or make your creative projects more central in your life…find someone to be your accountability partner. I'm open for this job actually…I'd like to help you… I can be what he was for me back then for you potentially…
Two options for how I could perhaps help you with all of the above:
1. If it is a podcast you want to start… The course I mentioned about podcasting may be for you…I am constantly adding to it and improving it and have some additional interviews with podcasters I will be adding this fall. It is about to be back-to-school season, which always feels like a fresh start to me, more so than the new year even. So perhaps, a good time to take an online course that's launched many podcasts. Therefore, I am making it 30% off for this month. If you’d like to buy it the code is: START 2. If you are wanting one-on-one support like I had from my boyfriend for any kind of project or pursuit (not exclusively podcasts)… I would love to help you. It could be for figuring out ideas in general or to talk out which format you’d like to put them in…Is it a newsletter? Writing and pitching essays? is it a podcast? or coaching others or teaching yoga, or photography? or making a zine? hosting a workshop? getting a new job? moving to a new city? leaving a relationship? navigating a transition, etc. All of the above are things I’ve helped one-on-one creative consulting clients with in the last 9 months. If you want to learn more about that, read it here or just book a call with me real quick and we can talk out how I can help you or which option is correct for you. Thank you so much for reading and listening… I hope to make another 400… Back later this week with a new list…. Love, Katie PS. If you're around LA this week… I'm leading a writing workshop in person… first time since the pandemic…I'd love to meet you…it's in Topanga at this very special art gallery that just put up a new exhibit so worth the trip. Info here SPACE art + supply |
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in our nature: celebrating 400 (!!) with alyssa benjamin |
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This week marks the 400th episode of this podcast. For this celebratory episode, I have a conversation with my friend and fellow podcast host Alyssa Benjamin. Her podcast, Our Nature, explores the methods, systems and practices that bring us into greater alignment with the natural world. Alyssa and I tell the story of how we met kismetly in New York, collaborated on a project, and both ended up on the west coast. We recorded this conversation in person a few months ago. We covered finding what she calls “inner stability”, tolerating a wider spectrum of emotions, our relationship to nature, career pivots, creative process, naming projects, celebrating milestones, leaving New York, storytelling, unique aesthetics, connection, dating, romantic relationships, and more.
Photo by Vikesh Kapoor
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IN CONCLUSION Since that was long winded, here are some handy links if you need them… - If you'd like to try the PODCAST KIT the code for thirty percent off is START until the end of the month. Email me with any questions you have…about it or anything. Here for you. *** -Or if you are more of a one-on-one… type person… or want to start something that is not a podcast… I now have 2 open spots for fall creative consulting if that is more what you're looking for… Here is info. -And (!!) if you're around LA come say hi in person if you can make it out to Topanga on Wednesday night… I'm leading a writing workshop… first time in person since the pandemic…I'd love to meet you…it's at this very special art gallery that just put up a new exhibit. Info here SPACE art + supply top image: Full Moon in Paris / Les nuits de la pleine lune, 1987 another here |
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thank you again for being here. feel free to forward or share this with anyone you think it would help. |
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and if you want to or have time to support the show… Sharing it or leaving a review on iTunes (thank you) is incredibly helpful. talk soon. katie |
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