I’ve been podcasting for two years now, and I absolutely love the whole podcasting process. From finding guests to be on my show to recording the episode, editing it, writing show notes, and marketing it. It’s such a thrill for me to run this podcast. At times, it can feel like it’s a lot of work. But then I’ll receive a message from a listener, or read a beautiful review left on my show, or an encouragement from a fellow podcaster. And I remember why I started, and it helps me keep going. I love podcasting!
If you’re considering starting a podcast, I want to share five reasons why I love podcasting. Of course, as a seasoned podcaster, I am completely biased. Because I absolutely love doing this and wish to do this full-time one day. So here we go.
Connection I’m Making With My Guests
Each guest shares a unique experience of their lives, including their immigration story. It can get very vulnerable at times. Which is why I don’t take it lightly that they are sharing this experience with not only me but also my audience. And literally, the world, as my podcast is listened to in over 90 countries. My guests often tell me that this is the first time they share this part of their story. Because no one usually asks about it.
Growing up and listening to my parents’ experiences of living in two different countries, I can relate to my guests because I’ve visited the Dominican Republic and lived in the United States. Hence, I understand there are a lot of differences in how we live here. But I won’t fully know what it’s like to move to another country because I had the privilege of being born here.
However, my genuine interest in their experience, natural curiosity, and compassion help me connect with my guests and hold space for their stories. I truly enjoy learning from them and experiencing life through their eyes in those 30 to 40 minutes we share together. We usually stay connected on social media, and I’m able to continue seeing their journey as they share.
Community I’m Building With Other Podcasters
I didn’t know any other podcasters when I started my podcast. I only knew of the podcasters of the shows I listened to. When I was going through the process of launching, I didn’t have anyone else to lean on for questions or guidance; I did it on my own with the grace of God.
Now, I’m part of different podcasting communities. There’s the WOC Podcasters Community, the Latinas in Podcasting Community, and the Women in Podcasting Community. Each community is so supportive, encouraging, and inspiring. We ask questions, help each other out, and lean on each other when podcasting becomes overwhelming. We are there for each other, and we are all about collaboration. I no longer feel alone in this podcasting industry because, along the way in my journey, I’ve connected with amazing podcasters who understand the journey I’m on.
I am also looking forward to meeting the other podcasters along the way.
The Podcast Community Is Very Supportive
Writing about the podcasting communities I’m a part of brings me to this next point: how supportive the podcast community is. And I honestly feel it’s because, as podcasters, we know how much work it takes to run a podcast, so if there’s any way we can help other podcasters, we do.
At the beginning of my podcasting journey, I joined multiple Facebook groups for podcasters, and I often saw questions being asked and podcasters chiming in and providing great advice. I learned a lot from these podcasting groups. Now, I hang out more on Threads, and when someone asks a podcasting question, many podcasters chime in to help. I offer my best advice whenever I can; however, sometimes, there are so many responses that I keep scrolling.
But anyway, for those considering launching a podcast, please know there’s a supportive community here to help you along the way.
Learning History
Since my podcast is about immigration, I learn about history by listening to my guest’s stories. I’ve learned about different immigration laws, one from attorneys I’ve interviewed, and laws that have helped some guests immigrate to the US. For example, in episode 65, Prasanta shares that the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 allowed her father to come, but his original plan wasn’t to stay in the US. In episode 63, Evelin talks about Carnaval in Colombia.
She mentions that it started with the enslaved, which was also mentioned by my guest from Trinidad and Tobago in episode 61 when he also talked about Carnaval. Lastly, this episode hasn’t been published yet, but one of my guests came from Germany, and she was there when the Berlin Wall was removed. She explained the experience in the episode, and it was very emotional for her to recount the story.
So, by talking with people from all over the world, I’m learning a lot about world history, and I absolutely love it.
Opportunities Podcasting as Provided
I’ve written about opportunities since I started podcasting, but even since publishing that article, I’ve had more opportunities. And I’m sure the longer I continue this podcasting journey, the more opportunities will present themselves.
But so far, my daughter and I have been in a movie. It hasn’t been released yet, but it was a unique experience to be on set for a film. It was a new experience for both of us, and she’s now taking acting classes because she loves being on set that much. Let’s see where that takes us.
Secondly, I got invited to participate in a virtual podcast summit. This is the first time I’ve spoken at a virtual summit, and it was a fun experience. I loved meeting the other speakers, connecting with them, and seeing the cool projects they are working on.
Lastly, my podcast has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to win an award! Yes, my podcast won the best podcast award in the category of Society and Culture in the Women In Podcasting Awards. I can’t believe this actually happened, and I’ll definitely write about this in more detail later, but it’s been such a great experience.
So again, if you are considering starting a podcast, please do; you never know what journey this podcasting world will take you on.
With Love, Heidy
P.S. I love podcasting 😉
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