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(By Robin Kinnie) As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the podcast industry has a diversity problem. Some studies point to the lack of a diverse listening audience which is caused by the lack of diverse podcasters. However, in addition to grassroots organizations like Blk Pod Collective and Asian-American Podcasters, programs like the Spotify ‘Sound Up’ Bootcamp are supporting podcasts led by people of color. With 18,000 applications last year for 10 coveted spots, I would say that there is definitely a demand.
According to Nielsen and Edison Research, the numbers are starting to change. More people of color are starting to listen to podcasts. This is due to more people of color producing and hosting podcasts. I love seeing shows cover a broad spectrum of topics and viewpoints. It was sorely needed and there’s still lots of opportunity for more.
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Rebecca Jackson-Artis[/caption]
I was able to connect with Actress, Producer and all-around cool chick Rebecca Jackson-Artis, a participant of the Sound Up Bootcamp to talk about her experience. Rebecca, an avid podcast listener since 2004, was initially drawn to podcasting because of its accessibility and global reach. “I was a loyal NPR listener who was fascinated by the fact a person could connect a microphone to a computer and instantly have a radio show that was broadcasted on the internet”, says Rebecca.
Rebecca had either created or been part of a variety of podcasts over the years. But it wasn’t until this year that her show, Black Beck Speaks, was launched. She was forwarded information about the Spotify program and was instantly interested, “I knew I would learn more being in that room with successful podcasters”.
According to a release, the Spotify Sound Up Bootcamp is “an intensive, week-long program lead by longtime facilitators Rekha Murthy and Graham Griffith”. It was designed to train the next generation of leading podcasters through education, mentorship and support from Spotify. The program includes daily sessions covering all aspects of podcasting – from concept to marketing. Rebecca says that it was the editing component that helped her. Rebecca states, “What I expected to learn and enjoyed learning was audio editing. It was fun going on the streets of New York and asking New Yorkers questions then editing the audio to tell a story. That was fun!”
In addition to the nuts and bolts of podcasting, I really like how the program connected the participants with mentors. “Spotify® connected me with a mentor who will answer my questions about how to launch this podcast”, says Rebecca. This is crucial because it is likely that new questions, which may or may not have been covered in the program, can arise and having access to an expert is imperative.
The number of women of color podcasters is indeed continuing to grow. Podcasting is a medium that connects you with the world. It is unfiltered, unregulated (for now) and the perfect tool to provide access to diverse voices.
“Women of color are tired of listening to the same voices that don’t speak our truth. With the easy access to software and the expansion of podcast listeners who are people of color, WOC are unapologetically creating their own room in the podcast media space”, says Rebecca.
Rebecca’s advice for other prospective applicants for the Spotify Sound Up program? “Just apply. Be authentic. Don’t over-think your application. Be different but still honor your story”.
Robin Kinnie is an experienced podcast producer, entrepreneur and #womanowned advocate. Driven by community, she takes pride in creating access to underrepresented groups within the podcast industry. As the President of Motor City Woman and Audio Engineers of Detroit, her goal is to amplify the voices of women. Robin also serves as the head of Soundgirls.org, Detroit Chapter. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @RobinKinnie.