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(by Robin Kinnie) A podcast can educate. A podcast can also entertain. What I love most is that podcasting can do and be many things. But, can a podcast be a conduit for social change? I’d like to think so and Piper Carter, Host and Creator of The Piper Carter Podcast, is doing just that.
Piper Carter wears many hats including being an Advocate, Activist and Photo-Journalist. However, in May 2018 after listening to tech podcasts since 2005, she decided to add another title to the list – Podcaster. Piper says, “my reason for podcasting is to share information about current events, issues in the community, and arts and culture from a social justice perspective”. Listening to the Piper Carter Podcast is like attending a power rally mixed in with great music. I’ve never seen a podcast combine entertainment and education so effortlessly. This is due to the raw passion that Piper weaves into every episode.
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Piper Carter[/caption]
The growth of podcasting is partly due to the freedom that it gives to the host. You can speak directly to your audience without a filter and without going through any type of authority. This makes the podcast a perfect tool in getting the word out on social justice issues. Carter is able to give a voice to the unheard and often, ignored. “I get a chance to tell the perspective of community members being directly impacted by policy decisions.”
For example, The Flint Water Crisis has been heavily covered in the media. However, the attention span of the general public is short and we are bombarded with news constantly. This makes it difficult to keep such a worthwhile issue on the forefront of people’s minds. This is where a podcast can shine. Carter hosted an episode reigniting the conversation on how an entire city was (is) at risk and what we all need to know. She attended the screening of Flint: The Poisoning of An American City and was able to lead a conversation with those affected by and involved in the crisis. Podcasting has become a new way to shine a light on deserving issues.
“Podcasting removes the barriers of bureaucracy in the radio industry. But, now podcasters are also selling ads, products, connecting with brands. I’m hoping the medium continues to be accessible or offer accessible options to listeners”. – Piper Carter
Since she’s been podcasting for years, Piper has accumulated a wealth of experience. And, although having the proper tools and software help to bring a podcast to market, she adds that it isn’t as complicated as people think. Her piece of advice for aspiring podcasters: “Don’t let lack of equipment hold you up. Your listeners are waiting for you; looking forward to every episode”. I couldn’t have said it better. We are all connected and you never know how your words; your passion will impact someone else.
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.