We recently spoke with Talib Jasir, Founder and CEO of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival on the value and benefits of starting a podcast.
Here are seven of the reasons why he thinks someone should start a show.
1. To share your unique voice, perspectives, and experiences
As Talib says, “there’s only you with your voice and your perspective and your experiences.” Even if other podcasts exist on a topic, your take will be original. People need to hear your unique perspective on a wide variety of subjects.
2. To create something and express yourself creatively
Producing a podcast is an accomplishment. It’s a helpful outlet for creators to put out their thoughts for all the world to hear.
3. To build community and make connections
Podcasting lets you find an audience and niche. You can connect with like minded people that are just waiting for someone to step up to the mic and share their truth.
4. To make money
There are several entrepreneurial/business opportunities podcasting provides through building an audience and platform.
Talib said, “There are so many ways in which you can go [in podcasting] whether it’s becoming a resource for different organizations, creating your own business or becoming an expert on whatever topic that you have.
There’s speaking engagements and all these sorts of things. You can build a business, and there’s so many ways in which podcasting can become an extension of who you already are and what you’re already creating.”
5. To inspire others and show what’s possible
Sharing your message helps others see potential in themselves. We need to see people that look like us creating podcasts, YouTube videos, books, and more so that we believe it’s possible for us to do too.
6. To create a time capsule
Podcasting allows you to create a historical record. It acts as a time capsule of living experiences. Podcasts are a fabulous way to document perspectives for future generations.
Talib said, “[with podcasting] we’re laying down a record of our own perspectives, and it’s something that will be a historical aspect of it. It’s something that becomes a resource for future generations. [It’s good] for understanding where people are and were in this century, in this decade, and since podcasting started. I think it’s a personal mission for me that is based on our history of our oral tradition and storytelling.”
As he mentioned, imagine there is a native tongue that is dying out. Recording someone speaking that native tongue is what will give future generations an opportunity to hear it. Think of it like an audio museum that people can tune into and hear the sounds and voices of the past.
The world needs your unique gift and message
Don’t rob others of what you can share. Most people are stuck in their own heads and in their own unique situations. Hearing the perspectives of others can educate, inspire, and transform people in ways you might not even realize right now.
7. To increase representation and diverse voices in podcasting, especially for marginalized communities
Talib said, “One of the things that we’re working really hard to do is empower the content creators to know how this works, and how this industry shapes our listenership. We have a responsibility [in podcasting] to make sure that:
- We are increasing active podcasts in the global market by black creatives and people of color in general
- That we can make sure that other people we bring in informs advertisers [to support black creatives and people of color]
I just believe that the content creator has the power to to really shape things, and that’s what I’m hoping happens for the future podcasts.”
Starting a Podcast is More Than Recording Audio
By starting a podcast, you’re adding to the collective of the stories and voices of today. It’s high time you begin sharing your perspectives and your expertise with the world. What are you waiting for?
