I started a podcast because I wanted to utilize my voice beyond my blog. I wanted another avenue to be able to speak authentically about the topics that many face today. Many people are afraid to speak their truth out of fear of rejection or ridicule. Thus, the desire to do Conversations with Toi was born.
What Made Me Come up With the Title?
Conversations with Toi was an idea I had in my second year of blogging. I didn’t know much about the genre. Wasn’t sure if I was ready to hear my own voice. Mastering the ability to write and stay behind my laptop, I had to come to the forefront.
Conversations with Toi is about speaking in a friend tone while dealing with difficult conversations about life, anxiety, and everything in-between. People don’t want to be spoken to, they want to feel like they are talking with someone and that someone happens to be me.
How Do I Select the Subjects?
I map out the content ahead of time. I didn’t the podcast to sound like I didn’t have a plan. My subject comes from my own falls and trips in life. I tend to talk about every failure I’ve had. Its important for me to sure that I connect with my audience by not being afraid to be vulnerable.
How Long Does It Take To Record?
All Conversations with Toi are at the one-hour mark. I wanted to be consistent with that hour. When I listen to other podcast, an hour is good for me. I like to listen to them while I am working out. For me a workout under an hour seems too little for my active lifestyle. I tend to have that hour be my hour of me time, so I maximize my time. I edit my own podcast. That hour recording and editing I would say it’s all about an hour and a half to two hours setting it up.
Is There Overshare?
I don’t think so. I was told I overshare on my blog from family but that’s the beauty of blogging. By family, I mean those outside of my home. It’s my story to share. The same will happen for the podcast. I have to speak to what I know and what I know well is, me and what I have learned in life.
How Do I Manage all the Roles?
I manage the blogs, podcast, influencing, and of late, speaking engagements. I am organized. It’s important to take as many breaks as possible. Being honest with myself when things become too much. I say NO. I don’t copy someone else’s format or sauce.
Conversations with Toi Seasons
Yes I will have seasons. I plan to take a 2-week break after the September 11th episode. The seasons will have 10 episodes. This is a way to make sure that each season aligns seasonally. Breaks are good for the body and soul. Each season will have a theme. They will also always featured top news that listeners need.
Podcast Dos and Don’t
- Make it your own
- Map out a plan and content
- Find a quiet space to record
- Be consistent on recording and editing schedule
- Accept Help to get it started
- Have fun
Hearing your Voice
I listen to my podcast all the way through. I’m not the only person who still does not like the sound of their voice. I am not sure if I ever will. It’s not that I don’t want to hear myself. It’s more or less, a nervousness when I do hear it. I do pay attention to slow down as I tend to speak very fast.
What I am Learning About Myself?
I am learning to be patient with myself. The program that I use isn’t hard but its time-consuming at times. Its also a labor of love. Editing has tested me too. Making sure that the quality is great for everyone is no easy task. I am learning to be still. That hour is heaven. I record in my walk in closet. To sit that long with just my microphone, water, and laptop is a different experience. I enjoy it. It’s like having downtime. I love the process of recording. Learning to trust my gut. Grateful for the feedback. Being grateful for the help along the way. I know that I won’t please everyone and that my podcast isn’t for everyone. It’s okay.
Goals for the future
My goals are to to continue doing what I love. I hope to find ways to connect to my audience. My hope to grow the audience as well. Finding brands that align with my audience and that will help to make their lives better. Hoping to be able to have my audience enjoy both platforms. I do realize that some people enjoy reading while others listening.
GoodPods
I enjoy listening to podcast. I also know that my friends have asked me outside of Conversations with Toi, what I listen to. With Goodpods you can follow me and see what I am listening to. If you are a fellow podcaster, you can claim your podcasts as well. You can now also make a playlist of your favorite podcasts. This is a great way to move and listen.
Goodpods is working on having availability on Android. I’ll let you know when it becomes available!
Oversaturation
There are a lot of podcasts out. Do NOT let that stop you. Your voice is necessary. Do not get discouraged. It’s asy to compare what you are doing to someone else’s. Find a way to silence the crowd and march on. Have you listened to the podcast yet? We are in Season one and this Friday is Episode 6! It’s been a fun journey so far. I don’t want you to miss anything. You can listen to Conversations with Toi on ALL podcasts platforms. You do not have to have Apple Podcast app only
