The Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast officially launched on June 1st, 2024.
Since then, I have released nine episodes and am gearing up to release my second solo episode next week. As I discussed in my first episode – this is my passion project. I am at a point of my life where I need something to do outside of my regular adult responsibilities of working, supporting my family (George), and being involved in my community.
When I decided to start a podcast – it was with the purpose and intent to create a safe space for Black women from Iowa to share their experience. I have mentioned many times that Black people make up 4.5% of the state’s population of 3.1 million people per the July 2023 Census. I have learned that a short conversation has the ability to change lives and encourage others to do something that can make a difference.
It’s important for me to create positive and meaningful content that will have an impact on the people who listening to the show. Now that I have released almost two months’ worth of content and posted all the things about the podcast to social media, here is what I have learned:
- Episode To-Do List
- I feel a sense of accomplishment when I have completed a to-do list item. I have developed a great weekly to-do list for new episodes, social media posts and additional scheduling for interviews. A to-do list has also helped me prioritize my life – between school and work – with the addition of my podcast responsibilities.
- Pre-Recording
- For all the research I did, the number one thing experienced podcasters have said was to have a backlog of interviews and episode ideas. This will avoid me scrambling to put together an episode at the last minute. At this point – I have content through October 2024!
- Booking Site & Calendar
- In addition to being a ‘to-do’ list girlie, I am also a calendar/planner girlie. One of the reasons I picked WordPress is because of the easy integration of an email account, booking site and calendar. It’s easy to set my availability and let my interviewees select the time that is best for their schedule.
- No Scripts!
- I have tried to ‘script’ two episodes and they failed miserably! Interviews with guests have prepared questions, but the conversations are very natural and flow along with the topic of discussion. I’ve learned it’s better for me to have key points for solo episodes that will help me ease from topic to topic and keep me from rambling on about nothing.
This podcast is representation of me standing in my purpose and it’s been an eye-opening experience. The last two and a half years of my life have been a whirlwind that included a divorce, selling my house, living on my own for the first time, dating, looking a grandparent and starting grad school. I’ve done all of this while working at a high level and being present an innovated for major projects. It’s nice to focus on something that I truly believe is a safe space for Black women to share their story and hear the stories of others for inspiration.
This podcast is more than just a passion project – it’s a personal diary to my experience and I hope it inspires others to start something and share it with the people around them.
Black. Girl. Iowa. 