Category: News

Summer Listens for Everyone to Enjoy

Posted on by Sharon Newell

We’re taking some time in August to catch up on some of our favourite podcasts. So if you are headed off on your summer travels, or day tripping from home, we’re sharing some great listens to make the journey more enjoyable. From laugh-out-loud comedies to tune into with your mates to our top picks for family-friendly entertainment, these are the podcasts you should consider adding to your library. 

Podcasts to listen to with friends…

ShxtsNGigs

ShxtsNGigs is a weekly podcast by best friends James and Fuhad. With no subject off limits, the duo shares their unfiltered opinions on whatever comes to mind. If you’re unfamiliar with the pod, you may have seen the hosts on your feed with their viral “Twitter Hall of Fame” segment. If you’re looking for a raw, reactive, and genuinely funny show, ShxtsNGigs is for you. 

Pod Save the UK

 In search of political news that’s digestible and entertaining? Look no further than Pod Save the UK. Hosts journalist Coco Khan and comedian Nish Kumar get together weekly to unpick the latest in politics, explore solutions and inspire action. Featuring politicians, experts and famous friends, Pod Save the UK is our favourite way to stay in the loop with all things politics. We particularly enjoyed episode 3: Facts, Rats, and Rents.  

Modern Love

For 18 Years, the New York Times’ Modern Love column has explored the complicated love lives of real people. Over the years, it’s evolved into three books, a TV show and a podcast. Every Wednesday, host Anna Martin delves into love in all its glory. From life-changing moments to the dating world and being ghosted, it’s a wholesome listen you’ll look forward to. We recommend starting with Stop Looking for the Perfect Partner.  

Working Hard, Hardly Working

Brought to you by serial entrepreneur Grace Beverley, Working Hard, Hardly Working covers a broad range of subjects, perfect for the whole friendship group. From surviving your 20s and imposter syndrome to building a business, Grace is joined by founders, content creators and celebs for candid chats about life. We particularly enjoyed the recent episode with Caroline Calloway. 

Podcasts to listen to with kids…

Rid yourself of hearing the words “are we there yet?” on repeat by popping on a podcast for the whole family. From ancestral tales, African rivers and endangered animals to comedic science and weird and wonderful facts, here are our top picks of engaging podcasts perfect for those long family road trips.

In The Beginning 

Why are we here, how did we get here and who are we anyway? Brought to us by Lucia Scazzocchio of Social Broadcasts and Hawa Kahn, supported by the Audio Content Fund, In the Beginning shares creation stories from around the world that have helped us make sense of the world. In this magical immersive audio adventure back to beginning time, it brings ten ancestral tales to life with stories that transport us into a dreamtime where we meet animals, gods and spirits –  the makers, shapers and creators.

 No Such Thing as a Fish

With weekly episodes dating back to 2014, No Such Thing as a Fish is the longstanding podcast from the markers of the quiz show QI. The award-winning pod sees hosts Anna Ptaszynski, James Harkin, Dan Schreiber, and Andrew Hunter Murray get together to discuss all the best things they’ve discovered that week. You’ll learn many weird and wonderful facts unearthed in the past seven days, from taming planes to giant otters. Trust us; give it a go.

Guardians of the River

An excellent listen for the whole family, Guardians of the River is an award-winning podcast that tells the story of the guardians of the Okavango water system, a network of rivers spanning three African countries. Host Kerllen Costa tells the story of the guardians who have the monumental task of safeguarding the home of some of the most endangered animals on the planet while facing threats from all sides. You’ll soon see why this pod won Best Narrative Nonfiction Podcast at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

The Comb

Hosted by Kim Chakanesta, The Comb spotlights stories about the unseen forces that bind together and tear apart the communities of Africa. Sharing a single story every week, Kim gives a unique insight into life in Africa. From discovering 6-million-dollar diamonds to the challenges of motherhood, The Comb is home to real-world stories like no other. Start with Lives in Limbo as Kim explores life in Africa’s largest refugee camp. 

Ologies

Brought to you by Daytime Emmy Award-winning science correspondent Alie Ward, Ologies is a comedic science show you’ll wish existed when you were at school. From trees and volcanoes to anxiety busters and Mars missions, Alie injects life into an array of subjects you may not pay too much attention to otherwise. We particularly enjoyed Black American Magirology with Dr Psyche Williams-Forson.  

If you need help finding family-friend podcasts, especially for children, check out KidsPod: a new podcast platform revolutionising listening for kids aged 3-13.

Thirsty for more? We’ve got plenty of podcast recommendations on our blog – from Women-led, LGBTQIA, Black and South Asian specials to mental health and wellbeing pods.

Are you ready for the International Women’s Podcast Awards 2023?

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Entries for this year’s International Women’s Podcast Awards opened at the end of June with the announcement of two exciting new categories – Moment of Compelling Storytelling and Moment of Podcasting Panache in a Language Other Than English.

The awards, founded by Naomi Mellor and brought to us by the team at Everbody Media, aim to help level the playing field by rewarding and elevating the unsung podcast hosts, editors, producers and writers whose work deserves recognition. 

Who can enter?

Entries are open to women and people of diverse genders in podcasting from all over the world until Friday 22nd September 2023. The category shortlists will be announced in October, with an in-person and global live-streamed awards ceremony at The Conduit in London on Monday 6th November 2023.

Awards Categories

There’s no restriction on what genre or ‘type’ of podcast can enter each category; you’ve got up to 10 minutes to wow the judging panel with an audio clip of your moments of brilliance in podcasting in categories that include Touching Honesty, Dramatic Tension, Comedy Gold, Entrepreneurial Inspiration, Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance, and our favourite, Changing The World One Moment At A Time.

Previous winners include AfroQueer with Selly Thiam, Effin’ Hormones with Helen Brown, Emma Goswell, Beena Khetani and Terri Sweeney, The Divorce Social with Samantha Baines and Out There Podcast with Willow Belden.

Recognising and celebrating diverse talent

We spoke to the awards’ founder, Naomi, for our International Women’s Day 2023 Embrace Equity-themed series of articles who said:

“Equity in podcasting means constantly seeking ways to include people in the industry who wouldn’t otherwise feel welcomed or supported; it means increasing opportunities for people doing incredible work that isn’t currently being recognised or celebrated and doing everything we can to ensure that funding flows to all corners of the podcasting ecosystem, not just a few.”

To this end, the organiser’s goal is accessibility – they aim to keep entry fees as low as they can to facilitate submissions from as many of you as possible. There are plans for a bursary fund for this year, but if cost is a barrier, you can contact them directly or check out the Podcasting, Seriously fund.

Ready to enter? Head to their website to request an entry form and good luck!

Photo credit: Tigz Rice

South Asian Podcasts You Should Listen To

Posted on by Sharon Newell

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities and to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.

The celebration runs from 18th July to 17th August and this year’s theme is stories to tell. At Content is Queen we firmly believe that podcasting is the perfect medium for storytelling. So, to mark the occasion, we’re sharing seven of our favourite South Asian podcasts that deserve a spot in your library. 

Masala Podcast

Masala Podcast is an award-winning feminist podcast for & by South Asian women. On a mission to tackle cultural taboos, host Sangeeta Pillai is joined by her guests for unfiltered takes as they explore intersectional feminism. From sexuality and porn to menopause and mental health, no subject is off limits. We recommend starting with series 4, episode 12, with Shazia Mirza, Salma El-Wardany and Seema Anand, recorded at our event, the International Women’s Podcast Festival, last year. 

The Paul Chowdhry PudCast

When Paul Chowdhry discovered comedy, he didn’t know it would change his life and the life of those around him. Answering questions like why he stopped drinking 20 years ago, Paul goes light and dark as he sits down with guests for candid conversations. If you’re searching for a good laugh, inspired stories and unapologetic opinions, The Paul Chowdhry PudCast should be on your radar.

A Millennial Mind

A Millennial Mind sees host Shivani Pau entertain, educate, and inspire listeners to live a more positive and energised life. Delving into the lives of millennials, Shivani interviews guests from all walks of life as they share their experiences, beliefs, and practical tips to incorporate into everyday life. We particularly enjoyed the recent episodes with Elizabeth Day: Learn How To Fail & Embrace Failure and Shiza Shahid: Building a Business for Profit and Purpose.

Brown Girls Don’t

Hosted by creative Maansi, Brown Girls Don’t is a pod for Brown Girls That Do. From thriving without school to speaking up, Maansi is joined by inspirational guests who went against the norm to follow their passion. From going freelance to speaking up, if you’re looking for a podcast to accompany a journey of autonomy and self-empowerment, this is it.

Too British To Be Asian

Host of Too British To Be Asian, Sharan Raju delves into issues not often discussed in South Asian culture. As she shares her experiences of being brought up first generation British Asian, Sharan hopes her scared space will make others feel a little less alone or afraid. From lifting weights to sexuality, Sharan and her guests share life through the lens of South Asians. 

Brown Women Health

Despite the significant number of South Asian physicians, the health disparities in South Asian women are unreal. Brown Women’s Health is home to culturally specific and verified health information for South Asian women all over the globe. Featuring a range of hosts and guests, the podcast covers all things health, from pill shaming and mental health and Autism and heart health; you can consider it a health professional in your pocket. 

Brown Girls Do It Too

Brought to you by BBC Sounds, Brown Girls Do It Too is hosted by pals Poppy and Rubina. While chatting about sex is usually off-limits for South Asian girls, this dynamic duo is rewriting the rules for their LOL-worthy show. With guests including Priya Ashra and Anita Chiba of Diet Paratha, expect to hear some voices you already know. We enjoyed the recent episode Life Begins At… with Poorna Bell. 

If you enjoyed our South Asian podcast recommendations and want more, check out our Instagram Highlights here. Got a show we should know about? Let us know! 

LGBTQIA+ Podcasts That Should Be On Your Radar

Posted on by Sharon Newell

As June is Pride Month, we wanted to spotlight some of our favourite LGBTQIA+ podcasts to consider adding to your library. 

Food 4 Thot 

Described as “Like NPR, on poppers”, Food 4 Thot is a much-loved queer brown podcast on sex, identity, culture, and SO much more. Hosted by Denne Michele Norris, Joseph Osmundson, Tommy Pico and Fran Tirado, Food 4 Thot is candid, raw and will genuinely make you laugh out loud. If it’s not already in your library, it should be. We recommend getting started with Drag Us to Hell featuring Drea Washington. 

Queer Roots and Routes

Queer Roots and Routes is brought to you by a collective of queer migrants or descendants who want to tell their stories. Produced by Aunt Nell in partnership with The Love Tank, a not-for-profit community interest company that promotes the health and wellbeing of under-served communities through education, capacity building and research, the six-part first series sees a different host and set of voices from the collective take to the mic. With a promise that it’s gorgeous, fierce, super gay and revolutionary, we urge you to get stuck into every episode. 

Life of Bi

Ever wondered if we’re living in a bisexual renaissance? Well, you’re in the right place. Life of Bi hosts and ex-gfs Mary Higgins and Ell Potter explore what it means to be a modern bisexual. From Ancient China to TikTok, the dynamic duo delves into new topics every month. Not sure where to start? We really enjoyed episode 21: we’ll have to go through it. 

The Log Books 

Winner of Best New Podcast at the British Podcast Awards in 2020, The Log Books is a 5* rated podcast offering a glimpse into LGBTQIA+ life from decades ago. Hosted by Adam Zmith and Tash Walker, co-founders of Aunt Nell together with Shivani Dave, together they share stories noted by volunteers at the helpline Switchboard, a helpline for anyone who wants to talk about their gender identity and sexuality since 1974. A must-listen!  

I Can Explain

I Can Explain is an LGBTQIA+ focused that strives to answer all the questions you are too afraid to ask. Sure to make you laugh out loud, hosts Breanna Williamson and Sean Lusk give their hot takes on their personal experiences. When they say nothing is off-limits, they truly mean it. I Can Explain ticks the boxes if you’re looking for an unfiltered and uplifting podcast. We particularly enjoy the Q&qAy episodes. 

Homo Sapiens

Hosted by Chris Sweeney, Homo Sapiens opens listeners up to the world from a queer perspective. With episodes dropping weekly, Chris sits down with icons and allies to unapologetically share their stories. From celebrating pride in schools to life-changing ADHD diagnosis and being ghosted by a friend, no subject is off limits. If you’re in search of a podcast with range, Homo Sapiens is one for you. 

Looking to find your podcasting tribe? Explore our membership options and join our inclusive community. And if you’re looking to kickstart your podcasting project and need a studio to record in over the summer, you can save up to 25% on audio and video studio bookings in July and August. Discount will be auto-applied on booking. 

Wages For Women And BIPOC Industry Members Are Falling

Posted on by Sharon Newell

In 2020, UKAN surveyed its member to push pay transparency. In 2023, they opened their UKAN State of The Audio Industry Survey. The results are in, and the key takeaway is: If you’re not white or a man, you’re earning less than you were three years ago. As women advanced in their careers, the pay disparity between genders was disturbingly amplified. While men are earning significantly more in 2020, women are earning less. 

On stage at The Podcast Show in London on 25th May, UK Audio Network (UKAN) and Content is Queen jointly announced the next phase of the Equality in Audio Pact [EAP] under their stewardship. This announcement is a necessary response to the critical need for accountability and progress in the podcasting industry as the clamour for equality continues to reverberate globally.

About the EAP

The EAP was created in June 2020 by Renay Richardson, Founder and CEO of Broccoli Productions. It was co-signed and supported by Falling Tree, Boom Shakalaka Productions, Unedited: and Don’t Skip before launching publicly. The pact has over 350 signatories with broadcasters, including the BBC, Acast, Spotify and Bauer group. 

With UK Audio Network and Content is Queen at the helm, we enter Phase Two of the EAP to ensure transparency, equity, and diversity are at the forefront of minds without the audio industry. 

Imriel shared, “The next phase is to ensure the pledges made by our signatories are upheld, to reward those who meet the agreed standards and to hold accountable those who fall short. Token gestures are no longer acceptable.”

We’re trying to make pay equality a reality, not just a goal. 

UKAN Survey Results

The sample size of the UKAN survey was 209 submissions, independently verified. There were 118 entries from women, 73 from men and six from non-binary humans. Here’s what the survey found:

  • Since 2020, men’s salaries have risen by £8,605 while women’s have dropped by £2,415.
  • Men with 3-5 years of experience earn, on average, £39,408, whereas women with the same tenure earn £34,500.
  • Men with 6-10 years of experience earn an average of £49,489 compared to women’s £37,364, a gap that has increased since 2020. 
  • Men with over a decade’s experience are earning an average of £50,069 while their female counterparts earn £41,392, a decrease of £5,408 in women’s earnings compared to 2020. 
  • White producers earned an average of £42,035, while BIPOC producers’ earnings averaged a concerning £33,301 in 2023. 
  • Since 2020, the average salaries of white producers have increased by £2,511, by BIPOC producers have decreased by £1,789.

Speaking on the survey results, Head of UKAN, Laura Blake warned, “This is putting the industry on notice. Our pay transparency survey results remind us that we have systematic gaps to fill and that talent is being ignored, underpaid and under-invested in. If you are not white and not a man, you are being paid less than three years ago. Time to say less and do more.”

These figures are a stark reminder that the industry has a duty to address these systemic imbalances. These figures show that although the sentiment may have been there, there’s work to be done. More than a pledge is needed. We need to see a real, lasting change to level out the playing field. 

Content is Queen is committed to being the driving force behind the necessary change. If you haven’t already, read the open letter to the audio industry from Imriel here.

If you are in a position to influence conversations and decisions around pay, hiring practice and representation within your organisation, you can read the pledges and sign the pact here. Finally, please amplify these stats, sharing them far and wide so we can hold industry leaders accountable and put their money where their mouth is.

Reaching Diverse Audiences in Audio

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Research shows that podcast listenership is increasingly diverse. Last year, Insider Intelligence reported that podcast listener diversity nearly matches the diversity of the US population. But while audiences are diverse, some communities are underserved.

According to a report by Edison Research and Sounds Profitable, half of all podcast hosts in the US are white. Furthermore, a 2020 study from Spotify Sound Up found that Black, Asian and Minority Ethic women or non-binary people host less than 5% of the UK’s top 100 podcasts. Pretty bleak. 

As we continuously witness the lack of diversity in audio and how minority audiences are often overlooked, we want to highlight the importance of reaching and engaging with diverse listeners. So, in this article, we’re sharing our thoughts on reaching diverse audiences through podcasting. 

Reaching and engaging a diverse audience through audio

Commit to inclusivity 

First and foremost, to reach diverse audiences, you must genuinely commit to inclusivity. Without doing so, you could unknowingly be excluding listeners. From ensuring your content is accessible to using inclusive language and imagery, you can make plenty of minor adjustments that have a significant impact. 

Understand your target audience

It’s essential that you clearly define and understand the audience you want to target. It’s useless to claim you want to reach ‘diverse’ listeners as a box-ticking exercise. So, think about who you want to reach and why. It’s essential to be specific to take the necessary steps to speak directly to that audience. 

Commission diverse voices 

There is a continuous gap in the market for podcasts to target more diverse audiences, which calls for more audio representation. 

When events like International Women’s Day, Black History Month, and LGBTQ+ History Month roll around each year, we see brands and publications capitalise on the opportunity to portray themselves as inclusive & diverse. But how many of those are putting their money where their mouth is? 

Amplifying diverse voices for one month of the year isn’t enough. To genuinely appeal to diverse listeners, the industry must support diverse creators all year round. 

Make long-term investments

 This leads us to our next point, long-term investments are essential. In an interview with PodPod, Shelina Janmohamed, host of The Shelina Show & advertising executive for Ogilivy, explained, “I think, unfortunately, one of the traps of diversity is that once you’ve commissioned it, a brand thinks that they’ve been there and done that,” said Janmohamed. “But actually, it can’t be a one-off investment. It has to be something that they invest into building over time so that voice becomes embedded in the community but can also become more widely listened to.”

Exploiting creators to capitalise on a celebration or trending movement is not diversity & inclusion. 

Engage with diverse creators & organisations championing diversity

As the results of the UKAN State of the Audio Industry Survey 2023 and our Open Letter to the Audio Industry show, there is still a long way to go in terms of DE&I, but we can all commit to learning, doing better and turning promises into meaningful action. 

So whether you’re an audio creator, commissioner, producer, distributor or brand trying to reach new audiences through podcasting, this point applies to everyone. Take the time to build meaningful connections with diverse creators and engage with organisations that champion underrepresented voices and open the door for collaborations that align to make the audio space more inclusive.

Content is Queen is committed to diversity, equity & inclusion in audio and will continue to fight for this through our work and as the new co-stewards of Phase Two of the Equality In Audio Pact with UKAN. Help us amplify these efforts by signing the pact if you’re a decision-maker or following and sharing our messages on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. 

An Open Letter to the Audio Industry: Time to Turn Words into Action

Posted on by Imriel Morgan

Dear Audio Industry Leaders,

As an Indie podcaster, community leader and festival organiser, I am writing to address an issue that has become increasingly apparent and unacceptable: the persistent lack of support for marginalised creators in the audio industry. It is time for the audio industry to confront the glaring disparities and take meaningful action to address the systemic barriers holding back so many talented individuals.

In acknowledging the initial steps taken by the audio industry, we recognise the pledges and programmes to promote diversity and inclusion. However, the journey towards actual change requires more than token one-off gestures—it requires substantial action and investment.

We, the community leaders, have tirelessly rallied, mentored, and ushered in emerging, underrepresented voices, proving that our role extends beyond ticking a box. The diverse and niche audiences we cultivate aren’t just crucial for optics; they are instrumental in driving the industry’s overall growth and widening the scope for increased ad revenue.

Many other organisers and creators from underrepresented backgrounds are facing shared struggles. Despite the audio industry’s public commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are repeatedly told that there’s no funding available to support initiatives run by those communities which directly help underrepresented creators get a foothold in this industry. How does a sector seeing continued growth in advertising revenue openly and honestly say there’s no funding for events or activities explicitly targeting underrepresented groups, be they Black, disabled, women or LGBTQIA+? How is only $100,000 pledged to support African podcasters from one of the biggest audio companies in the world but millions spent on acquiring one creator? We’ve counted at least three organisations publically pledge £/$100M to create equity. This inconsistency between words and actions is discouraging at best,  harmful as a standard, and perpetuates a culture of exclusion and tokenism at worst. It’s gatekeeping in its finest form.

The audio industry benefits and profits from the diverse talents we nurture, often without acknowledging the groups they rely upon to reach this untapped potential. It’s time to transform these pledges into action—into meaningful partnerships and investments in the ecosystem that genuinely support the diverse talents driving our industry forward. Let’s value these voices for what they indeed are—not just diverse but essential contributors to the richness and growth of our shared audio landscape.

By failing to invest in these communities, the industry denies them the chance to thrive. It perpetuates a monolithic culture that stifles creativity and innovation and creates yet another generation in the creative industry where it’s more important who you know than your ideas or work ethic.

With this open letter, I am calling for an honest and critical examination of the industry’s funding practices. It is not enough to merely voice support for diversity; the sector must take tangible steps to ensure that resources are equally distributed and opportunities are accessible to all.

Here are the key actions we demand:

  1. Transparency: Disclose funding allocation data disaggregated by race, gender, and other marginalised identities. This information will allow us to understand the extent of the disparities and track progress in addressing them.
  2. Accountability: Establish clear goals and timelines for increased funding and support for marginalised creators. Make these goals public, and report progress, challenges, and successes regularly.
  3. Investment: Allocate a significant percentage of funding for initiatives led by BIPOC, women, gender diverse, and other marginalised creators. This commitment should extend beyond one-time grants and include ongoing production support, promotion, commissions, and favourable advertising terms that sustain the creator’s activity.
  4. Partnership: Collaborate with grassroots organisers, podcasters, and creators from underrepresented backgrounds to develop and implement strategies that address their needs and promote success.
  5. Education: Provide training and resources for industry professionals to understand better systemic racism, misogyny, and other forms of discrimination and to actively work towards dismantling these barriers.

This is not a plea for sympathy or demand for charity. We ask you to level up the audio industry as we know it and make a genuine, long-lasting commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The time for lip service and token gestures has passed. Now is the time for the audio industry to take a stand, invest in marginalised creators, and prove your words are backed by meaningful action. 

Sincerely,

Imriel Morgan (Lead Author) – Founder and CEO, Content is Queen

Laura Blake (Editor)- Owner – UK Audio Network

​Renay Richardson- Founder of Broccoli Productions​

​Sarah Myles- Podcast Producer, Founder of Rise & Shine

Jessica Kupferman- CEO, She Podcasts

Helen Zaltzman- Podcaster

Jaja Muhammad- Podcast Producer

Ella Watts – Podcast Producer and Director, Doctor Who: Redacted and Six to Start

​Jason Phipps- Head of Development, Chalk and Blade

Ruth Barnes​- Co-Founder Chalk & Blade

Melissa Mbugua- Co-Director Africa Podcast Festival

Thomas Curry- Head of Podcasts, Vespucci

Hana Walker-Brown- Creative Director, Broccoli Productions

Axel Kacoutié- Audio Artist

Elsie Escobar- Co-Founder, She Podcasts

Francesca Turauskis, Digital Editor at Pod Bible, Founder of Tremula Network

Tash Walker – Co-Founder Aunt Nell

Shivani Dave – Co-Founder Aunt Nell

Adam Zmith – Co-Founder Aunt Nell

Laura Grimshaw- Freelance Audio Producer

Suze Cooper – Audio Producer

Naomi Mellor, Co-Founder Everybody Media and the International Women’s Podcast Awards 

Christina Moore- Founder, Don’t Skip

Arlie Adlington – Freelance audio producer, sound designer and mix engineer

Lisa Hack- Audio producer & educator Co-founder and organiser Multitrack

Bea Duncan- Senior producer, Broccoli Productions 

Steph Colbourn- Founder editaudio

If you support this message, we encourage you to spread the word using #SayLessDoMore. You can find a folder with our image and suggested social post ideas here.

6 Mental Health Podcasts to Add to Your Library

Posted on by Sharon Newell

Last week (15 to 21 May) was Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. So, to mark the occasion, we’re sharing some of our favourite mental health podcasts you should check out all year round. Podcasting is a medium that offers a sense of connection, often when we need it most. So, if you’re looking for shows you can turn to on a range of different mental health-related topics, take a look at these. 

Mentally Yours

Mentally Yours by Metro Is hosted by Ellen Scott and Yvette Caster. The duo chat with people who have lived with mental illness to educate, empathise, and challenge stigma. Ellen and Yvette invite their guests to open up about their personal experiences, from postpartum psychosis to eating disorders; the pod allows listeners to learn from raw, first-hand experiences. Listen. 

The Griefcast

Self-dubbed a podcast that examines the human experience of grief and death – but with comedians, so it’s cheerier than it sounds, The Griefcast is an antidote to the isolation of grief. Host Cariad Lloyd explained, “My goal right from the beginning was that I wanted it to be a podcast that, when it stopped, you didn’t feel worse”, and it’s precisely that. Listen. 

Feel Better, Live More

If you’re searching for a podcast for your mind, body and heart, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee is for you. Covering topics including burnout, trauma, and the mental health crisis, Feel Better, Live More offers easily digestible expert advice. This is a great place to start if you’re looking for simple, actionable mental health resources. Listen. 

Mad World

Brought to you by Bryony Gordon, Mad World is home to intimate conversations about getting unwell and getting better. Bryony is joined by an array of guests, from household names to ordinary people with extraordinary stories and experiences of mental health. From addiction and stress to borderline personality disorder, Mad World is worth a listen. Listen. 

Therapy For Black Girls

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta. With weekly episodes on mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves, Therapy for Black Girls takes on subjects such as cultivating friendships in adulthood, seasonal affective disorder, and imposter syndrome. Listen. 

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose is hosted by former monk Jay Shetty, who’s on a mission to make wisdom go viral in an accessible, relevant & practical way. With a variety of solo episodes and guests, including Drew Barrymore, Lewis Hamilton and Mel Robbins, Jay covers a whole host of mental health subjects. From tackling negative thoughts to gut health and understanding your genes, On Purpose is a breath of fresh air. Listen. 

We hope that these podcasts can provide some comfort and relief when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you require further mental health resources online, visit Mind or speak to a healthcare professional. 

For more podcast recommendations, check out this round-up from Pod Bible on the best podcasts about mental health and mental illness.

 

 

 

International Women’s Podcast Festival Postponed Due to Lack of Industry Support and Funding

Posted on by Sharon Newell

The International Women’s Podcast Festival (IWPF), a highly anticipated event celebrating women’s voices and storytelling in audio and podcasting, unfortunately, announces that it will not be taking place this year. The decision comes from insufficient industry support and funding, which has regrettably hindered our ability to organise and execute the festival at the scale and quality that we believe the global community of women in podcasting and audio deserves.

At Content is Queen, we firmly believe in the power of supporting, platforming, and empowering women’s voices in the audio industry. Our mission has always been to create a space that encourages and fosters participation for women in podcasting, an industry that continues to snowball. It is disheartening to encounter such challenges in rallying the necessary financial support to realise this vision.

While we are disappointed by the lack of backing we received, we are not surprised. We have witnessed other events organised by diverse founders and leaders facing similar issues of being postponed or cancelled altogether. This prevailing trend only further highlights the systemic obstacles underrepresented groups face within the industry.

Advocacy for Women’s Voices Continues Strong

However, the absence of the IWPF this year does not diminish our commitment to amplifying women’s voices and promoting inclusivity. We firmly believe that events like IWPF are essential to provide a platform for diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and drive positive change. We will continue to advocate for women’s storytelling, empowering female creators and striving for a more equitable podcasting landscape.

As we reflect on the situation, we remain resolute in our determination to bring back the International Women’s Podcast Festival in 2024. We will use this time to regroup, engage with potential partners, and explore avenues to secure the necessary support and resources to deliver the outstanding festival experience that our global community deserves.

In the meantime, we encourage all individuals, organisations, and industry leaders to reflect upon the importance of supporting underrepresented voices and representation within podcasting. Let us work together to dismantle the barriers that prevent diverse talent from flourishing in this dynamic field. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant podcasting industry for everyone.

For further updates and information regarding the International Women’s Podcast Festival, please visit the festival website and follow us on social media @contentisqueenhq. To watch the festival content, head over to our YouTube.

How To Be Consistent With Your Podcast

Posted on by Sharon Newell

When you look at the podcasting charts, all the shows have one thing in common: they’re consistent with their release schedule. Listeners like predictability and knowing when they can expect their favourite show to drop so they can integrate it into their lives. 

Your release schedule is one thing; production is another. Consistently producing high-quality episodes showcases the commitment and a level of professionalism which can give you the edge over others in your niche. 

When you combine the two, you’re on track for podcasting success. But, of course, doing that takes a lot of hard work. So, we’re on hand with five top tips on being consistent with your podcast.

How to ensure your podcast is consistent

Follow your purpose 

Before starting your podcast, you should clearly define your purpose; it will set you apart from everyone else. Being a creator can be exhausting, but it becomes a lot easier when you genuinely love what you’re doing. So, make sure you’re starting your podcast for the right reasons. If it feels like a chore, consistency will feel like an uphill battle! 

Read more on podcasting with purpose here. 

Commit to a manageable release schedule 

You must be honest with yourself and your audience about your capacity. Then, rather than overpromising and underdelivering, devise a manageable release schedule. When developing your schedule, consider things like episode length and the rollout required once it’s live. 

A huge amount of work goes into releasing a single episode, so don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations.  

Automate the production process as much as possible 

Recording an episode is one thing; producing it is a different ball game. While finding a process that works for you can take time, working smarter, not harder, will allow you to remain consistent. Check out our five podcast production hacks, from preparation to automation tools, here.  

Batch record 

Consider batch recording if you struggle to find the time to set up and record episodes. While many podcasting elements are out of your control, your recording frequency can be flexible. So, recording several episodes simultaneously ensures you have reserves, and you can always work ahead rather than episode to episode. 

Lean on your community 

Creating a great podcast isn’t easy. If you’re a team of one trying to do everything, you may be on a fast track to burnout. So, start networking and lean on communities like Content is Queen. Not only will communities like ours offer support, but you’ll also get to access new opportunities and take inspiration from your peers. 

You’ve got this!