Meet Naomi Mellor, Founder Of The International Women’s Podcast Awards
Mar 15th
International Womens Day first occurred over a century ago. The first-ever gathering in 1911 was supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to everyone, everywhere. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity, something we live and breathe at Content is Queen.
So, we wanted to take the opportunity to catch up with some incredible women in the audio space. From exploring what equity means to them to a day in the life, this series will allow you to get to know them a little better and celebrate the work they are doing to help make podcasting more equitable. This week, we’re introducing you to Naomi Mellor.
Meet Naomi
Naomi is the co-founder of Everybody Media, a company founded to create positive change in the world through the medium of audio. Everybody Media produces podcasts and 360 content for purpose-driven brands and individuals, as well as looking after the International Women’s Podcast Awards and The Everybody Collective, a community dedicated to raising the voices of women and people of marginalised genders in podcasting.
Q. The theme for IWD 2023 is equity. What does equity mean to you?
A. It’s a little simplistic, but I find the “100m race” analogy clear when considering equity. If life were a 100m race, we don’t all start on the same starting line for multiple, often intersecting reasons. Some people begin further forward due to their privilege, whilst others are further back due to structures, systems and circumstances often out of their control. Equity, to me, means considering the chance we all have to line up together and how we can help people have the same opportunity as others to be successful.
Q. More specifically, what does equity in podcasting look like?
A. Constantly seeking ways to include people in the industry who wouldn’t otherwise feel welcomed or supported.
A. Increasing opportunities for people doing incredible work that isn’t currently being recognised or celebrated.
A. Doing everything we can to ensure that funding flows to all corners of the podcasting ecosystem, not just a few.
Q. What does a day in the life look like for you? Are there any rituals or routines you can’t live without?
A. We get up pretty early in our household, and I’m generally most productive first thing in the morning, so often, I go straight to my laptop with a cup of coffee and do a couple of hours of really good work before starting my day properly. I get my mental headspace by heading out running in the countryside with my dog, so I try to incorporate this into my life most days, and I also swim all year round in the rivers and lakes near where we live with a group of fantastic women aged from 18 to 80. My life is variable, and no two days are the same, but like everyone else, Zoom meetings feature heavily!
Q. Do you have a hack or favourite tool creators should know?
A. If you’re struggling for inspiration when marketing your podcast, look at Answer The Public. If you put in any keyword associated with the title or subject of your show, you’ll find the questions people are asking about that topic, allowing you to create content that people are looking for.
Q. Finally, do you have any golden advice for audio creators?
A. Don’t be afraid to ask people for help or introductions when needed. Most people are happy to pay it forward.
Here at Content is Queen, we’re committed to encouraging equity in podcasting. One thing that can help to achieve that is sharing the stories of creators killing it in the audio space. So, if you enjoyed this article, stay tuned for more like this coming your way.
In the meantime, explore our affordable membership options here and join our supportive tribe of talent.