Valuable Insights from My First Podcast Interview Experience
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Chapter 1: My Journey into Podcasting
Since I began sharing my thoughts on Medium, a myriad of exciting events has unfolded. The platform has motivated me to take my writing more seriously, and I feel fortunate to exchange ideas with incredible writers both on and off Medium.
A few months ago, I penned an article titled "The Disturbing Practice of Breast Ironing in Africa," which was featured in History of Yesterday. I never anticipated the level of attention it would garner. Following its publication on Medium, it was selected for further distribution, leading to a notable increase in readership. Just when I thought that was the pinnacle of my experience, something even more remarkable occurred.
In January, the host of The Mohua Show reached out to me, expressing her desire to discuss my article, as she was genuinely passionate about the subject matter, particularly its implications for young girls in African societies.
Initially, I felt quite anxious due to the unexpected nature of the invitation, as public speaking is not something I relish. Nonetheless, I had to confront my fears and proceed with the opportunity.
After organizing the details through a phone call, the podcast interview took place in January and was released just three days ago. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m eager to share some of the important lessons I learned in preparing for the podcast.
Section 1.1: Key Takeaways from My Podcast Experience
- Clarify Your Thoughts Before the Interview
When I first received a message on Instagram, I knew it was an important opportunity. After careful consideration, I agreed to a phone discussion with the host. Before our conversation, I researched the show online to familiarize myself with its format and objectives, which aligned closely with my own interests. By the time we spoke, I had gathered enough information and noted down questions that sparked my curiosity.
- Keep Your Bio Current and Well-Written
You never know when an opportunity might arise, so it’s crucial to be prepared. My previous writing experiences taught me the importance of having a polished bio ready for any urgent requests. Fortunately, when the time came, I only had to update my existing bio, which made the process seamless.
- Update Your Social Media Profiles
Ensure your website and social media accounts are current before your podcast episode airs. This can lead to increased traffic and engagement, especially if you’re tagged in promotions. Making a good first impression is essential for new visitors checking out your social media profiles.
- Watch Past Episodes of the Host's Interviews
In preparation, I listened to previous interviews conducted by the host. This helped me understand the show’s direction and audience better. I also explored their website and social media to grasp the topics they typically cover.
- Prepare Thoroughly
Before the podcast, I reviewed my article and conducted additional research to refresh my knowledge. I sought out relevant YouTube videos to support my discussion and focused on the latest developments in the area to ensure I could contribute fresh insights.
- Follow the Interviewer's Guidelines
I was instructed to provide an introduction and two high-resolution images before the interview. We selected an appropriate time for the recording, considering our different time zones, and I was advised to use my computer in a quiet environment for the recording.
- Expect the Unexpected
Despite my extensive preparation, the interview experience was different from what I envisioned. I had an array of topics I wanted to cover, but I found that I didn’t utilize some of the additional information I had gathered. Nevertheless, it was a rewarding discussion, allowing me to delve into a historical issue I care deeply about.
For those interested in listening to my interview, here is the link:
?The Mohua Show: Episode #74: Millions suffer breast ironing but the world noticed only when a…
A lawyer with over eight years of experience, Yewande is passionate about the rights of vulnerable groups.
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