This piece originally ran on Oct. 2, 2019, and was originally written by Leslie Bailey.
We know—it seems like everyone and their mother has a podcast these days and we’re neither confirming nor denying whether Indy Maven is getting on that train…eventually. But here’s why: They’re the ultimate choose your-own-adventure of storytelling by real people who are experts, enthusiasts, and entertainers talking about subjects we love—or love to loathe.
And, if you’re up to the job, it’s relatively easy to create your own. But first, consider the paths these local women took to become podcast mavens, what they’re listening to, and their advice for women looking to get in the game.
TANORRIA & CANDACE
Co-hosts Tanorria Askew and Candace Boyd, Black Girls Eating
Purpose of the podcast: Black Girls Eating begs you to grab a biscuit and a chicken wing and tune in for a celebration of sisterhood, food, and Black culture. Co-hosts Tanorria Askew, of Tanorria’s Table and Candace Boyd, of FoodLoveTog, talk, educate, and advocate for justice, Black Girl Magic, and well-seasoned food.
How I got started: We started out sharing platforms and stages as moderators. We’re the DiverseCity engagement leads with Indy Women in Food, have also paneled at CreativeMornings and other community events. But our real start happened when Candace cheered Tanorria on while she competed on MasterChef. They were formally introduced by a mutual connection and the rest is history!
What I love about podcasts: We love the collection of stories we get to share through our show. Amplifying Black voices is something we are passionate about. Using our platform to connect with others is also something we love and are committed to. Food is a connector of people.
What’s in my podcast library: Black Girls Eating! The Read! The Friend Zone, Hue I do, Yvonne Orji & Luvvie but also Glennon Doyle and Oprah and Jemele Hill.
Listen here: You can find us at BlackGirlsEating.com or wherever you get your podcasts.
KARA
Kara Kavensky, Finding Joy with Kara
Purpose of the podcast: Finding Joy with Kara is a project inspired by an interview I had ten years ago with a WWII Veteran who asked me to find his long, lost love. Her name is Joy and their story is the inspiration for my first memoir, Finding Joy. I have written thousands of personal interest stories and I thought it would be great for some of my favorite humans to share their story in their own words via my podcast. Every one of them is inspiring.
How I got started: My boyfriend, Adam, is a former professional drummer so we have some decent audio equipment at home. I connected with an amazing producer (shout out to Brassy Broad Jen Edds!) and started recording interviews.
What I love about podcasts: Listening to someone’s story is the most authentic version. Their words are powerful and I love the idea of pausing a podcast, listening in the car or on a walk, and also being able to listen at higher speeds. I listen to most podcasts at 2x.
What’s in my podcast library: Tara Brach, The Writer Files, Writer’s Routine, The Daily, Ten Percent Happier, Hidden Brain, The Manuscript Academy, That’s What They Say, a few astrology ones, and a dozen more super nerdy writing podcasts.
Listen here: Finding Joy with Kara can be found anywhere you listen to podcasts. Listeners can also find them on my website: KaraKavensky.com
ELIZABETH
Elizabeth Friedland, Instant Mom
Purpose of the podcast: I’ve been a solo foster and adoptive mom for 7 years now. Foster parenting and adoption can be very confusing — it’s hard to navigate all of the logistical and emotional details that come with those journeys. I started my podcasts to encourage others to think about becoming a foster parent, and for the prospective or rookie foster parents to learn more, have their questions answered, and feel less alone. I cover everything from how to become a licensed foster parent, to navigating practical considerations with children in foster care, to the finances of foster care, and to the larger social, cultural and political topics related to foster care and adoption. Basically, I’ve got an episode for pretty much any question about foster care and adoption. I share my own personal stories and lessons as well.
How I got started: I had no desire to make podcasting my full time job, or even a side gig. As a solo working mom to my foster and adoptive kiddos, I didn’t have the time (or the free hands) to write a blog or how-to guide, so I thought trying out a podcast would be easier. I could just ramble my thoughts out into a voice note and call it done! I shared my podcast through social media and, because the foster parent community is a pretty tight-knit one, people started listening and sharing. While my podcast is slightly more polished now, I still take a very informal approach to things-for better or worse!
What I love about podcasts: They’re easy to consume! I can listen while I’m cooking or working, walking around my neighborhood or-my favorite -before bed as I fall asleep. There’s also something intimate and familiar about hearing a story directly from that person’s voice. Nuances and tone that can get lost in the written word come across so beautifully through audio.
What’s in my podcast library: Stuff You Missed in History Class, Stuff You Should Know, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, The Writer’s Voice from the New Yorker, Ear Hustle, and basically every podcast NPR produces.
Listen here: Anywhere you listen to podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
LINDSAY
Lindsay McGuire, Practically Genius
Purpose of the podcast: Practically Genius began as a show called Ripple Effect way back in 2020. Formstack partnered with the podcast production agency Share Your Genius the summer of 2019 to begin planning and production. We launched the trailer on January 25, 2020, and we just finished our sixth season. The show now has three different series under the Practically Genius umbrella, including Practically Speaking, Genius Spotlights, and Future of Work.
How I got started: Practically Genius began as a show called Ripple Effect way back in 2020. Formstack partnered with the podcast production agency Share Your Genius the summer of 2019 to begin planning and production. We launched the trailer on Jan. 25, 2020, and we just finished our sixth season. The show now has three different series under the Practically Genius umbrella, including Practically Speaking, Genius Spotlights, and Future of Work.
What I love about podcasts: Podcasts are easy to immerse yourself in and can teach you so much in such a short period of time! As a B2B marketer, podcasting gives me a way to easily get Formstack’s brand in front of new audiences, explore the topics our customers care about, and connect with experts who can provide amazing stories and helpful tips.
What’s in my podcast library: Intent, To Live and Die in L.A., Bear Brook, The Orange Tree (now titled Darkness), Chameleon (specifically season 1).
Listen here: You can listen to Practically Genius anywhere you listen to podcasts, including Formstack’s website.
ANGELA
Co-host Angela Brown, Melanated Moments in Classical Music
Purpose of the podcast: Melanated Moments in Classical Music was launched in 2020 – prior to the COVID shutdown – to shine a spotlight on classical music works by, for, and about Black people. So far, our audience is in 116 countries and 2171 cities around the world, and it’s being used in classrooms, too!
How I got started: Joshua Thompson, a good friend, colleague, and music sociologist approached me about the opportunity to co-host a podcast with him, and I jumped at the opportunity. I affectionately call him my nephew, and he calls me auntie. Classical Music Indy produces the podcast, now in its sixth season.
What I love about podcasts: What I love about our podcast is that I can give voice to underrepresented Black composers and musicians in the traditional music field, something that has been ignored for far too long.
What’s in my podcast library: NPR’s Dolly Parton’s America podcast.
Listen here: Melanated Moments in Classical Music has six seasons of shows available on all streaming platforms and on the Classical Music Indy website.
ERIN
Erin Polley, SELF CARE LEVEL 1000
Purpose of the podcast: SELF CARE LEVEL 1000 is a podcast about the many ways we nurture ourselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually so that we show up more fully in the world and do the good work that needs to be done. We will get curious together about how we can practice self care in multiple ways with many modalities, leveling up the love we show ourselves every day.
How I got started: I just launched my podcast on my birthday, February 28! I got started in November of 2022 by recording episodes with people in my life who I think have important things to say about self care.
What I love about podcasts: I listen to podcasts everyday! I am drawn to learning about people’s lives and how they have gone through some level of personal development or transformation.
What’s in my podcast library: iWeigh with Jameela Jamil and We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle.
Listen here: You can find Self Care Level 1000 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Follow me @selfcarelevel1000 on IG.
KAREN
Karen Mangia, Success from Anywhere
Purpose of the podcast: The purpose of the podcast is to illuminate what’s new, now and next in the world of work.
How I got started: I started the Success From Anywhere podcast as an extension of my Wall Street Journal bestselling book of the same name and as a way to continue the conversation.
What I love about podcasts: Podcasts are conversations, and, like conversations, they range from inspirational to informative. I enjoy giving people a platform to share their point of view, and each guest teaches me something.
What’s in my podcast library: The Michelle Obama podcast and Meditative Story.
Listen here: On all major podcast platforms.
STARLA
Starla Kay Mathis, The Creative Life. Mom + Wife.
Purpose of the podcast: The Creative Life. Mom + Wife. Podcast is all about sharing our stories as women, wives, mothers, and creatives in pursuit of creating a life that we love. Creating a life that you love is living in your truth, following your passions, and finding joy in everyday life.
How I got started: I have a video production background, have hosted live streaming shows before, and was ready to pick up my microphone, launch zoom, and hit record! The Creative Life. Mom + Wife. Podcast’s first episode was released in 2021. We have two seasons out and working on the release of season three!
What I love about podcasts: I love that we are able to connect with others through the podcast community and help normalize struggles that many women, wives, mommas, and creatives may endure.
What’s in my podcast library: Lots of self-help! I love personal development and learning from others. Definitely a dash of ratchet fun!
Listen here: You can tune in to the Creative Life. Mom + Wife. Podcast on Spotify or my website: starlakaymathis.com/podcast.
JOYCE
JOYCE BRICKMAN, OFF THE BRICKS
Purpose of the podcast: Our podcast is designed for poets and poetry lovers. It’s a place to hear different poets read their work and talk about their life as a poet. An episode may feature a new book that the guest has, it may discuss a certain form or style, and it may focus on how poetry may connect to a personal or social problem like depression or drug addiction. We also feature editors from different presses from time to time to help poets become more knowledgeable about submitting their poetry to different places. We always include a Natural Moment Poem at the end of the show. We seek out a variety of guests both in poetry style and in race and ethnicity.
How I got started: We began because we couldn’t do live programs during the pandemic and saw this as a way to continue our poetry work.
What I love about podcasts: Podcasts reach people that you couldn’t reach otherwise, and you aren’t hampered by bad weather or germs. You can also feature poets from anywhere in the world as long as they can Zoom. Poetry is great for increasing universal connections and our podcast helps us present poetry at lots of different connection points about a variety of subjects and in a variety of styles.
What’s in my podcast library: The Poetry Foundation podcast
Listen here: Many platforms, including Spotify: Off The Bricks.
ALLY BRETTNACHER
ALLY BRETTNACHER, FINISH LINES & MILESTONES
Purpose of the podcast: The purpose of Finish Line & Milestones is to share stories of everyday people doing incredible things in the world of running and fitness. The goal is to bring inspiration to others – and myself.
How I got started: I’ve wanted to host a podcast for YEARS, but I’m finally in a season of life where it’s doable. I certainly wouldn’t have gotten started without the support of my husband, Zach, and encouragement and help from family and friends.
What I love about podcasts: Their portability. Where I’m in the car or on a run, it’s nice to have content to keep my mind occupied. I also love that there are so many podcasts out there, so there’s never a shortage of great content to choose from.
What’s in my podcast library: Oh, I’ve listened to a ton, but there are only a couple I listen to regularly: How I Build This with Guy Raz is my favorite and I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Heign.
Listen here: Finish Lines & Milestones
LINDSEY
Lindsey Hein, I’ll Have Another with Lindsey Hein, The Illuminate Podcast, and Why Is everyone yelling
Purpose of the podcast: To share stories about athletes, mainly runners, and their lives beyond running.
How I got started: I would listen to podcasts while on runs but wasn’t finding the type of show I wanted to listen to, so I started my own.
What I love about podcasts: Human connection. You get to know someone on a deeper level with one-on-one conversation.
What’s in my podcast library: The Popcast with Knox and Jamie. It’s my fun and mindless celeb gossip mental escape. I also like Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield.
Listen here: lindseyhein.com
REBECCA
Rebecca Fleetwood Hession, The Badass Women’s Council
Purpose of the podcast: To provide a community for high-achieving women.
My favorite thing about it is: When women reach out to me as a result of something they’ve heard and say, “That’s exactly what I needed to hear.” Or, when something on the podcast gives them confidence to get past what I call “the little bitch in our head”—the voice that tells us negative things that slow us down.
The hardest part is: Learning all the freaking equipment! This was the first time in 30 years that I had to learn something from scratch. I realized I didn’t even speak the same language in the manual-even though it was English. So, I did what high-achieving women do; I hired a coach.
What’s in my podcast library: Building a Story Brand with Donald Miller.
Listen here: badasswomenscouncil.com
KATARA
Katara McCarty, Red Lips and Eye Rolls
Purpose of the podcast: To help women gain resources and tools to access their own unique power, build self-confidence, and go for the life they deserve.
How I got started: I wanted to find a way to give women the content and coaching tools I’ve been sharing for 20 years.
My advice: Just do it. I think we overthink things. My podcast isn’t perfect, but I’m not trying to make it perfect. Don’t mull it over so much that you never actually do anything.
What’s in my podcast library: Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations and RISE Podcast by Rachel Hollis.
Listen here: https://www.kataramccarty.com/
KELLY & STEVI
KELLY YOUNG & STEVI STOESZ KERSH, BADASSERY LIFE
Purpose of the podcast: Talking about ordinary women doing extraordinary things and sharing their stories—whether they are filled with heartbreak or amazing accomplishments.
How they got started: Kelly Young and Stevi Stoesz Kirsh are already badasses in their own day jobs and launched the pod to shed a light on others—you know, in all their spare time.
Listen here: Badassery Life on Apple.
TYRA, JEN & AISHA ROSE
TYRA, JEN & AISHA ROSE, SHEnanigans
Purpose of the podcast:
Inspiring women to “Be Well, Be Loved, and Be You.”
Listen here:
DANIELLE
DANIELLE IRELAND, DON’T CUT YOUR OWN BANGS
What is the purpose of the podcast?/How did you get started?
I started the podcast, in part, to connect with interesting people and wanted a better name than “Can I pick your brain over coffee.” I was also transitioning careers from a ballroom dance instructor to a psychotherapist and was terrified. So, I structured every conversation around the theme of, “What do you do when things got hard? How do you know what to do next when you were lost in doubt? How do you get from point A to point Z?” That led to the podcast tagline–the remedy to comparison and feeling like everyone has life figured out but you.
What do you love about podcasts?
What is in your podcast library?
Listen here:
Emma is the Editorial Intern at Indy Maven.
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