Ever wondered if you could start a podcast with a baby in the background? In this episode of the Communication Queens podcast, Kimberly Spencer and Verity Mansfield dive into the world of podcasting with infectious enthusiasm. They discuss the joys and challenges of balancing parenting with podcasting, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight their authenticity and relatability. Verity recounts her journey into podcasting, emphasizing the unexpected success and connections she made. Both hosts stress the importance of authenticity over polished perfection, reflecting on how real-life interruptions, like kids or pets, can actually enhance the listener's experience. They also offer valuable insights into crafting standout podcast pitches, underscoring the need for genuine engagement and quality communication. Verity Sangan is the host of The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Podcasting, mother, and lover of Terry’s Chocolate Orange. Verity’s journey into the world of podcasting may have started by accident, but it quickly became a creative outlet for her. What you will learn from this episode… Challenges and joys of podcastingPersonal anecdotes related to parenting and podcastingBuilding relationships within the podcasting communityApproach to interviewing guestsImportance of authenticity and relatability in podcastingChallenges of being a guest on new podcastsSignificance of considering the long-term vision of a podcastStanding out in podcast pitchesNeed for authenticity and relatability in podcastingIntersection of parenting and podcasting Enjoy, sovereigns! Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your other favorite podcast listening platform. You can also watch the episode on YouTube. Moments of Note: Podcast Interview Slots (00:00:00) Kimberly discusses the limited number of interview slots available for podcast guests and the need to stand out. Starting a Podcast (00:01:03) Verity shares her spontaneous decision to start a podcast after having a baby and the journey of creating and growing her podcast. Benefits of Podcasting (00:04:10) Verity discusses the connections and friendships she has made through podcasting and the joy it has brought her. Asking Forward Questions (00:05:20) Verity talks about asking direct and forward questions to experts on her podcast to provide valuable content to her audience. Guests Hiding Tips (00:07:48) Kimberly and Verity discuss the frustration of guests hiding valuable information behind paywalls and the importance of being generous. Pitchy Podcast Episodes (00:12:14) Verity shares her experience of considering not airing a podcast episode due to it being too pitchy and off-brand. Vetting New Podcasts (00:14:50) Kimberly emphasizes the importance of considering a new podcast's long-term vision before agreeing to be a guest. Parenting and Podcasting (00:18:38) Verity and Kimberly share relatable parenting moments during podcast interviews, highlighting the authenticity and relatability it brings. The challenges of podcasting (00:20:47) Discussion about the challenges of balancing parenting and podcasting, including a humorous anecdote about a serious interview being interrupted by a baby. Authenticity in podcasting (00:22:42) Exploration of the value of authenticity in podcasting, including a comparison to reality TV and the impact of the pandemic on breaking down barriers between work and home life. Perfectionism in the media (00:25:49) Analysis of the impact of perfectionism in the media, including anecdotes about Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway, and the importance of authenticity in building trust with audiences. Guest selection for podcasts (00:37:00) Insight into the criteria for selecting guests for a podcast, including the importance of authenticity and value, and the rejection of generic pitches. Value and authenticity in podcast guest selection (00:40:34) Further discussion on guest selection, emphasizing the importance of personalization and effort in pitches, with an example of a successful pitch based on creativity and relevance. Pitching to Podcasters (00:41:40) Discussion on the importance of relatability and personalization in pitching to podcast agencies. Authenticity and Audience Consideration (00:43:06) Emphasizing the need for podcast guests to show they care about the podcasters and their audience for a successful episode. Standing Out as a Guest (00:44:17) Highlighting the limited interview slots available for guests and the importance of standing out in pitches to podcasters. The Lazy Girl's Guide to Podcasting (00:45:48) Promotion of Verity Mansfield's podcast, emphasizing its niche specificity and accessibility to all identities. Mentions + Additional Resources: "Podcast Episode Vetting Process": "00:15:56""Lindsey Epperly's Podcast 'Who Made You the Boss?'": "00:16:42""Crystal's Podcast 'She Calls Her Shots'": "00:17:42""Swe Entrepreneur Network": "00:22:04""Make Every Podcast Want You...
