🎙️Introducing Our Indie Podcaster Series

💛 With a pep talk for the ages

Hi! Shreya AND Wil here. Well well well, aren’t you the lucky lot to hear from both of us today. It’s because we’re launching an August series that is so close to our hearts. 

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Say hello to: The Indie Podcaster Series 

The next four editions of Podcast Marketing Magic, including this one, will cover: 

• 💜 A pep talk for the indie creators in the house 

• 📔 Three case studies of varying genres that creators can learn from

• ✨ How to actually use your indie work to market yourself for a job

We also want to emphasize that we are here to answer your questions! If you’ve got one, leave it in the comments below or reply to this email. 

P.S.: We take our love for indie creators seriously so this might be a bit of a longer issue than you expected!

Before we get started

Sorry to be a broken record but in celebration of Tink’s fifth birthday, we’re giving $50 off of our Podcast Therapy sessions, if you book before August 19. There’s no discount code; the discount will be manually applied when we invoice you after the podcast therapy session!

Without further ado! Let’s begin with an important bit…

🔴 Why should we care about our indies? 

Even if you are not or don’t know any independent podcasters, you should care about their state and place in the industry. Bear with me while I (Shreya here) get philosophical here? 

I often think about why I was drawn to audio in the first place. I can trace it back to my obsession with mythology. The flexibility offered by audio plus the (relatively) low barrier to entry lends podcasting a universality. Much like myths, sound possesses the ability to transcend time and borders. 

In my four years in this space, I’ve witnessed the power stories told by sound carry; inducing awe to challenge perspectives. The pandemic-fueled acceleration of podcasting sent ripples through the industry. 

With wealthy corporations investing in a medium they don’t fully comprehend (sorry not sorry), the voice of the independent storyteller is dwindling.

However, as oral storytelling in mythology teaches us, it is the empowerment of THESE independent individual storytellers that ensures the longevity of a medium.

Ergo, you need to care.

✨ THE Pep Talk

Wil has been an independent podcaster for many years now. They’ve worked on and with a variety of independent podcasts and created a community for themselves. More than anything, they’ve created a career around it (which is the dream, isn’t it?). So here they are, sharing some of their hard-learned nuggets of wisdom for you to keep in mind. 

No matter where you might be in your creation journey, we hope this pep talk carries you to where you want to be.

💜 Do what you love. Isn’t that what it’s all about anyway? 

• Don't focus on marketability. Focus on making something you care about. Audiences don't want generic; they want real.

• People like saying “oh everyone has a podcast” but that shouldn't be a bad thing. People are out there making art and that's great! Make something you love! Have fun! Life is so short! Making a podcast because you want to is reason enough.

💜 Find community 

• Don't do it alone! Ask a friend to read over your scripts or listen to episodes for a second set of eyes and ears. Get someone who won't bullshit you, and don't take feedback personally.

💜 Prioritize yourself 

• Remember that unless you're being paid (which as an indie is doubtful) you're literally not being paid. Take time for your health, mental and physical. Everyone says “consistency is key” but we live in the real world and you are a real human.

💜 Sigh. Be realistic 

• Do not make a podcast thinking it is easy or will make you money.

• Your goal should always be making something you love. The moment you put a number on your goals, you will find that if you ever reach that number, it won't feel like success. The number will just get bigger.

• But don't expect to become famous overnight or ever. Again: make something you love.

With this, we hope the independent podcasters out there feel loved and held. We’re here for you. We hope you’ll take a lot from our August series.

And if you aren’t one, this is your sign to send love to that indie podcaster in your life! Oh and send them this too.

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🔎 From The Desk of Tink

When Lauren told me we are working with THE Cristen Conger of Unladylike, I lost my chill. Her new show Conspiracy, She Wrote seems like the natural next step from this talented independent creator. From the mother of modern conspiracism to celebrity pregnancy truthers, Cristen unravels the conspiracy theory webs woven by and about women. If you’ve ever wondered where tradwives came from, why Taylor Swift can’t shake off psyops or who made Beyonce’s Illuminati mess, get out your red string and follow along here. 

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Next week, Wil shares our first case study featuring a very cool podcast.

Until then, stay creative!

One quick thing — some of the Tink team will be at Podcast Movement in DC. Drop a comment or reply to the email if you want to say hello!