This series is all about showcasing Libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Stacey Simms from Diabetes Connections
When did you start podcasting?
June 2015
Why did you start podcasting?
I was a radio host for many years and when I left I missed the interviews. I loved learning from guests and being on the radio is just fun.
Diabetes is a topic I care passionately about.
My son was diagnosed with type 1 just before he turned 2. That was nine years ago.
I’ve blogged and spoken about diabetes all this time but I feel like this format is where I belong.
What’s your show about?
I share stories of connection to educate and inspire about diabetes.
This podcast features prominent diabetes advocates, authors and speakers and includes personal stories of connection from people with diabetes and their friends and family.
It can be a very isolating condition; many people don’t know anyone else in their community with type 1 diabetes.
I encourage my audience to listen to the power of “me too.” Just hearing that another person is going through something similar can be very reassuring and empowering.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
I use my PC and a Blue Yeti USB microphone. I generally record via Skype (audio only) using MP3 Skype Recorder.
I edit in Audacity and host the podcast at Libsyn.
How have you promoted your podcast?
I’m relying on word of mouth with the very strong Diabetes Online Community (DOC).
That’s a loose group of bloggers and influencers who hold twitter chats and talk about diabetes news and interests via social media.
I’ve been featured in a few of the top blogs and news articles and I promote the podcast in closed Facebook groups and Twitter chats that focus on diabetes.
I am planning to travel to and speak at more conference this year and I’m also beginning an email newsletter next month. I’m hoping that combination will help me increase engagement with my listeners.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Practically speaking, I wish I knew how easy it is to embed the podcast on Facebook.
That’s easily my best source of traffic right now. It’s not from the podcast FB page, which is still growing. Rather, the closed Facebook groups that serve my community are the most valuable.
Some of those groups have 10–14 thousand people. If you’re a niche podcaster, find your people!
If you or any of your loved ones have been diagnosed with Diabetes, this is the podcast for you. Subscribe TODAY and never look back.
If you have been diagnosed and are looking to have deeper conversations about it or dive into the research, why not start a podcast? We’d be happy to host your podcast!
