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 Haley from Adoptees On
When did you start podcasting?
I started releasing episodes in July 2016, but began all the planning and big steps towards releasing in March 2016.
Why did you start podcasting?
I absolutely love podcasts and have listened for a very long time. Back before it was cool, when I had to search on iTunes, download a show and then transfer it over to my iPod classic for it to be portable.
I started searching for a podcast about adoptees but the only thing I could find were shows by adoptive parents.
This is pretty common, they’re usually the ones with a voice in adoption, and adoptees are often left out of the conversation.
So I thought, I can do this! I’m tech savvy, creative and organized…all things that have greatly benefited my show!
What’s your show about?
Adoptees On: the podcast where adoptees discuss the adoption experience.
This is an interview show where I talk to adult adoptees about their history, their search for biological connections with their family of origin and the ups and downs of reunion, or sadly (very common) secondary rejection.
I don’t hold back, we talk about a lot of deep hurts and traumas, and often share some tears.
During season two I will be spotlighting a series Adoptees On: Healing, where I’ll be interviewing therapists to give my listeners some practical healing tools.
We’re discussing anger issues, EMDR therapy, telling your adoptive parents you’ll be searching for bio-family… many different topics that I’m bursting with excitement to share because I know they will be incredibly helpful for my audience.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
(Don’t roll your eyes!) I have the Blue Yeti, I record via Skype on Call Recorder and edit in Audacity.
I have an old (2011) MacBook Pro and that fan stays humming non-stop. I have regretted the purchase of the Yeti, and am thinking about buying the ATR–2100 because my household is non-stop noisy (I have two young boys).
I use the noise reduction setting in Audacity to take out the hum of my laptop and furnace (it’s –20 here in Edmonton, AB, Canada today!).
And I always end off my editing by running my completed file through Auphonic to level and I’m pretty happy with the sound of my show, much more now than when I first began!
How have you promoted your podcast?
I use Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Most of the promotion is through listener word of mouth.
I joked around with them that they should tell their therapists about the show, and some of them HAVE!
I get emails from therapists saying they have recommended the show to their clients.
I recently ordered business cards and will be mailing some cards out to those therapists, and some others that specialize in the adoptee field.
I’ll also be attending an adoption networking conference in 2017 and that will be a great opportunity for me to share the show with more people involved in the adoption world.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Not to worry so much about being perfect, but just to get started.
I wanted everything to be ‘just so’ and four or five shows in was when I really figured out my sound issues, and got confident with editing.
It takes some actual action of doing the podcast to gain confidence and the skills necessary to make it great. I’ve also invested a lot of time in listening to podcasts about podcasting which has taught me a ton.
I take all of that wisdom that is shared and collect it and implement it as soon as I can. Listening to a variety of shows has taught me what I love, and what I hate, and so I make a show that I would love to listen to.
If you are an adoptee, by golly, you have found your podcast and you absolutely must subscribe! If you know anyone in your life that has been adopted and you feel that they would benefit from listening to his show, please share!
Have you been looking for a podcast that does not exist and deep in your heart you know that you’re gonna have to create it yourself? We’ll be so happy to support you, host your podcast with us!.
If you happen to need a little bit of help getting your podcast going, we offer a monthly Podcasting QuickStart for free! Learn to podcast seamlessly.
