Hello Meltingpot Readers,
This week has been a whirlwind as I’ve been attending Podcast Movement 2018, a conference all about podcasting (obviously). Why was I attending a podcasting conference, you ask? Because creating a podcast was always part of the plan when I relaunched My American Meltingpot earlier this year, and I need to educate myself before I embark on this adventure.
And adventure it will be. (Stay tuned for more announcements about The My American Meltingpot Podcast).
It’s only been three days, but I have learned so much at this conference that I’m eager to put into practice. But even more, I’ve met so many interesting people creating fascinating podcasts, sometimes I’ve found myself missing out on a session because I’ve become so engrossed in conversation with other people. I guess I never realized podcasts can be outlets for people to share their passions.
Because sharing is caring, I decided to share with you some of the podcasts I’ve discovered at the conference. Mind you, I’ve not actually listened to these podcasts, but I’ve met the women and men behind them and instantly fell in love. Check them out for yourselves and see what moves you:
1. Homemade Stories Shannon Carson has this down-home by way of Detroit accent that instantly draws you in so it’s no wonder he is a storytelling master. From his website: “Homemade Stories Podcast is short stories and commentary shared by writer/storyteller Shannon Carson. Shannon lays out his life for the listener, blemishes and all. Many of his vivid stories are insightful and true, others are imaginative works of fiction. The result is a unique storytelling experience.”
2. Travel Quips
Travel Quips is a weekly podcast that covers “travel trends, opinions , etiquette, and advice.” Host Reyna Walters-Morgan quit her job as a lawyer to work on Hilary Clinton’s presidential campaign and when that didn’t exactly turn out as planned, she gave herself permission to pursue her passion for travel and created this topical and on point podcast. Pretty cool.
3. The SpinBack Life: This podcast hasn’t launched yet, but you can still check out the website and stay tuned for the upcoming launch date of this show that I guarantee you will want to check out. Dr. Cwanza Pinckney is an emergency room physician who turned to YouTube to teach herself how to be, wait for it, a DJ! Now, she leads a double life, saving lives and spinning records. She’s launching her podcast so she can give others the tools they need to rekindle their childhood passions and make them manifest. I know I’ll be listening.
4. LatinxAmerica: Why should white guys have all the fun… and money? This is what motivates Adriana Flores who is trying to “change the narrative of the Latinx community” with her brand new and already popular podcast aimed at empowering the Latinx community around issues of technology. From the website: “LatinxAmerica is focused on highlighting catalysts that are using, leveraging, or creating technology that can positively impact the Latinx community. Experts cover topics ranging from education, health, diversity, and civic engagement to financial stability / wealth creation.” Bonus, Flores is recording most episodes in English, but does a weekly recap in Spanish for your abuela or mami who doesn’t speak English but still wants the information.
5. Inside Pop: This is a weekly podcast about pop culture. I get that you might not find that life changing, but I think we can all agree here that pop culture is important. But it’s the hosts of Inside Pop, Amita Patel and Sean David Johnson, that made Ms. Meltingpot bring it to your attention. From their website: “The [hosts] bring a welcome diversity (they are African American and Indian American; Male and Female, Gay and Straight, Married and Single) into the pop culture podcasting landscape.” I was in a session with the two of them today and I immediately wanted to be their new BFF so we could talk about all of my favorite TV shows, books and movies. I just sensed that they got me, they really got me.
What about you, dear readers? Are you avid podcast listeners? If so, what do you think I need to be listening to and why? I’m totally taking notes.
Peace!
