I’m back from the 5th annual Women’s Podcast Festival-Werk It, produced by WNYC Studios. I listened and learned, and a few things in particular have stuck with me, including gratitude. So glad to be hosting and producing my indie podcast and for the dear people that listen and subscribe and who are patrons too (patreon.com/julieinconversation).

Before I was about to launch into my previous podcast series (39 episodes worth) #Motherhood#LetsCreateAVillage in November 2017, I hosted a solo show asking “Does the world need another podcast?” I was really just asking out loud, should I be doing this thing? Still? Now ? Even when everyone and their neighbour is podcasting ?
Don’t we have enough to listen to? In this age of ‘over’ consumption, unlimited distractions and things to watch and listen to in any and every moment?

Then, to reaffirm my questioning, during the welcome and opening remarks of the Werk It festival, Depelsha McGruder, Chief Operating Officer of New York Public Radio shared these stats with us:

22 % of Americans are now listening to podcasts on a weekly basis. ( I’m Canadian and I don’t have those stats for Canadians or other countries but must be quite similar).

There are more than 700 000 podcasts available (I’m assuming worldwide).

So, my podcast is one of 700 000! My episodes are part of the 29 million! Clearly there is no lack of options. What is also clear is that voices and stories make a crucial difference. There is an audience that will be impacted and touched by your voice, your story. There are listeners that will find benefit and pleasure and satisfaction to listening in. In mine and in yours and in theirs.

So here’s to all the podcast creators representing and here’s to using your voice and broadcasting it ( if you feel called to).

Thanks Werk It for the stats and the industry experience.