From tackling loneliness to sparking conversations about the unspoken, these five podcasters share their incredible journeys in the world of audio storytelling
In this fast-paced digital era, where connectivity reigns supreme, podcasting has emerged as a platform for self-expression, community-building, and the exploration of diverse topics. With the rise of Gen Z culture and the ever-evolving language of the internet, we reached out to five podcasters to find out how they got their start and what motivated them to enter this exciting realm of audio storytelling. Get ready to dive into their journeys and gain some insights into the world of podcasting!
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Mitch Briones’ Cyber Crush
Mitch Briones, with a head start in the podcasting world, recognized the need to combat the pandemic-induced loneliness. “Starting my podcast solo was a no-brainer,” she explains. Mitch’s journey began with meticulous planning, from naming his podcast to conceptualizing episodes that would resonate with her audience. Though she confesses feeling awkward initially, as she delved into topics that genuinely interested her, her voice grew stronger. Mitch reminds us that podcasting is a learning process, recounting how she had to scrap three recordings of her first episode. But her determination and shared interests pushed her to keep going, creating content that truly reflected her unique perspective.
Jaz Reyes’ Jaz Wanna Ask
Jaz Reyes, with a decade-long experience in radio, found herself hitting pause, but not stopping altogether. Radio had trained her well, preparing her for a smooth transition into podcasting. Embracing the freedom to choose her preferred topics and express herself creatively, Jaz dived headfirst into this exciting audio landscape. “I wanted to break free from the constraints of traditional broadcasting and explore the vast possibilities of podcasting,” she says. Jaz’s background paved the way for her to navigate the podcasting world confidently, with a microphone in hand and an abundance of creative ideas to share.
Cassie Uy-oco’s Podcassie on Healthy Mentality
When Podcast Network Asia and Spotify PH reached out to Cassie Uy-oco, a mental health advocate and content creator, she saw it as an opportunity to save lives. With a goal of destigmatizing mental health, Cassie passionately accepted the chance to create podcast episodes. “The ball is always in our court when we want to change lives,” she asserts. Cassie’s driving force lies in reaching that one person who needs help the most. To her, podcasting is not just work; it is a fulfilling endeavor that allows her to make a lasting impact and create ripples of positive change in society.
Joelle’s Paano Kung
Joelle’s foray into podcasting came about thanks to the persistent requests of her social media followers. Initially planning to launch her podcast, “Paano Kung,” on her 30th birthday, she encountered a roadblock. However, fate intervened when Podcast Network Asia partnered with Spotify for a special project. They gathered a group of TikTok content creators including Joelle to venture into the world of podcasting. What was initially meant to be just 24 episodes turned into a much more significant opportunity. Spotify recognized Joelle’s show as a standout and granted her the green light to keep creating episodes as a Spotify Original. Sometimes, the universe has its own plans, and Joelle’s podcasting journey is a testament to the power of serendipity.
Say Tioco’s Ask Say
Say Tioco’s passion for initiating conversations about taboo subjects birthed her podcast. Recognizing the power of sharing experiences, both beautiful and painful, Say believes that shedding light on the darkness can create ripples of change in our society. “Topics like sex ed, sexual health, trauma and more, need to be addressed openly,” she affirms. Say’s podcast aims to create waves of transformation that will transcend generations. By daring to discuss the undiscussed, she encourages listeners to challenge societal norms and embrace growth through empathy and understanding.
