Black History Buff: Uncovering Untold Stories

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► Tell us about you and your podcast

As a London-born child of West Indian parents, my love for Black history stems from growing up with pan-African storytellers who instilled in me a deep appreciation for our shared heritage. Inspired by their captivating tales, I created The Black History Buff podcast to celebrate the rich tapestry of the African Diaspora and share these stories with a global audience.

The podcast is a thrilling journey through time, exploring the diverse experiences and contributions of Africans and their descendants worldwide. From the tales of African Samurai to the lives of pistol-wielding poets, each episode delves into a unique aspect of our history, shedding light on the often-overlooked stories that connect us all.

My listeners are part of the global African community, united by a shared passion for our collective history and a love for great storytelling. The Black History Buff podcast serves as a bridge, linking people throughout the African Diaspora and beyond, while enlightening and empowering them with the knowledge of our past. Whether they are history enthusiasts, students, or simply those who appreciate a well-told story, my listeners are eager to learn, grow, and share these tales with others.
 

► Why & how did you start this podcast? 

As a dyslexic individual, I initially thought that podcasting would be an easier medium than writing a blog, but I quickly discovered that it was far more work than I had anticipated. Despite not being an avid podcast listener myself, I found inspiration in storytelling-based shows like the This is Carrington Podcast, which I believe was one of the first Black history podcasts, and Ira Glass from Gimlet, whose shows demonstrated the powerful storytelling potential of podcasting.

My primary motivation for starting The Black History Buff podcast was my son. When he came home from school one day, feeling unhappy about his beautiful curly hair, I realized that I needed to teach him about his history before the world did. To lead by example, I made the study of history an essential part of my life, sharing my knowledge with him as I learned. Over time, I realized that sharing my learning could benefit others, and thus, the podcast was born.

Creating my first episode was a challenging process, as my perfectionism and neurodivergence significantly impacted my workflow. I over-researched, obsessed over the script, and agonized over the sound quality. Despite these challenges, I am proud of the fact that I started with what I had—a handheld recorder—and made the most of it. While my dyslexia and obsessive nature can make the creation process feel like torture at times, I have found a way to persevere and episodes.
 

► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?

As a full-time working parent with a demanding job and family commitments, finding the time to produce The Black History Buff podcast can be challenging. I don't have a strict release schedule, as I drop episodes when my time and energy permit. The research for each history-based episode is extensive and time-consuming, which limits the frequency of my releases. However, I remain committed to delivering high-quality content to my listeners whenever possible.

To manage my workflow as a dyslexic individual, I rely on various tools to help me stay focused and organized. I use the Kindle app on my iPad for reading, Reflect Notes for tracking my research, and a plethora of other apps to keep me on task. These tools have been essential in helping me balance my podcast production with my work and family life.

In terms of funding, I currently cover all expenses related to the podcast myself, with a small amount of support from my Patreon followers. Over the years, the cost of podcasting has decreased, but due to my learning differences, I require more tools than the average podcaster, which adds up over time. I would love to find sponsors who believe in the mission of The Black History Buff podcast, as it would allow me to dedicate more time and resources to producing the show and sharing these important stories with a wider audience. If there are any potential sponsors reading this, please feel free to reach out!

Despite the challenges of balancing time and finances, I remain passionate about creating this podcast and sharing the rich history of the African Diaspora with my listeners. I will continue to pour my heart into each episode, ensuring that the subject of Black history remains the star of the show.
 

► What do you gain from podcasting?        

Although I don't currently have sponsors, I'm open to opportunities that align with The Black History Buff podcast's mission and values. Sponsorship could provide financial support, cross-promotion, and resources to help the podcast grow. However, the most significant benefits I've gained are the personal and professional connections with listeners worldwide.

I've had the privilege of speaking with descendants of individuals featured on the show, some of whom were moved to tears by the stories they learned. Listeners from places as far as Russia have reached out to express their appreciation, which has been incredibly humbling and gratifying.

Creating this podcast has allowed me to explore my own heritage, tracing my lineage to the Edo people of Nigeria, and has inspired my son to start his own history podcast. I believe that learning about history and culture is essential for navigating the world today, as the themes and stories from the past often mirror contemporary issues.

Though sponsorship would support the podcast's growth, the true rewards lie in the lives touched, the connections made, and the personal growth experienced through sharing the rich history of the African Diaspora.
 

► How does your podcasting process look like? 

My podcast production process begins with extensive research on a chosen topic or person. I gather information from various sources, saving links and notes using tools like Reflect, Craft Docs, and Readwise. For mind mapping and organizing my ideas, I rely on Mindnode. The Kindle app is my go-to for reading, and I use Grammarly for proofreading all my materials.

Once I have compiled my research notes, I start creating a script. After finalizing the script, I record the episode using a Shure SM7B microphone and Logic Pro X for editing. As I incorporate a significant amount of sound design into my episodes, I source my sounds from Envato, thanks to my yearly subscription. During the editing process, I refine and enhance the audio using various tools and techniques.

In addition to the software mentioned, I use a range of hardware tools to streamline my workflow, including an MX3 mouse, a Stream Deck, and a pair of trust headphones. Although my MacBook Air is starting to show its age, it still gets the job done.

When it comes to interviews, I prioritize my guests' comfort and preferences, using whichever platform or method they find most convenient. While I don't conduct interviews frequently, I always strive to create a welcoming and accommodating environment for my guests.

One of the most significant lessons I've learned in streamlining my editing process is to "produce while I write." This means considering and incorporating sound design elements during the scriptwriting phase, which helps me create a more cohesive and immersive listening experience. Additionally, I've discovered some key editing hacks, such as using the MX3 mouse and the strip silence feature in Logic, which have been game-changers in terms of efficiency and productivity.
 

► How do you market your show?

While I initially promoted The Black History Buff podcast through the usual social media platforms, I have deliberately decided to pull back from this approach in favor of fostering smaller, more intimate connections with my listeners. Instead of relying heavily on social media, I now encourage anyone who wants to engage with my best work to join my newsletter or become a patron on Patreon.

This shift in strategy stems from a growing sense that I was creating content to satisfy algorithms rather than focusing on the real people who value and appreciate my work. The stories and insights I share on my podcast hold deep meaning for both myself and my listeners, and I've come to realize that social media, in its current state, often rewards those who play a certain game—a game I have chosen not to participate in.

By redirecting my efforts towards building a dedicated newsletter audience and nurturing a supportive community on Patreon, I can cultivate more authentic and meaningful relationships with my listeners. This approach allows me to connect with individuals who genuinely resonate with the mission and content of The Black History Buff podcast, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

While this decision may not lead to the rapid, viral growth often associated with successful social media campaigns, I believe that prioritizing quality over quantity when it comes to audience engagement will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and impactful podcasting journey. By staying true to my values and focusing on the listeners who truly appreciate the work I do, I can continue to create content that educates, inspires, and uplifts, one meaningful connection at a time.
 

► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?

As someone who has navigated the podcasting landscape and learned valuable lessons along the way, my advice to new podcasters is twofold: first, focus on playing your own game, and second, prioritize your audience over algorithms.

In an era where social media and online platforms often dictate the rules of engagement, it's easy to get caught up in the chase for likes, shares, and viral success. However, the most fulfilling and impactful podcasting journeys are those that remain true to the creator's unique vision and values. By focusing on the stories you want to tell and the connections you want to forge with your listeners, you can create a podcast that truly resonates with your target audience.

Moreover, it's crucial to remember that your listeners are real people, not just numbers on a dashboard. Prioritizing authentic, meaningful interactions with your audience will not only lead to a more engaged and loyal following but also create a sense of community and shared purpose around your podcast.

As you embark on your podcasting journey, don't be afraid to start with what you have. Perfection is the enemy of progress, and waiting for the ideal equipment, software, or circumstances will only delay your growth. Trust your instincts and your ears—if something sounds off to you, it will likely sound off to your listeners as well. Embrace the learning process and be willing to adapt and improve as you go along.

Remember, podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. By staying true to your unique voice, prioritizing your audience, and consistently putting in the work, you can create a podcast that not only informs and entertains but also leaves a lasting impact on the lives of your listeners.
 

► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?

If you want to learn more about me and access my best work, I invite you to join my Patreon community for free. I'm currently restructuring the tiers to allow people to contribute what they feel comfortable with, while ensuring that everyone has access to the content.

You can sign up for my Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/Blackhistorybuff

To stay updated on the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content, subscribe to my newsletter by visiting: https://steadyhq.com/en/blackhistory/newsletter/sign_up

While I have been focusing more on fostering deeper connections through Patreon and my newsletter, I do still maintain a presence on social media. You can follow me on:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFnYYVD3Mzc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/black_history_buff_777/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/blackhistorybuf
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackhistorybuff?

I look forward to connecting with you and sharing more stories, insights, and conversations that celebrate the rich history of the African Diaspora. Thank you for your support and interest in The Black History Buff podcast.