► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is Gabriella Hoffman. I'm an award-winning outdoor writer, media strategist, columnist, and podcaster/freelance journalist. I host the District of Conservation podcast. I talk about the Great Outdoors (fishing, hunting, conservation) and the intersection of public policy.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I noticed there were few women outdoor podcast hosts—especially those who grew up in and around cities and those who work close to Washington, D.C. I launched District of Conservation in September 2018 and the first episode was released immediately within launching.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I record 1-2 episodes a week and have a great partner —a client— backing the show. I used to podcast without financial assistance but now get some backing. (Which is an added bonus.) I record, edit, write, and publish podcast episodes.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I use podcasting as an educational tool for covering underreported conservation and energy-related news and profile up-and-coming voices/established newsmakers.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I record on an Audio Technica mic using GarageBand for editing. Once I achieve a clip that's satisfactory and to my liking, I upload it to Anchor.fm to be distributed.
As for topics and guests, I see what's trending in the news or is breaking and I lean on my contacts in government, media, private sector, nonprofit space to find and identify guests or bring on returning ones.
► How do you market your show?
I market the show over social media, blog posts, and sometimes embed episodes into my weekly columns.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Unless you're established, don't create an eponymous show. It'll take a while for you to build up a dedicated following.