► Tell us about you and your podcast
Leslie Krongold, EdD. My podcast, Glass Half Full, explores positive ways to cope with a chronic health condition or disability. Podcast episodes fall into either of these categories: (1) interview with an individual who lives life with passion while also facing adverse challenges; (2) interview with an alternative health practitioner about a modality known to be helpful for certain chronic health conditions; or (3) variety of individuals discussing a theme of interest relevant to people with physical/emotional health challenges.
The listeners range from people with physical/emotional health challenges as well as others who are focused on health & wellness.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
After facilitating support groups for nearly 20 years, I decided to evolve my interests and talents to podcasting.
Truthfully, I wasn't a podcast listener until my spouse turned me on to this medium a little over 2 years ago. I loved "Serial" and found a few podcasts with a similar niche as the one I wanted to create. Often I found the chit chat between multiple hosts annoying and "clique-ish," and I vowed to create an environment of an inclusive community. I hope I've done this. Also, editing is important.
My first episode was March 2016. I've tried my best to publish an episode every 2 weeks. I did an online podcast training in January of 2016, bought the equipment, and voila!
My goals remain the same -- explore interesting topics of interest for people struggling physically and emotionally with the hopes of offering practical tips, hope, and levity. Although I have a rare disease I see so much common ground with adults dealing with all types of adversity. We can learn from each other.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
As previously mentioned, I try to publish every two weeks. Initial funding came from my pocket. I have a GoFundMe site which has brought in some compensation but it's quite a labor of love for me. For the last six years I have been on permanent disability so the limited energy I have is partially spent on this pursuit, which I love.
The time spent on each episode varies, i.e. initial recorded sound quality, number of individuals included in the episode, how artsy I want to be. I do love my sound effects library.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I am just beginning to explore sponsorship though I am very tentative about affiliating with companies that I don't use or believe in.
I have a background in film and multimedia so podcasting allows me to use those skills and talents. I wish I could have continued my career but this is the next best thing...a little glass half full perspective.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I'm on a Mac desktop. I use a Roland recorder for in-person interviews and Skype for all others. I edit in Adobe Audition. Libsyn is my media server.
How don't I find guests? I read a lot and when I'm inspired, I pursue. Few have turned me down. I attend different events, i.e. accessible yoga, health & wellness expos, alternative health classes, to see what's going on and meet people who have something powerful to share.
I transcribe audio interviews. Consider options. Sometimes I shelve an interview for awhile until another tangent arises that helps flesh out that interview. I edit on paper, write and record my portion, and edit in Audition.
► How do you market your show?
Since I'm a one-woman show, and I have limited energy resources, I feel like I'm never doing enough to promote the show. I wish I could spend more time on social media...but...I tend to focus more on the content of the show.
Facebook advertising helped drive traffic to the show's facebook page but in the past month Facebook closed my account. I still can't find a human to talk with about this. I'm now spending my ad money with Google AdWords.
The biggest bumps in downloads comes when a guest has a built-in audience and shares the episode with them.
I publish email newsletters a couple of times each year to remind people of the awesome podcast episodes available 24/7. Unfortunately, a lot of my "listeners" are not podcast fans, don't know how to subscribe, and need reminders.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
I attended The Podcast Movement conference last year which was very informative. I recommend it...but...it's bittersweet. I realized you have to get thousands of downloads per episode to really be noticed. And I'm just not there yet.
As much of life has taught me, love the journey to the destination. I enjoy the process -- interviewing, editing, getting feedback from listeners. Sure, I'd love to make some pocket change but there is a real joy to knowing you've helped lighten the load for someone.