► Tell us about you and your podcast
America Speaks Podcast: for the past eighteen years photojournalist Tish Lampert has documented the ongoing the political and human rights issues that have compelled Americans to stand up and speak out. Her lens has captured the leading critical social uprisings of our era.
In an effort to inspire moral consciousness and give voice to today’s heroes on the front-lines the America Speaks Podcast is born. Our listeners are smart free thinkers, of all ages, who are actively participating in activism, and to ensure a positive direction for the future of the U.S.. From today's youth to those who have been on the front lines for generations.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
As a photojournalist for over forty years, in the U.S. and across the world, I felt it was time to go beyond the power of a photograph to engage in groundbreaking conversation to define what's at stake - a parallel to my forthcoming archival book coming out end of September. From the beginning I have had an extraordinary response from acclaimed personalites, celebrities, authors, political leaders and veteran journalists, who are a part of our line-up.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I saw the importance of putting together a great team - who have for the most part volunteered so we could bring the nation, and the world, these unusual conversations.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
My work is a brand. I have a book, a podcast and exhibitions that all work together to engage the listener, the viewer and the creators to inform with a wide lens. This full embodiment of America Speaks allows me to promote my forthcoming book. I will be seeking sponsorship come June 15th.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I am very blessed to be working with a world class editor: James Coblentz, who has extensive experience crafting dramatic and documentary film, TV, and audio. The guests I have approached and who have approached me are those I have worked with or met on the trail, in the past 18 years, since I first began my book. From our first episode with acclaimed actor Martin Sheen to my conversation with Nobel Laureate Jonathan Granoff, to a compelling discussion with CBS veteran news producer Robert Richter who produced Walter Cronkite's news hour for 15 yrs and, to the previous Under Secretary General of the United Nations, and to the current candidate to be president of the Navajo Nation, and to candidates who are changing the political scene today, in the upcoming 2018 elections; these are all people who have supported my work.
My preparation inter-weaves historic relevance with the contemporary stakes of the topic being discussed. I thread in the work my guest has done, a parallel to how it affects average Americans, so as to give relatable context to each of our episodes. We usually record on a high resolutions audio system on skype. Or we record in person, on the trail.
► How do you market your show?
We are at the beginning of the marketing process. I have a cracker jack team headed by Oscar Bautista and Kim Langbecker. Tanita Enderes designed the website. We are delighted that through word of mouth, and being on the radio on KSFR FM every Monday A.M. on their news hour- Wake Up Call with Tom Trowbridge where they spotlight our show, we have gained attention. We look forward to seeking multiple additional resources to tell folks how to find us.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
I am an avid podcast listener. I have been inspired most recently by Preet Bharara's Stay Tuned With Preet, and for many years by tuning in to: Brad Friedman's Bradblog, and Randi Rhodes; as a way to enlarge my scope of political understanding beyond my daily news gathering appetite. I think having role models has helped me develop my style, and also see how I can individuate my conversations, to have my imprint. Considering that I have covered human rights and social activism for decades through my lens, I am molding the audio version of story telling by focusing on the narrative of those fighting on the front lines today. My learning curve with creating this balance is ongoing. I must say I do feel handicapped to not have my camera to capture an authentic or emotional moment in conversation. To memorialize that feeling visually.