This podcast is about self-improvement within ourselves, and help share other people's point of view in life or society

My name is Isaiah Smith. I am currently a college student. My podcast "The Zaya Show" is heavily focused on the LGBTQIA+ community. The main goal of this podcast to help others be their authentic self. Regardless of your sexuality, religion, gender, etc.. we all deserve to be our true self without the judgement of others. My listeners known as "The Zays" are people who love, care, and working to be their true self.
 

I started listening to podcasts during the pandemic in 2020 to help me feel a sense of normalcy. My initial goal and motivation of doing a podcast is to be an example of you can be your authentic self no matter what people would say. Being a podcast host, I'm more focused on being the voice for people who can't share their emotions or experiences because of fear. I started this podcast on December 5, 2020, and it only took me 3 hours to release my very first episode.
 

I release an episode every Wednesday at 9:30am CST. The length it takes to produce an episode could take from a day to a week depending on the subject matter or guest appearances. Since I'm a college student, I mainly record my episodes during the weekend. Also to remain consistent, I record my episodes two weeks prior before releasing to edit and promote.
 

I do take sponsorship from Anchor, I currently have $1.85. I got my first sponsorship when I joined Anchor. The focus on sponsorship is not my top priority. This podcast is more than the money. I have met amazing people, build connections with other opportunities, and help people discover who they truly are.
 

The way I find my guests to interview is heavily through Instagram. I only have guests who stories speak volumes, and who could translate the purpose of my podcast through a different perspective. The way I interview my guest is typical through Anchor "via audio". I prepare each episode with a list of topics such as "Coming Out, Dating Apps, or Pride". Then I create the outline, along with the title. After these steps I then build the episode release within the season, which also change within the season premiere.
 

My listeners find my show 50% from Spotify, 11% from Anchor, 10% from Apple Podcast, and 7% Overcast. I mainly market my podcast through social media such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter. This is most useful for me because I get to connect with other podcasters quickly, and build a relationship with my listeners.
 

The things I've learned on my journey with "The Zaya Show" is results will come with time. I thought after I released at least three episodes I would be building a community quicker. However, I learned that consistency is key especially with creating content. I only take two weeks off after the season wrap, and pre record episodes just incase if I am sick or busy with school. Another thing I learned is you have to have creative ideas for your podcast brand. Believe it or not you're podcast is a brand, and depending on your goals the way you achieve this will vary. For example, I want to build a personal relationship with my listeners. With this goal my tactics will be different because it's authentic. You have to be authentic and create a vibe with your listeners. One helpful resource I use till this day is Pod Sound School on YouTube. They help you with the start up and building a brand.
 

You could learn more about me and "The Zaya Show" by the following links:
INSTAGRAM: the_zaya_show
ANCHOR: https://anchor.fm/isaiah-smith68
GOOGLE PODCAST: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMWQ2ZDI0MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yM3HPC63JEqa5cU0X91sU
RADIO PUBLIC: https://radiopublic.com/im-so-gay-WJn7w1