Telling the stories of our Rainbow community . . . your stories

Tales of the LGBTQ+ is a weekly video and audio podcast that showcases the remarkable people within our LGBTQ+ family and their stories. By listening to our stories, we gain insight, understanding and connection. Let’s connect while being introduced to amazing people and topics!

The goal of the podcast is to take people's various stories and have them be shared with everyone. We focus on the past, present and future and no topics are off-base. We want people to listen and recognize themselves in others.

The listeners belong to all walks of life, ages, gender, allies, and LGBTQ+.
 

I never listened to a lot of podcasts before beginning 'Tales of the LGBTQ+'. Since beginning the podcast, I have discovered so many different podcasts that are amazing.

For me, it was the pandemic that caused me to shelter myself and not be out and about. Not having access to people in person caused me stress, and I needed an outlet to discover people again. I am a teacher by trade and love asking questions to get to know people. The podcast allows me to do just that To meet interesting people with a story to tell and I get to ask questions to explore who they are.

I began the podcast in March of 2021 and I currently have over 30 episodes. Many are based in the local community I am from; however, their stories are universal. From musicians to activists to leaders, we all have a story to tell and the 'Tales of the LGBTQ+' podcast provides a platform. From the start of the first episode to the first release, it took me two weeks. I didn't sit on the idea for very long as I jumped right into action

The goal is to reach as many listeners as possible and for people to see themselves in the story.
 

I release a new episode every week. I did do two episodes a week during the Summer months as I knew I would have to take an extended break at the end of Summer due to work commitments.

At the beginning, I did hire an editor to help in putting together the podcast as it is also a visual podcast in addition to the audio. I have since strayed away from that due to cost plus also wanting to not edit out the rawness of the stories. I realized that certain 'ummms and ahhhs' do add gravitas to the story and it is my preferred way to listen. I know may do gravitate to the glossed sounds and whistles and I may do that someday; however, its not right for the podcast here and now.

I use 'Buy Me a Coffee' as a way for people to support on a one time or on going basis. I have looked into other ways to monetize the podcast, but I haven't moved forward on anything at this point.

It is difficult to juggle a podcast with a day job. I had to take a break from podcasting for that very reason. The main issue is having the time to promote the podcast to everyone as that is the main issue when it comes to podcasting for me. I know the product is excellent but promoting takes time and it is difficult to do properly.
 

Podcasting benefits me as I have learned so much about LGBTQ+ history as well as the creators/activists leading the way today and into the future. It has opened up friendships and connections I would never have imagined possible. it has allowed me to enter into parts of the Rainbow community I never knew about before.
 

I use Streamyard which streams to my YouTube site. From there, I do any editing right from my YouTube channel. Once that is completed, I will download the Youtube link to a MP3 and transfer the file to my Buzzsprout site.

Preparation is relatively easy for each episode as a lot of it is research into the different topics my guest will bring forth. From there it is a matter of listening and asking questions to shed light on the topic.

Everything is don online through Streamyard. I have conducted interviews through Riverside.fm which works well too. I do not use it as often anymore as I do not have the tech ability (ie. Patience) to piece the different files together. So, Streamyard works well for what I need.

I try to make sure my hair is right and I have no food in my teeth (visual podcast). Press start and hope not to fumble my words.
 

I use YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts as my primary tools, so listeners can find 'Tales of the LGBTQ+' on those platforms. At the beginning most of my listeners were via Youtube but I have noticed that it is evening out more. Perhaps people do not want to see my face on the screen!?!? I am happy regardless with people listening no matter what.

Spotify and Youtube is approx. 35% of my listens. The remaining 30% is from Apple Podcasts and other smaller audio platforms.

It is best to send Facebook messages to each person telling them a new episode is out, but I also like to have friends not be mad at me so I do stay away from that as much as possible.
 

I didn't think I would love it as much as I do. When I took the break from podcasting due to work, I felt the craving big time. It was a void I was missing and it was gnawing at me. I am shocked I fell in love with it as much as I have. I certainly didn't think it would be as part of my life as it has.

I am greatly appreciative of the platform.
 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCstIdi1xsxo48I_cQQd7vaQ
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1560717465
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7gTIMAUu15Msnmxk24aTtp
Buy Me a Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TalesLGBTQ+
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/117719556921789