A mindfulness podcast for kids

I have a background as an independent filmmaker, audio engineer, and non-profit creative director. I'm also a dad to two daughters, and a huge Mister Rogers fan who has always dreamed of producing children's media, with a focus on social and emotional learning. Like You helps kids learn about themselves, their feelings, and the world around them, and gives them tools for managing difficult emotions. It is a calm but entertaining listening experience that encourages active participation from listeners. Our listeners are mostly kids, ages 3-8, as well as parents, teachers, or anyone who wants to get more in touch with their inner child.
 

I listen to lots of podcasts, and I wanted something like this podcast to exist for my kids. I also think podcasting is a great medium for kids, since it offers screen free entertainment. My initial goal hasn't changed since launching the podcast. That goal is to give kids tools and resources for managing difficult emotions and developing a positive self image. I knew many adults who found mindfulness to be an effective tool for these things, and I didn't see any reason why kids wouldn't benefit from mindfulness as well. I developed the idea in the fall of 2019, and spent several months writing and recording before launching my first episode in January 2020. Of course, I had no idea the pandemic would occur several months later. After more than a year of virtual learning and limited social interaction, I think the general public is more focused than ever on the importance of providing support for children's mental well-being.
 

I release a new ~15 minute episode every Tuesday morning. Each episode takes roughly 2-4 hours to produce, including writing, recording, and mixing. I am self-employed as a freelance video and audio producer, so I have a flexible schedule and am able to find spare time each week to work on the podcast. It is mostly self-funded, though I have a Patreon account that helps support some of my costs, which mainly include web hosting and podcast hosting. Eventually, I hope to find ways of making the podcast more financially sustainable so I can focus more time and attention on producing and growing the podcast through marketing.
 

I haven't yet taken any sponsors, though I may consider doing so in the future. There are some unique challenges to adding sponsors to a children's mindfulness podcast. For instance, I would never want to insert a mid-roll advertisement that completely interrupts the intentionally calm and mindful experience of listening to the podcast. Podcasting has been a benefit to my career, as I hope to continue to build a career in children's media, through podcasting as well as eventually video, TV, and books. Podcasting has given me an opportunity to establish a voice and a track record for producing quality kids' content.
 

I have a degree in audio engineering, so I already had a small home studio and lots of experience in audio production. I use a Shure SM7B microphone with an Apogee Quartet interface/pre-amp to record using Logic Pro software on a Mac mini computer. I also mix, edit, and record songs using Logic. I do all the editing and recording myself. I don't do interviews, but I do have occasional guest contributors who share affirmations or guide exercises. For guests, I coach them through how they can get good audio based one what they have available. Some guests have had access to a USB mic, others have used their earbuds' microphone to recording using a voice memo app on their phone. I also take listener submissions, which are usually recorded on a smart phone and emailed to me to include. I write a script for every episode, which often includes an original song as well. I used to record my VoiceOver and then mix the episode later adding backing music, but these days I've found it easiest to mix while recording. I will add instrumental music for each segment as I begin recording my voice. By the time I'm done recording, it's about 90% mixed and I just do a quick pass to adjust levels, add crossfades, etc.
 

My marketing have been mostly word of mouth organic growth. I tried a few ads on instagram during the first year, but probably only spent a couple of hundred dollars all together. I try to find ways of collaborating and cross-promoting with other kids podcasters, and found it helpful to become a member of Kids Listen, which is a grassroots community of podcasters making shows for kids. My podcast is hosted and distributed using SimpleCast, which sends my show virtually everywhere you can listen to podcasts. Simplecast also provides basic analytics, which show me that roughly 50% of my listens happen through Apple Podcasts, 12% through Spotify, and the rest through various other podcast platforms. I also have a website (www.likeyoupodcast.com) where people can listen and learn about the show. Most of my active social engagement happens through Instagram.
 

My advice to new podcasters would be to find a community of support, whether it is other podcasters, or some group that relates to the theme and content of your show. Plug-in there and ask for advice, while also contributing from your own experiences. I would also recommend pre-recording multiple episodes before launch (unless it's a news/current events podcast). Being consistent and regular with your releases is very helpful in building and sustaining audience engagement.
 

Our website is www.likeyoupodcast.com. You can support us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/likeyoupodcast, and you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter - we are @likeyoupod on all social platforms.