► Tell us about you and your podcast
I'm Carter, the host and creator of Touched Out! A Mental Health and Parenting Podcast. The show dives deep into the real, raw, and often unspoken sides of parenting, mental health, and the complex emotions that come with both. I bring my own experiences as a neurodivergent parent—alongside unique insights from my guests—to explore topics that parents and caregivers often feel too overwhelmed, embarrassed, or isolated to talk about openly
Our listeners are typically parents, caregivers, and mental health advocates who are searching for honesty and a sense of solidarity. They come to us for insights on topics like burnout, self-care, and intentional parenting, especially when they feel out of sync with traditional advice. It’s a space for people who value authenticity, vulnerability, and the power of shared experience. This year, we were even honored with the 2024 Australian Parenting Podcast Of The Year award, which was a huge boost and validation of the work we're doing to build community around these important conversations.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started Touched Out! to create a safe, validating space for parents and caregivers dealing with the mental health challenges that are often overlooked in mainstream parenting conversations. As a neurodivergent parent, I felt there was a need for honest discussions on burnout, emotional overwhelm, and self-care, allowing people to feel seen and less alone.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Balancing podcasting with my other commitments can be challenging, but I make it work by releasing episodes when I have capacity for it whilst balancing a full time job in Mental Health as well as Family commitments. I prioritize quality over quantity, which lets me manage time better. Each episode takes roughly 4-5 hours to produce, including recording, editing, and promotion. I funded the podcast myself, covering hosting, editing software, and marketing. I was incredibly blessed to have received an entirely new podcast set up courtesy of DJ City who loved what I was doing in the Mental Health Space.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
The personal growth, connections, and community support have been incredible rewards. I do not receive sponsorship however I have run ads through the podcast for small businesses that I believe in and that align with my core values. In return I have received their products and I have made small amounts here and there through merch sales. The podcast recently surpassed 5000 total downloads which may seem like a small number to established and popular podcasts but that's 5000 chances that my podcast has helped someone who just needed to hear that episode then and there. That's worth a lot more to me.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use a Rodecaster Pro II with a Rode PodMic. I record via Riverside FM, Edit in Audacity and Descript and publish to Buzzsprout. I find my guests through Social Media and personal connections.
► How do you market your show?
Until recently I marketed through various social media platforms however I have taken a step away from social media to focus on my mental health and my family. Currently the best way to find me is through my website www.touchedout.com or via LinkedIn.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
When I started my podcasting journey I read a statistic that said 90% of podcasts don't make it past 5 episodes. I was shocked by this statistic but fast forward to now with 35 episodes released it makes so much sense. You really have to love the niche you choose. It's almost a selfish thing to create a podcast, for me it was anyway. I resonate deeply with the content I create and the stories my guests share. I always think about it from the angle of "would i want to listen to this episode?" and i've never released an episode that i'm not personally excited to listen to again once it's live.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find all the information about me and Touched Out! at www.touchedout.com
There are links to buy merch, donate and contact me through there. Please be sure to subscribe and drop a rate/review :)