► Tell us about you and your podcast
I began learning martial arts in 1989. After years of practicing and teaching, I became a magazine columnist for martial art magazines, wrote several martial art and positivity related books, started a blog and then began this amazing podcast. In this podcast, I interview martial art woman all over the world about their martial art experiences, but more importantly, how martial arts affect their daily lives or how they have overcome difficult or traumatic times in their lives because of their martial art training. It is an eye opener to see how incredibly strong, talented, loving, and empowered these women are.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I began this podcast because I personally have been interviewed on many podcasts. In one of those interviews, I thought to myself, "I can do this, too!" and then I began my podcast the very next days. My motivation was to provide a platform where women martial artists can tell their stories. Martial arts are still very male dominated and it is often the opinions of men that shape the culture of martial arts. I released my first interview within a few weeks of setting up my podcast platform and deciding who to interview. Since, I have interviewed martial art women all over the world who share the most amazing stories of perseverence and empowerment.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I initially released episodes weekly, but they are time consuming for editing. Now, I publish about one per month. Interviews last an hour then it takes another couple of hours to edit. With a day job, I usually do the interviews andthe edits on the weekends. I have some small ads but fund mostly everything myself.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I take sponsorships but they are minimal. The platform on which I publish offers some minimal sponsorships. The benefit for me is the inspiration that these women provide. Also, podcasting gives me credibility in the martial art world.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use a simple podcast platform and record on my phone. I use Skype. The platform has simple editing functions and music that I use. I have a large social media following and I know many martial art women who want to be on the show. Sometimes others refer me or suggest someone, or a martial art woman reaches out to me. This podcast is interviews of only martial art women.
► How do you market your show?
Marketing is done on social media platforms, mostly Facebook and LinkedIn. It is also published on all major podcast platforms.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Stop procrastinating. Find a simple platform to begin and simple tools, like your phone, to record. You do not need to go out and spend a lot of money on microphones and other equipment to get started.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
My podcast: https://anchor.fm/andrea-harkins
My blog: www.themartialartswoman.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.harkins.75
Books:
The Martial Arts Woman book:https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213
Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263