REcoding social norms, and letting society know we are more united than we may consciously feel

I am a native of Southern California in the Los Angeles area. Growing up in a large city with large schools; it was easy to feel overwhelmed with emotions while trying to find my way and sense of self. I created this podcast to let listeners know that the thoughts they may not feel comfortable to speak about outloud is normal, and it happens. I wish to recode social norms by being a voice for the timid or unsure, and share thought patterns that may be used to reach conscious self-awareness and healthy mental reasoning.
 

Podcasts are intimate, and I began this podcast to deliver a direct conversation style of content. I listen to podcasts, and I enjoy when I feel isolated with just myself and the host, because I can resonate with the conversation and be comfortable sorting out my thoughts in my own head at a time I feel prepared to understand and process what information is being given to me.
 

I release episode(s) every week, and I make the time by flexibly working from home. It usually takes no more than 1-2 hours to produce an episode from a technical standpoint. But overall it can take a few days, because I like to revisit my episodes to make sure the quality of information is the best I feel I can produce. I luckily was gifted with some equipment, but overall I have spent a few hundreds in the end on advertising, equipment, and hosting platforms and servers. I fund my podcast myself by working my full time job.
 

I gain the satisfaction of knowing that I have taken a step to help pour value into others with my podcast. I do not have sponsorships, I have never reached out for sponsors, and this month I have had about 300 downloads. Knowing that I have offered a chance to serve help, and know that it may have helped a listener is what completes me.
 

I have a micro-podcast, and a small room with a cat and dog. So I use my makeshift studio that takes half of my closet space, my chromebook with a free audio app, a Blue Yeti, a refurbished wired Beats by Dre headphones, and a half circled table top pop filter to create my podcast. I write out bases I wish to touch on in an episode, and I will naturally hold a conversation. I will wait and review episodes later on after a mind relaxation and reset to see if I feel as though I communicated all that I wished to provide for listeners.
 

I only market through my social media pages. I encourage those to listen and will autoshare to other platforms to save time. Instagram is my biggest following despite low engagement with about 2,500 followers. I use Facebook even with 0 followers on my page, but I still post on the page and utilize stories, and I have my website I built where I try to communicate as much information as I can for those that stumble across it on their own without a post or reference from myself.
 

My only advice to aspiring podcasters is to just have fun, and stick to your "why" and reasoning. When it gets tough; remind yourself why you began your journey. Utilize all resources, and be sure to cross reference sources and data to make sure you are getting the correct and most up to date information.
 

More can be learned about myself and my podcast on my instagram page and website listed below.
https://www.shelitlikeitis.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shelcierra