► Tell us about you and your podcast
Johnathon Davis (host), & Leon Davis, Jr. (host/father).
We pride ourselves in being the "voice for the voiceless" within the black male culture. BMVT represents the common voice for the black men of Nashville. We have had a total of 8 seasons ranging from topics such as abuse, depression, marriage & relationships, and even held a season highlighting black owned businesses in Nashville. All topics are "vented" about from a black mans perspective in hopes of giving other cultures in our community more insight on truly what goes on in the mind of a black man each and every day.
Our listeners range from 18-65 years old, men and women collectively, and truly appreciate the rawness and authenticity we provide on our platform. We talk about what others won't, and I think our audience loves that edginess without being judgmental of our guests.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Podcast was a way that my dad and I figured we could give back to our community. We both love to talk, we love the skin we're in, and we love the city of Nashville. Black Men Vent Too was born based off those 3 key things. Personally, I do listen to a lot of podcasts so I am supporting others, gaining knowledge off their content, and ultimately just seeing what's done differently that I could add to our platform so we're constantly improving.
The initial goal was to again be the voice for the voiceless in our city. The black culture for years have been known to statistically show black men incarcerations at a high rate. If you do the crime, you do the time, but our question is what was the mental state of that black male individual prior to the crime being committed? A lot of black men are scarred, afraid, and although it doesn't warrant an excuse for doing wrong, we still want to help that black man by providing him with a platform to vent and clear his mind. That's been the ultimate motivation.
August of 2021 we began our podcast.
Took roughly a week to get the first episode together.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
We release content every Monday @11am, typically (editing and all) it takes about 2-3 hours for a successful podcast episode.
Its SO HARD to find the time, I have learned that over the course of our 6-7 month existence. But my dad and I are passionate about what we do. So we always make time to make sure we're doing our due diligence for the city of Nashville.
We don't spend a ton of money per month with the podcast. Here and there, we will "boost" episodes and sponsorship postings on Facebook and Instagram platforms that cost anywhere between $5-$50 to promote each one. So roughly about $300-$500 is used to promote, advertise, and buy various equipment month in and month out.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Yes; we take sponsorship. Currently we are only sponsored by the platform that we use (Anchor).
The Anchor app presented us with the opportunity when we reached an average of 40 listeners per episode late last year.
The only way we're able to find sponsorship is if I reach out to those who offer them. Our downloads have ranged differently each month because we do each month as a season, so some season downloads are higher than others. Approximate average of monthly downloads is about 35 total.
Podcasting, if it has done anything, has made me closer to my dad. We have always had a close knit relationship, but being able to do the podcast together as a father and son tandem truly is rewarding.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
The only audio editing softwares we use are the ones embedded in the Anchor app. We also have a soundboard and microphones hooked to our laptop. Guests are determined based off of our better judgement on whether or not we think they'll best fit what we're trying to do. My dad and I reach out to these people and, if willing, we get schedules together and go from there.
We have done in person interviews as well as Zoom.
► How do you market your show?
Spotify 51% , Apple Podcast 27% , Anchor 9% , Facebook 5% , Web Browser 4%.
Facebook for sure is our most popularized social media platform. We also have an Instagram (blackmenvent_2) as well as a LinkedIn and Youtube that is under construction.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Podcasting, when you really want to take it to the next level, is TIME CONSUMING! You have to be able to balance it within your 9-5, family life, hobbies, church, or whatever it is you do. I would say I had podcasting resources to start out, but in all honesty me and my dad just dove in head first and learned as we went. And as a result, we have been heard in over 15 countries, collaborated with many other podcasts on their show, posted in 3 magazines, and recognized as podcast of the month by an Atlanta based magazine called The Heat Seekers.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
Podcast of the Month: https://issuu.com/theheatseekers/docs/theheatseekers_sept2021/s/13362488
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Y6n5vsIZkjXntLP7h49GK
Facebook: Type in search bar "Black Men Vent Too"