Discuss The Characteristics & Practices That Can Help Us Live Happier

I'm Kim Forrester: a nature lover, global traveller, holistic well-being advocate and kindness enthusiast. As an award-winning author, educator and consultant, I combine cutting edge science with spiritual philosophy to inspire holistic well-being and fullness of living. I am the producer and host of the Eudaemonia podcast, where I interview researchers, experts and ‘inspiring examples’ about the characteristics and practices that can help us live happier, more fulfilling lives. On each episode, I focus on a specific trait and explore how we can integrate this virtue into our lives and amplify it in our world. Intelligent, intriguing and authentic, the Eudaemonia podcast offers an inspirational and thought-provoking view of what it means to ‘flourish’ in life.

Eudaemonia began as a book idea. However, over time, I realised that this important information would be more accessible and more entertaining if I shared it via a broadcast medium. The goal has always been, and still remains, to create authentic, inspiring content that can cut through the overwhelming negativity in our information diet, and remind people of the power of 'goodness'. I recorded my very first interview in early January 2019, and released the episode a few weeks later. Since then, my podcast quality has improved immensely, but I am still proud of the 'leap of faith' I took in those early episodes, and the content I generated.

I know myself, and I know that I thrive on short-term projects; ones where I can commit 100% of myself for a few weeks and then settle back to recharge my inspiration and creative energy. For this reason, I run in seasons; I produce a weekly podcast for seven weeks, and then have six weeks off before the next season. Each episode is carefully researched and prepared, and I now do all the editing and promotional prep myself. Therefore, one episode can take 5 - 10 hours of work to produce. I am lucky that I work in my own business, rather than in a day job, and I simply love, love, LOVE creating my podcast, so I'm happy to work weekends and nights on each Eudaemonia episode. I fund the podcast myself. However, I have found that the outlay is minimal (there are a lot of free and cheap podcast offerings out there) and I approach these costs as if I am funding a favourite hobby or past-time.

Although I am open to sponsorship, the integrity of my show and my message is absolutely paramount - I would have to be engaging with a brand that truly resonates with what I am trying to achieve. For me, the emotional rewards are immeasurable. Not only do I get to spend my time creating something that is deeply meaningful for me, but I also get to interview and connect with some of the most inspiring people on our planet. In short, when it comes to Eudaemonia, I measure any gains in terms of personal fulfilment rather than financial reward ... and I regard myself as very rich, indeed.

Research and approaching the right interview guests is vital for my show's success. For me, the Amazon book section is a wonderful resource where I can easily find credible experts on specific topics. I find an expert who has written a book on the trait I want to discuss, and I make contact via their website or publicist. (I am grateful that, now, people are also beginning to approach me for interviews). My last birthday gift was a Blue Yeti podcast mic, so I am delighted with my current recording hardware. I record all my interviews on Zencastr (I have a free account), and use Adobe Audition for my audio editing. Each episode is hosted on Buzzsprout (for a few dollars a month) and I use Otter.ai (also inexpensive) to create podcast transcripts. Finally, I create a short promo video for each episode using the Wavve.co online platform - these videos go out on my social media feeds when the episode is released. As mentioned previously, the integrity and content of my show is really important to me so before each interview, I carefully research and prepare a long list of talking points/questions. I send these to my guests a few days prior to our interview so that they have time to understand the intent of our chat, and to prepare really insightful answers.

My guests are often very credible with a wide reach on social media, and I am really grateful that most of them choose to share their interviews. I have noticed a slow but steady increase in listeners from this process, alone. I also share each episode widely on my social media platforms. I have signed up for every podcast directory known to man, and ensure that each episode is transcribed to help capture Google's attention. My largest audience, by far, is through Apple Podcasts, but my Buzzsprout platform (direct link) will often get a hit when a particularly well-known guest shares an episode with their network.

First of all, do what you love, because you love it. Listener numbers are very rarely what you imagine they will be, and it may be quite some time before you are able to monetise your show. Both of these factors can be disheartening, but if you are personally inspired and fulfilled by what you are creating, you will have an inherent reason to dig in and keep creating. For me, the Buzzsprout community has been amazing - the team there are constantly providing great advice and support. I'm sure other rss hosts provide the same sort of support - if so, pay attention. Finally, don't be afraid to learn new skills and stretch your own capabilities. It is impossible for me to measure the editing and recording skills I have learned from YouTube videos! And I'm still learning more, every day. Your early work may not be perfect (or even great) but don't judge yourself on these elementary phases. Celebrate all that you are learning, and congratulate yourself for putting yourself out there. For more about me and the Eudaemonia podcast, please visit eudaemoniapod.com

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