► Tell us about you and your podcast
Hi there, I’m Stephanie, author and chief Bravemumma. In 2015, I suffered a traumatic childbirth injury that changed my body and my life forever.
I’m now on a mission to share my story and start conversations about how we view childbirth and women's pelvic health. I want to do everything that I can to stop anything like this from happening to my daughter Elsie.
Before becoming a mum I was a teacher, triathlete and small business owner, and was always up for a challenge. But becoming a mumma was the hardest challenge I ever faced.
There’s nothing I’m more grateful for in this world than my healthy children. For years I coped with the invisible side effects and pain that came as a result of my traumatic birth injury - in silence.
Today I’m working hard to be brave enough to speak out about my experiences and become the author of my own story to help other women.
Our podcast is about sharing stories of women around the world with similar experiences and living with pelvic dysfunction. With over 50% of our female population effected by this, we really need to start talking.
No more secret women's business!
We know that when we know better, we can do better. For me finding out about pelvic organ prolapse for the very first time at 35 years old was terrifying. I'd never even heard of it before.
Many women feel alone, ashamed, embarrassed, unseen and unheard when it comes to their pelvic health. We are here to change that.
Our listeners are highly engaged women, who are craving information, support, recommendations and education.
Our demographics are almost shared in equal thirds of women from 25-34, 35-44 and 45-65+
We have a global community of women, living in silence because of the taboo and shame around talking about women's pelvic health.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Why NOT podcasts really!
Since 2019 I've created an online community for women living with pelvic organ prolapse, written and published a book, directed and produced a short film. So podcasting was the natural progression to improving women's health literacy, via another medium.
Yes, I love podcasts.
As a mother, having the ability to multitask with a good podcast while doing the chores is the best. Research has also shown that mothers prefer the podcast medium to be communicated to as it allows them to focus on what's being said without a visual distraction.
Initially the idea around a podcast was it's less intrusive. Meaning if a women is feeling embarrassed or ashamed, they may not want to be seen holding a book about pelvic health. The idea around listening to a podcast is more safe and private from the public eye. We wanted to create a safe space for women to access information.
The Lowdown with Bravemumma launched in Women's Health Week of September 2021.
We released three episodes at the launch, with a new episode every Wednesday for the next 20 weeks.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Every Wednesday with each season planning to span approx. 20-22 weeks at a time.
I would spend an hour prior to interviewing each guest. Our episodes are anywhere from 45 mins to an hour and half. We have a producer who does all of the editing, production and posting. So for me its zero time.
Podcasting and the Bravemumma community are my job. I was born to do this and am blessed I can do this everyday.
The costs exactly are hard to know. It's not been tracked as yet. The production costs are around $250 AUD per episode. This is typically supported through partnerships with brands we are aligned with.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I'd prefer to call it partnership. We work a little differently in that we offer equal value to our partners through various methods.
Our first partner decided to work with us prior to launch. This was because we agreed on what we could do for them and what they could do to support us.
We continue working in partnership because its much more valuable to have long lasting relationships with the right brands. The ones that can actually bring value to our community.
Podcasting fills my cup. Knowing with each conversation we are making a difference to our future girls and their health.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
We have a waitlist of guests who want to either share their story or provide information and education about pelvic health.
To prepare, first I ask each guest to complete a set of questions to ensure we are the right fit for one another. Then once it's approved, I do a little research on the guest and send them everything they need prior to the interview.
We meet in Zoom and enjoy a cup of tea and chat for an hour or so. It's great!
After each episode I voice record my show notes that transcribe into a GDrive doc for publishing.
► How do you market your show?
Podbean give some stats around where people are located, times they listen etc. I have not payed close attention to any of these as yet.
We use our community in FB, IG and Direct email. I'm not sure which one is yielding the most responses to the podcast as yet.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
That it's okay to just start and learn as you go. You don't need to have everything perfect to get going. You'll improve and find ways to do things that are easier along the way.
Podcasting is time consuming. Be okay with wanting to spend a lot of time doing it.
I like:
- 'Grow the Show' by Kevin Chemidlin
- The Cathy Heller Show
- Youtube! You can find anything about podcasts there.