► Tell us about you and your podcast
As a former performer and radio host I wanted to tackle podcasts as a way to share information to help older Americans while also discussing current events. My listeners range in age from 35-85 and are spread from Ecuador to the Inited Kingdom with most in the United States.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I currently work in a social service capacity for seniors and was dismayed at how many are alone, suffering food insecurity and face homelessness and medical emergencies on a daily basis. There was such a lack of easy to find information for them and their families that I decided to start the podcast to talk about these issues and share what I can to help. I began the podcast in late-May, 2023 and I've just released my 11th episode. At this time I try to release on a regular basis every other week.
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► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I release an episode every two weeks. If there is a newsworthy issue to discuss I usually drop a special episode. I do work a FT job so actual recording time is hard to find but I do it. During the week I plot the next episode and record when I have enough days to edit to my satisfaction. I fund it all myself right now and dream of the day when this might be my job. I do have someone who assists with marketing as I don't have enough time to do that when I'm not producing revenue.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
No sponsors. No ads. The show is only 3 months old so no surprise there. I would welcome any sponsors or advertisers who want to support me and I'll sell the stuffing out of their product.The benefit for me is that maybe somewhere, sometimes I provide guidance that helps someone. In every episode I remind my listeners that if they do nothing else that day, just be kind. One episode was dedicated to the concept of everyday kindness
► How does your podcasting process look like?
At this time I have not had guests or interviews but I'm in the process of preparing my first ones soon. I record on Anchor/Spotify and edit there too. I use Buzzsprout to distribute to other players.
► How do you market your show?
Social media has been the best tool so far for marketing. But I feel I need to make the move now and up my marketing game. Money is an issue. I use Facebook and Instagram now for social outreach. I recently uploaded to YouTube for a few episodes to see how that does.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Watch everything Pat Flynn has out on YouTube. Read Big Podcast by David Hooper. He also has a good podcast. My advice is to prep by doing 3 to 4 episodes that no-one will hear but you. Then tweak those to be your first episodes and when you feel ready, release them at one time. And believe in yourself. Stopping after 7 episodes isn't an option. Finally, don't rely on family or close friends to support you and don't be mad ehen they don't. They hear you pontificate all the time so they probably won't tune in to hear you do it when they are away from you.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
Billmonty04@gmail.com or my facebook group, Bill Monty's Guide To Getting Older, which is private for now so you have to ask to join. I'm most easily accessed on Spotify, Amazon Music and iHeartRadio. And now, Listen Notes. 😁