The Significance of Others explores adult friendships through heartfelt conversations about human connection.

I’ve always believed one of my purposes is to connect people to each other through the power of storytelling and community. That’s exactly what The Significance of Others is about. It’s an exploration of adult friendships—the beautiful things that bind people to one another. While it focuses on platonic relationships, the conversations often tap into something deeper—what it means to live a life worth sharing with others. Each episode features two friends who have chosen each other, and together, we explore their connection, the nuances of maintaining healthy relationships, and the stories that have shaped their bond.

It’s for anyone curious about human connection, but I think it especially resonates with those reflecting on their place in community. My listeners include people who value meaningful conversations, and they often tell me they feel like they're eavesdropping on something real and important.
 

I started The Significance of Others because I felt this strong urge to understand my place in the world through my relationships—especially with my friends. While working at Netflix, I began asking myself what makes life worth living if not shared with others who are striving to be good humans. This curiosity grew into a fascination with what binds us together, and that’s when I knew I needed to create a space for these conversations.

I’ve always loved storytelling, and I’ve come to realize that friendships are some of the richest stories we carry with us. So in 2023, I took the leap and turned this idea into reality. It took a few months of reflection, planning, and listening to others before the first episode was ready to share, but now, it feels like a true extension of who I am.
 

The podcast is a passion project, and when something feels aligned with your purpose, you make time for it. I release new episodes weekly, but I like to give myself space to be thoughtful about each one. It’s an evolving process—I’m learning as I go, and I embrace that.

As for funding, it’s self-funded right now. I’m investing my own resources because this project feels like a creative experiment, and I want the freedom to explore it fully before thinking about how to monetize it. It’s less about the financial return and more about the creative fulfillment at this stage.
 

Podcasting has given me an incredible space to learn more about myself, my ability to listen, and my curiosity about others. It’s been a joy to explore the richness of friendships and to hear from listeners who find these conversations meaningful in their own lives. While I haven’t pursued sponsorships yet, I’m open to them if they feel aligned with the show’s spirit. For now, the biggest reward is in the community I’m building and the connections I’m helping to foster.

Podcasting also pushes me to grow—every episode is a learning experience, and I love that.
 

The process is pretty simple but intentional. I use GarageBand for editing and a USB mic for recording. Most interviews happen via Riverside.fm, which lets me connect with guests wherever they are. The guests are people who resonate with the show’s core—individuals with rich stories of friendship. I prepare by diving deep into their relationship dynamics because I want to create a conversation that feels like we’re discovering something new together, not just repeating stories they’ve told before.
 

The marketing has been mostly organic. I share clips on social media—especially Instagram (@thesignificanceofothers), where people can connect with me and the show. I’ve found that when the content is honest and heartfelt, people share it naturally. I’ve also been experimenting with using LinkedIn to reach listeners who connect with the show on a professional and personal level. It’s still early days, but social media is my most valuable tool right now.
 

Don’t be afraid to start, and don’t wait for everything to be perfect. You’ll learn as you go, and part of the beauty of podcasting is in that growth. I’ve learned so much about listening and being present through this process. Also, make sure the subject is something you’re deeply passionate about because that’s what will keep you going when things get tough.
 

You can find me on Instagram @nikkastar and follow the podcast @thesignificanceofothers. Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. If you want to connect or share feedback, feel free to reach out—I’d love to hear from you!