This series is all about libsyn’s podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Carolyn from Beyond 6 Seconds
When did you start podcasting?
I started in January 2018.
Why did you start podcasting?
I wanted to build something that would be a creative outlet for me, as well as a platform for elevating the stories of people who had done amazing things that weren’t getting much attention.
For example, my first guests included people who had created a music program at an orphanage in India, designed specialized eating utensils for people with fine motor disabilities, built an app that facilitates diversity in hiring for film & TV projects, just to name a few.
The more episodes I released, the more interest I got from listeners and potential podcast guests!
What’s the name of your show and what is it about?
My podcast is called Beyond 6 Seconds.
It goes beyond “6-second first impressions” to share the extraordinary stories of everyday people. I interview people who talk openly and honestly about the big challenges they’ve faced, and how these experiences have shaped their lives and identities.
I’ve featured a variety of guests over the years from the worlds of business, technology, non-profits, arts & entertainment – and even a few celebrities!
I’ve had a pretty broad focus for my show for the past few years – basically, I interviewed people who were doing things that inspired and intrigued me. However, soon I will be refining the focus of my podcast.
I recently discovered that I am neurodivergent (I’ll share the specifics in my December episode), so in 2022 I will be featuring more guests who are also neurodivergent (e.g., autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, etc.).
I feel that neurodivergent people aren’t often given platforms to share their own stories about their successes, challenges and life in general, so I want to provide a platform for people to learn about neurodiversity and find community.
It just goes to show that no matter how long you’ve had your podcast, you can adjust and change its direction whenever the time is right for you – after all, it’s your show!
What’s your podcasting set-up?
Computer: I use a laptop (PC) with a CAT 6 cable Internet connection (I don’t use wi-fi; the cable connection is much more stable and consistent.)
Microphone: Audio-Technica ATR2100. I bought it 4 years ago and it still works well!
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones. I really like having over-the-ear headphones so I can be immersed in the sound and hear both myself and my guest’s voice in my ears while I’m recording.
Mixer: Yamaha AG06 6-Channel Mixer. I like the extra control it gives me over volume levels while I’m recording.
Recording & editing software: Audacity. I learned how to use Audacity before I was a podcaster, when I was editing my a cappella group’s music recordings… so when I started podcasting, I just kept using it!
Virtual meeting platform: Zoom. I record all my podcast interviews remotely. While there are other platforms out there that have greater sound quality, I still use Zoom because it’s simple to use and the sound quality is good enough for me.
I record myself and my guest on separate tracks in Zoom, while also recording on Audacity at the same time, then when I edit I use a combination of the Zoom and Audacity recordings in the final mix (whichever tracks sound better to me).
I also started posting my Zoom video recordings on YouTube about a year ago.
Video editing and transcripts: Descript. I use Descript because I can get several things from it at once for each episode: an edited video, a written transcript, and video subtitles that I can upload to YouTube. I’m happy to have transcripts available online to make my podcast more accessible and help with SEO.
Social media content: I use Canva to create my episode graphics, and Headliner to create audiograms. I share these on my social media.
Website: Podpage. It’s a user-friendly tool that lets you quickly set up and easily maintain a sleek professional-looking podcast website!
How have you promoted your podcast?
I always ask my guests to help promote their episodes of my podcast. I create graphics with quotes and an audiogram from their episodes, which I email to them to share on their social media.
I also share these on my social media: primarily Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
I have been a guest on other podcasts, where I talk about my show.
I’ve partnered with bloggers to get my podcast featured in their blog posts.
I’ve given presentations about podcasting at virtual and in-person conferences. (Interestingly, these were NOT podcasting conferences! Instead, they were focused on other topics related to my podcasting content, like entrepreneurship and career development.)
I also have an email newsletter where I provide early access to episodes for my subscribers.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I had known how podcasting would help me build relationships with so many people. I’ve been able to partner with a few of my guests on other projects, and some have become good friends as well.
I’ve also met several great friends from the podcasting community! These friendships have helped sustain me through the challenges of the past few years.
Studies show that people formulate how they feel and relate to someone in the first 6 seconds of meeting them. Beyond 6 Seconds gives people a chance to know interesting people with compelling stories that you haven’t heard much about. Stories that need to be heard and elevated, check out Beyond 6 Seconds and judge for yourselves on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Carolyn Kiel wanted to elevate interesting stories that should be heard like Margaux Wosk’s Retrophiliac Art or Travis Davis story of being a teacher with Cerebral Palsy. She found podcasting helped her get the word out about so many inspiring people doing incredible things while dealing with hurdles that are unimaginable for most. Have you been hoarding a great idea for a podcast because you didn’t know how to start?
We can help! Check out our Start Your Podcast blog series. If you are ready, we have the best podcast hosting plans around!