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 Sonya & Adina from Honesty Check
When did you start podcasting?
We launched Honesty Check in August 2018.
Consider us the rowdy toddler of the podcasting world.
Why did you start podcasting?
We have a very special friendship. We have received comments from friends and strangers alike that they found our banter and humor entertaining, with some folks even suggesting that we should start a podcast!
One of our mutual interests is a love of podcasts, so it felt like a natural progression to start one of our own.
Both of us have also been criticized in the past for being too much, or too unladylike, or too loud, or too gross, or too inappropriate.
We thought that it would be rewarding to start a community for other people like us that might not fit a conventional mold.
It has truly been so fulfilling and meaningful to now have this incredible creative outlet that we can share.
What’s the name of your show and what is it about?
Our show is called Honesty Check.
We derived the name from the habit of “honesty checking” each other, which is essentially one of us announcing to the other that we are opening up a safe space to share an honest opinion about something.
It’s usually done with candor and humor, but always with the best of intentions. An honesty check can be about anything – for example, what your face looks like, if you believe in ghosts, or if you’re going through a tough time emotionally.
It’s a way to peel back the layers of any topic or issue without fear of judgment. The two of us may not always agree, but through our friendship we have found that being able to express yourself authentically to someone who cares about you is a true comfort.
What’s your podcasting setup? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
Oh boy, you live and learn on this one! We started recording using a shared Blue Yeti mic in a hallway soundproofed with egg crate mattress pads.
Luckily we upgraded quickly to a better space and using separate mics, and now we use Audio-Technica ATR2100 and Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 mics, routed through a Zoom H6 as the audio interface.
We use Audacity to record and edit, and of course we host our media on Libsyn!
How have you promoted your podcast?
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the usual suspects for promotion.
We create our own memes that are specific to each episode, as well as post pictures or quotes that we consider “honesty checks.”
Social media is a great platform to interact with other podcasters and give each other encouragement and feedback.
If someone is looking for a podcast recommendation on Twitter, pimp yourself out (and give some of your podcaster friends a shout-out too)!
Also, word of mouth is some of the best free promotion. Ask your friends to tell their friends and co-workers.
Some of the kindest feedback we have received is that listening to our podcast is like hanging out with your best friends.
We tell folks that they can hang out with us on their morning commute, when they work out at the gym or while they fold laundry!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Everything is trial and error, and a beginner’s mistakes aren’t the end of the world. Invest a couple of months in research and preparation before you start recording.
Borrow a friend’s audio equipment or mics and try things out to see what works best for your recording space.
Do a few test recordings so you can practice editing and mixing. Hit up other podcasters on social media to ask questions, or join a podcasting group on Facebook.
Other podcasters really are your greatest resource. Everyone had to start somewhere and everyone has had a few missteps along the way, so the advice and support of your fellow podcasters is invaluable.
Also, podcasters are podcast fans so you might gain a few listeners just by reaching out!
If you want a refreshing podcast jammed packed with delicious honesty, you should subscribe to the Honesty Check podcast!
If you feel you’ve got some honesty yourself to dish out and wanna start a podcast of your own, get on it! We have amazing podcast hosting plans as well as one of the best how to podcast trainings for free. Sign up for our Podcasting Quickstart today!
