From the Desk of Talib Jasir: Reflections on the 6th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival: A Celebration of Community and Creativity

This past weekend, the 6th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival brought our growing community of podcast creatives, audio professionals, and supporters together in Baltimore at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. It was nothing short of extraordinary—a powerful reminder of why we do what we do and why we need to keep pushing forward.

We kicked off on Friday night with my own live show, Grumpy Wizdom, a special moment for me to debut something new, followed by a lively Lyrically Correct game night hosted by Shamiko Reid. The energy was high as George Simpson of Sarcarragance Studios won the Vocaster Two Studio, courtesy of Focusrite. These moments were just the start of a weekend that was filled with both fun and deep connection.

Talib Jasir performing a Live Show of the Grumpy Wizdom podcast at the 6th annual Kick-off Social

On Saturday, we were all inspired by a keynote from Angel N. Livas, the Founder and CEO of ALIVE Podcast Network, titled "Activation Loading: Embracing Growth, Determination, and Purpose." It set the tone for the day as she announced an exciting collaboration between ALIVE and REVOLT Podcast Networks. The sessions that followed provided practical strategies for all, including From Passion to Profit, sponsored by Simplecast and facilitated by Aimi Knowling of SiriusXM, which gave insight into how podcasters can monetize their platforms and build sustainability.

As Daniel Douglas shared, "The level of authentic networking, community support, and in-depth content was second to none. It’s refreshing to be in a space where Black podcast creators can share, learn, and grow together."

Saturday evening was a highlight for many as we honored legends Twila Dang, Keisha "TK" Dutes, and Krystal Hill at our Legends Awards ceremony in partnership with the Black Podcasting Awards. The celebration continued into the night with DJ Al Pete bringing the vibes to our Afterparty at Motorhouse. Drinks flowed, the dance floor stayed packed, and, as Dirty Roses Podcast put it, "The party was LIT!"

On Sunday, the momentum continued. The State of Black Podcasting panel featuring Chris Colbert of DCP Entertainment and Tarya Weedon of Horowitz Research sparked important conversations about the future of podcasting in our community. We wrapped up the weekend with our Town Hall Q&A and Weekend Reflection, which gave us all time to pause and reflect on what the festival meant for each of us.

As Adell Coleman beautifully captured it, "Podcasting at times can feel like you're on an island, but with a community like ours, that's never the case."

A Call to Our Afros and Audio Community:

It has always been my vision for Afros & Audio to be a community-led and driven conference. We’ve built this platform together, and now it’s time to take it to the next level. For the 7th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival and beyond, we are looking for leaders and organizers from our community to step up and help shape the future of this event.

If you’re interested in joining our planning committees—whether for logistics, speaker curation, sponsorships, venue scouting, or even offering fresh ideas for collaborations—I encourage you to reach out to Shamiko Reid at shamiko@afrosandaudio.com.

We need your brilliance to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve created together. Let’s keep amplifying Black voices and leveraging this platform to make a lasting impact in the podcasting industry. Together, we can dream even bigger and take Afros & Audio to new heights.

Thank you for an incredible 6th year. I’m excited to see where we go from here.

In community and creativity,Talib JasirFounder & CEO, Afros & Audio

#afrosandaudio #blackpodcasters #podcastingcommunity #communityleadership #blackexcellence

Discovering My Passion for Podcasting Through Afro-Bolivian Storytelling

Introduction

When I reflect on the moment I became a podcaster, I think back to my college days when I studied abroad in Bolivia. I was drawn to the small South American country because I learned about Evo Morales,the first Indigenous president that the government elected in a majority indigenous country. It was also the first time a president led initiatives to recognize Afro-Bolivians in the Bolivian constitution.

A picture of Doña Nicolasa and Don David, my Afro-Bolivian host family in the Yungas Black People Don’t Exist in Bolivia

A picture of Doña Nicolasa and Don David, my Afro-Bolivian host family in the Yungas

Black People Don’t Exist in Bolivia

Intrigued by the Afro-Bolivian social movement, I decided to focus my independent project on Afro- Bolivian stories and activism. However, I faced skepticism from many locals who denied the existence or significance of Afro-Bolivians. Many of my Bolivian friends told me that the Afro-Bolivian population was only “un poco” of the population and I should focus my project on something else.

My Connection to the Afro-Bolivian Story

My decision to focus on the Afro-Bolivian story was rooted in my experiences as a Black of Central American descent in the United States. Growing up in the Bronx, I often felt like my story was overlooked in the grand narratives of New York City. I also encountered surprise and disbelief when people learned about my Afro-Central American roots. I was constantly reminded of the historical erasure faced by my community, the Garifunas, whose language, culture, and identity have been systematically marginalized in countries like Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Nicaragua. I deeply resonated with the experiences of

Afro-Bolivians, who faced similar challenges of erasure and invisibility. Determined to learn more, I packed my bags and headed three hours out of the city to the Yungas, where most Afro-Bolivian communities lived. There, I lived in a small town with an Afro-Bolivian host family.

Weyu in the Yungas

The Power of Storytelling Afro-Bolivian Storytelling

I'll never forget the moments I used my tape recorder to capture my host mother's Doña Nicolasa story about growing up Black in Bolivia. We shared our experiences over meals while drinking cocoa tea and picking coffee beans from her yard that she sold in the market. Despite our differences in where we come from, we bonded over our shared experiences as Black women and our ongoing struggle to tell our stories. In these moments, my passion for podcasting and storytelling was solidified.

If you would like to learn more about the Afro-Bolivian population, check out my episode Empowering Afro-Bolivian Voices Episode: Community Radio as a Tool for Social Change. Listen to my podcast, Labyrinth of the First Gen, to discover inspiring stories of resilience, identity, and the power of storytelling. Let's celebrate the diverse voices of our world together.

Weyu Hodge is a first-generation daughter of immigrants from New York City, her passion for storytelling focuses on highlighting the perspectives of black and indigenous populations in the diaspora. Her love for interacting with people across borders led her to live and work in nine countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Her career began in the international development field when she worked for a social enterprise in Brazil, taught English in Colombia, and managed medical missions for an International. She has

received a Mellon Mays grant to do a storytelling project on the Afro-Bolivian social movement in Bolivia. Her podcast Labyrinth of the First Gen features stories from more than ten global pioneers around the globe who are creating their path and challenging the status quo.

Essential Podcast Consistency Tips for Indie Podcasters: How to Keep Episodes Coming

Understanding the Necessity of Podcast Consistency

As an indie podcaster, I’ve learned that consistency is not just a buzzword; it’s the backbone of what makes our shows successful. Think about it: trusting a podcast is like trusting a friend. If a friend keeps canceling plans, you start to wonder if they really care about your friendship. The same goes for podcasts. When you publish episodes regularly, you build that trust and reliability with your listeners.

Interestingly, studies show that podcasts with a consistent release schedule tend to retain listeners more effectively. According to Podcast Insights, around 70% of podcast listeners are more likely to stick with shows that have a predictable release pattern. This kind of reliability creates a loyal audience, which is essential for growth and engagement. If your listeners know when to expect a new episode, they’re far more likely to tune in—and that’s something we always strive for.

But here’s a little secret: consistency doesn’t mean you have to achieve perfection every time. Life happens, and there may be weeks when we can't get an episode out on the exact day we planned. Rather than letting that derail our efforts, I’ve learned to be flexible. Sometimes, I find it helpful to batch record episodes or use tools that allow me to automate certain aspects of my promotion and scheduling. Flexibility becomes key! It’s about creating a rhythm that works for you, even in the chaos.

I remember when I first started my podcast, I felt overwhelmed by all the demands. It took me a while to realize the importance of setting realistic benchmarks for what I could actually accomplish. I started with a simple content calendar where I planned out my episodes weeks in advance. This made all the difference. By knowing what topics I wanted to cover, I could manage my time effectively and avoid the dreaded last-minute scramble. It’s like having a roadmap for your podcast journey!

In the end, the goal is to ensure that listeners feel a connection with you and your content. They want to know that you're there for them, sharing valuable insights and ideas regularly. Keeping a steady flow helps in establishing a solid podcast presence in the vast podcasting ecosystem. So, while we may be indie podcasters hunting for our niche, consistency might just be that golden thread that ties all our episodes together.

Crafting Your Personalized Content Calendar

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with the thought of keeping your podcast episodes rolling? Believe me, I’ve been there too! One of the most rewarding yet challenging aspects of being an indie podcaster is maintaining a consistent release schedule. In my quest for consistency, I discovered the transformative power of crafting a personalized content calendar tailored to my rhythm.

Aligning episode planning with my personal rhythm was a game changer. I took some time to figure out at what times I actually felt inspired and productive. For instance, I found that I’m most creative in the early mornings, while the late afternoons tend to drag on for me. Recognizing this, I began scheduling my recording sessions during those peak times. This meant that when I sat down to create content, I was energized and focused. Instead of forcing creativity when it just wasn’t happening, I could do my best work in alignment with my natural flow.

Speaking of organization, diving into digital tools transformed my scheduling process. I started using Notion for its flexibility and aesthetic appeal, allowing me to create a beautiful, visual representation of my content plans. Whatever your preferred tool is, whether it’s Trello, Google Calendar, or even a good old-fashioned planner, the right platform can streamline your entire workflow. Not only did I get a clear view of my upcoming episodes, but I also felt a sense of achievement as I checked things off. Some studies even suggest that being organized can improve productivity by up to 25%! Now that’s something to keep in mind!

Then there’s the bite-sized goal approach—I can't recommend it enough. I learned that breaking down larger tasks into manageable chunks made everything feel less daunting. Instead of thinking, “I have to produce and edit a whole episode,” I would focus on small tasks, like researching topics or writing scripts. Each completed task was a small victory that fueled my motivation. It’s amazing how achievable goals can lead to a ripple effect of progress. I remember when I started this method, I felt a surge of creativity; it was like switching on a light bulb that had been flickering for too long!

So, fellow podcasters, let’s embrace the chaos of indie podcasting with the right tools and techniques to craft our personalized content calendars! Trust me, once you find your rhythm and perfect your schedule, you’ll not only keep episodes consistent but create some magic along the way!

Workspace

Embracing the Power of Batch Recording and Editing

In my journey as a podcaster, I often found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work that comes with creating a new episode. That's when I stumbled upon batch recording and editing—a true game changer that completely transformed my workflow. But what exactly is batch recording, and how can it save me so much time? Let’s dive in! 

What is Batch Recording?

Batch recording means setting aside a chunk of time to record multiple episodes in one go. Instead of scrambling to set everything up for each new episode, I simply gather my thoughts, get comfortable in my studio, and press record multiple times. I can’t tell you how much time this saves me! By organizing my thoughts in advance and eliminating the setup time for each recording, I can maximize my productive hours.

Staying Organized Amidst Multiple Sessions

Now, juggling multiple recording sessions does require a bit of organization. Here’s a tip: I create a detailed outline for each episode ahead of time. This way, when I’m in the zone, I can transition seamlessly from one topic to another without losing my train of thought. It also helps to schedule breaks in between sessions—after all, even the most dedicated podcaster needs to recharge!

Focus with Minimal Distractions

Another strategy I embraced is limiting distractions. I turn off my phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and, when possible, ask my family for some quiet time. A little bit of focus can go a long way! And wouldn’t you know it, I often come out of these recording marathons feeling accomplished and ready to tackle the editing phase.

Streamlining the Editing Process

Speaking of editing, this is where batching becomes even more powerful. I’ve discovered that editing multiple episodes back-to-back allows me to get into a rhythm. Those repetitive actions—like cutting out “ums” and making audio adjustments—become second nature when I’m working on a series of episodes at once. Plus, this continuity helps me maintain a consistent tone and style across my episodes.

Creating a Buffer for Emergencies

One of the best aspects of batch recording is the buffer it gives me. By having several episodes ready to go, I can handle unexpected life events without stressing about my release schedule. So, if an emergency pops up, I’ve got content ready for my listeners rather than scrambling at the last minute.

"By batching my recording and editing, I've reclaimed countless hours in my month!"

If you're like me and often find yourself caught up in the daily whirlwind, embrace batch recording and editing. You'll find that it not only reduces your workload but also enhances the quality of your content.

Guest Episode Batching

Exploring Short-Form Content for Consistency

As an indie podcaster, I’ve often felt the pressure of keeping up with a demanding content schedule. Life can get hectic, throwing curveballs that make it tough to maintain consistency. That’s where the beauty of mini-episodes comes into play. These bite-sized snippets can be a lifesaver, allowing us to stay connected with our audience without overwhelming ourselves. Think of them as your podcast’s quick coffee breaks — refreshing and fulfilling!

When time is tight, creating short-form content can be both a practical and creative outlet. For instance, I often whip up quick Q&A sessions based on listener queries. Not only does this engage my audience, but it also helps foster a sense of community. Suddenly, instead of feeling daunted by the weight of producing a full-length episode, I can dive into a more manageable piece of content that still resonates with my listeners. Similarly, sharing ‘quick tips’ or personal reflections can be incredibly valuable and much easier to turn around when life gets busy.

Now, let’s not overlook the power of engaging that community I just mentioned! Tapping into listener feedback can generate a mountain of inspiration. Conducting a simple poll can help me discover what topics resonate most with my audience. This interaction not only keeps my content relevant but can spark ideas for quick-win episodes that deliver immediate value. It’s like a creative brainstorming session where my listeners are the stars of the show!

Incorporating these shorter content formats not only helps in managing my workflow but also keeps the podcast fresh and exciting for my audience. They get to enjoy variety, while I am grateful for the flexibility it offers in navigating my hectic schedule. After all, consistency is key in maintaining listener trust and engagement, and mini-episodes can help bridge that gap when life tries to pull the rug from under us.

The next time you find yourself struggling to meet your content goals, consider embracing short-form content. It’s amazing how a few minutes of thoughtful engagement can keep the momentum going, no matter how chaotic life may get.

"Consistency doesn’t mean perfection—flexibility is key." – Anonymous