The Year of the Podcast

Radio is a common source of entertainment in Namibia. People listen to it on their way to work, school or wherever the wind takes them that day. But not everyone gets the opportunity to secure a job as a radio presenter.

This is where podcasts come into play. Aspiring presenters can have their own show (which is usually for free) by simply recording themselves and uploading the file to the internet. Popular international podcasts include ‘The Breakfast Club’ or Guardian Books’ podcast, one of the most popular podcasts on Soundcloud at the moment. Everyone has their own kind of target market. The only question is… What is yours?

Selma Kaulinge has been in the entertainment industry for a long time and is a recognisable face in terms of all things music. The media maven recently started her own podcast, interviewing stars such as Lioness and KP Illest on their latest work.

Speaking on why she decided to get into the world of podcasting, Kaulinge said that she has always been interested in people and telling their stories.

“About 11 years ago, my sister and I started a magazine called Shambuka, which was really meant to document what was happening in terms of music, arts and entertainment at that time. I used to be a music and entertainment journalist and columnist so I have always been interested in telling the story behind the song, person or celebrity.” Although Kaulinge has been working in the corporate world for a few years now, the passion for people never died and she directs that to the reason she started her podcast.

“Like most people, I first started a blog and almost started a vlog on YouTube, but I think the podcast medium is one I appreciate because it’s not so time-consuming and it’s very simple.”

Kaulinge also believes that you can find podcasts on any topic internationally, but in Namibia, this is tricky.

“I’m not sure how popular they are in Namibia, but I do not know of any at the moment.” However, she cited her favourites: “I love ‘The Brilliant Idiots’ with Andrew Schulz and Charlamagne Tha God and ‘The Joe Budden Podcast’. I also like more social podcasts which cover subjects like music, relationships, fashion, culture, movies and television.”

In terms of the recording equipment she uses, it simply took a phone. “I also use an app called Anchor which is so simple to use. Once you record and upload your episodes to Anchor, you can share the link on your other social media. It’s really that simple.”

Another wonderfully local podcast you need to keep an ear out for is ‘FattyBoomBoom’ which was started by The Plus Culture, spearheaded by Whitney Greyton. The online platform is described by Greyton as “an online platform for plus-size people to discuss matters close to their heart” by tackling fashion, body positivity, trends and other topics.

“The purpose of The Plus Culture was to create as many platforms as possible for plus size people to identify with, whether that’s through an event or social media or podcasts,” Greyton said.

“The messaging we send out is strong, affirming and also really centered around the plus community feeling they are represented well wherever they may consume their media. Launching the podcast was just a natural next step in creating a conversational platform where it is easier to hear different people speak about these topics and allow for it to be fleshed out properly and to host different views. A medium like this also makes it easier to digest because you can quickly pick up the context and meaning.”

Greyton said the target market for this kind of podcast is “all people who want to grow a deeper understanding of why it is important to dismantle certain narratives surrounding our bodies”.

According to Greyton: “It’s about growing a community of people who can proudly take a seat at any table and know that no one can validate their existence, only they can. I think people who understand the importance of body positivity will relate to this, most specifically I want plus size women to learn, teach and just engage with us.”

The ‘FattyBoomBoom’ podcast is meant to tackle issues like fat-shaming, negative self image and building healthy self-esteem, representation in media, as well as shouting out plus size people doing amazing work – a necessary and interesting addition to the conversations that need to be had in Namibia.

“It will have segments focused on learning all about body positivity and will have a variety of guests to have deep discussion about a lot of these issues to try and bring as much perspective as possible,” Greyton said.

Agreeing with Kaulinge that the culture has not really taken off in Namibia yet, Greyton feels that it would work well for young Namibians who want to get their messages across. “It gives you a lot of freedom to produce a show without all the hectic restrictions and considerations. You can structure your content to fit exactly your needs and depending on your discipline, you can do it fast.”

Greyton’s advice on starting a podcast? Easy: “You must listen to podcasts and try to pick up the different styles to see what you like and what you could model your podcast after in terms of the format. Is it formal/informal? Is it conversational or interview style? You need to make sure you understand who you’re talking to and have a rough idea of at least the first six to 10 episodes. Finally, you need to learn how to edit, how to upload and how to market your podcast as well.

Most of all, always have fun doing it and be your best creative self.”

Kaulinge also had some advice to share: “Just start. Find a subject you are interested in, have some knowledge about it and just start. Be yourself, don’t try to imitate someone”.

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