Storytelling through podcasts
Can you talk about food for hours? If the answer is yes, then like me, starting a podcast may be right for you - and your business!
A podcast is a series of audio episodes that anyone can listen to online, through a streaming service (such as Spotify) or by downloading episodes to your mobile device through a podcast app (such as Apple or Google Podcasts). Podcasts are usually about a certain theme – for example, food or travel – and they often feature a host (or two) who interviews different guests for each episode.
Podcasts are an increasingly popular way to reach new audiences, and keep your current supporters engaged with your brand or business. Many people listen to podcasts while they are driving, cooking, out for a stroll, or simply enjoying some leisure time. While podcast episodes can be as short as several minutes, or as long as a full-length movie, a good podcast should always have lively conversation between the host(s) and guest(s), and something that listeners can take away from the interview. I must admit that my ever-growing cookbook collection is a result of hearing so many chefs I admire, talk about the books that inspired them on various podcasts!
By sharing stories about what you do best, in your voice and through your experiences – you can become the star of your own podcast, too.
A podcasting journey
In 2017, I started my own podcast about the food culture of the Philippines, where I lived until my early twenties. I reached out to authors, academics, farmers, food producers, chefs, restaurateurs and others across the world, to ask: what does Filipino food mean to you? Over time, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with guests who’ve won prestigious awards, and become well-known community leaders and trailblazers in the industry.
My journey is my own and there are many reasons hosts start podcasts. Creating your own podcast starts with taking the time to think about specific questions:
What is the overall theme for my podcast? Why?
What will I call my podcast? (Make sure it describes you/your brand!)
Will I have a co-host?
Who can I interview? (Start with a list of 5-10 guests you would love to invite for a chat.)
Are there certain topics I’d like to cover with guests? (E.g., breadmaking, a new restaurant, travel in a post-pandemic world)
Can I design my own logo, or find someone who can help?
How will I promote my show?
With these in mind, you can start your own podcast by downloading an app called Anchor from the Apple or Google app store. I personally like for its ease of use and price point (free!). It’s an all-in-one podcasting platform that allows you to record, edit, and publish entire episodes directly through your mobile phone. You can even invite people to send in voicemails, join a live phone call (and record at the same time), and add background/intro music to the episode (an important element to good podcasts). While I highly recommend this app for beginners, it does have limitations.
For a more in-depth guide to podcasting, I like The Podcast Host’s “How to start a podcast” series.
Voices in food
There are hundreds of podcasts about food. Some are produced at home and some in professional studios. I’ll leave you with a few of my favourites, and hope you find as much inspiration from these amazing shows as I have!
The Splendid Table, one of the longest-running culinary culture and lifestyle programs that started on public radio
Gastropod, a show about food through the lens of science and history
Gravy from the Southern Foodways Alliance, with fresh, thought-provoking narratives
Heritage Radio Network, a pioneering radio/podcast station that produces dozens of food-focussed shows out of repurposed shipping containers in New York
The Sporkful, a James Beard award winning show hosted by Dan Pashman, with some of the best interviews in the food world
