A discussion around representation in podcasting and how some of the UK’s biggest podcasters have created their own platforms to tell their own stories about their lived experiences that have transcended over to wider audiences. This session will give tangible tips on how to target and reach an underserved audience;  how to build this audience and make it bigger and broader, and how to get your voice heard in what is becoming a vastly saturated podcast industry and media landscape.

Panel Host:

Leanne Alie is a Podcast Project Manager at one of the UK’s largest radio stations, specialising in podcast marketing. She is also the founder of In-clued Consulting, which is a firm specialising in diversity consulting services for the audio and creative industries. She has worked with the British Podcast Awards and the London Podcast Festival to develop their diversity strategies and aims to improve representation within the audio industry.

Panelists:

Sadia Azmat is a British Asian stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster. She is known for her no holds barred style tackling a host of issues from sex, relationships to identity. She is co-host of BBC Sounds podcast No Country For Young Women and Presenter of BBC Radio 2 My Single Life. ‘Wonderfully subversive comedy’ Steve Bennett, Chortle.

Jamie Wareham is Head of Broadcast at Gay Star News and oversees the video and audio production team. Previously a content manager and podcast producer for Audio Boom, producing documentary and editorial content for clients including Stand Up To Cancer, City A.M. and talent agencies. Jamie hosts and runs the #QueerAF storytelling podcast which commissions students, graduates and LGBT+ producers to tell queer stories that empower and inspire.

Marvyn Harrison, Founder of Dope Black Dads, created his digital safe space in June 2018 which became a podcast in October 2018 which aims to change the narrative around black fathers through the lens of parenting, marriage, co-habiting, mental health, physical health, politics and more. The podcast has also featured on BBC 1xtra and BBC Sounds and is currently touring providing Q&A’s for parents of all backgrounds.