Leading Podcast Creators Share Tips for Growing an Audience and How Hollywood Can Spotlight Underrepresented Voices

variety.com:

Ethan Shanfeld At the inaugural The Gotham + Variety Audio Honors, presented by Wondery, leading podcast creators discussed their top tips for building an audience, and how the entertainment industry can do better to spotlight underrepresented voices.

The event took place on Friday, Oct. 14, at Second Floor NYC in Midtown Manhattan. The 10 podcast honorees were selected for their innovations in audio storytelling by a committee of industry professionals chaired by Brittany Luse, new host of NPR’s “It’s Been a Minute.” Variety executive editor Brent Lang hosted the panel and delivered opening remarks alongside Gotham Executive Director Jeffrey Sharp.

The winning shows, hosts and episodes are: In the panel discussion, the podcasters discussed their advice for up-and-coming creators in terms of growing an audience. “Get on Twitter, honey, and follow every journalist you can possibly find,” said Mala Muñoz of “Marijuanera: A Podcast for Potheads.” “Every publication that you read and respect and go to for your arts, culture and entertainment news… check them out.

What are they writing about? Who are they writing about? Make sure that the folks that you want to see your work have no choice but to see your work.” Cinthia Estephanie Pimentel added that building community with other podcasts allowed “Bag Ladiez” to gain more exposure and “share audiences” with other shows.