I’m Andi the host of the Friendly Podcast Guide. For the past year I’ve been introducing moms to different podcasts so that they can figure out which one is a good fit for them. I’ve loved talking to podcasts hosts about their shows and bringing those conversations to my listeners, but I’ve missed being able to share my own thoughts and podcast lists with all of you, which is why I decided to start making a second episode every week. I’m still trying to figure out what to call these episodes, so if you have any ideas, please DM me or send me an email. I’m flirting with the name Andi’s Corner or maybe Andi’s Musings, but I’m still very open to ideas.
Today I wanted to share 4 things I have learned from making the Friendly Podcast Guide for one whole year.
Podcast People are the Best People
The first thing I’ve learned is podcast people are the best people.
Between interviewing fabulous podcast hosts, like Whitney from How She Moms or Mr. Jim from Spyology Squad and talking to fellow podcast lovers this year I have decided that podcast people are the best kind of people. We are always ready to give a podcast recommendation if someone needs one, we’re welcoming to new people who join our podcast communities and as far as I can tell we are a happy positive bunch of humans. I am so glad that I get to be part of this podcast loving community and that I get to help even more people join this awesome group.
I Have the Best Support System
The second thing I learned is I can’t do any of this without my support system. At the top of that list of support is my partner Scott. He is my biggest cheerleader and support. I couldn’t have done this whole stay-at-home mom/podcaster life without his love and belief in me and my potential. I love you Scott and I’m so glad that I get to do life with you! My mom is also a big support, she tells anyone and everyone that I have a podcast and that it’s amazing and that whoever they are, they should definitely check it out. Her confidence in me is something I am so grateful for. My mother in law is an awesome part of my support system as well, she listens every Tuesday no matter what and she always sends me an encouraging text to let me know that she listened and that I did a great job. There are so many other people that have helped me, from my brothers who still answer the phone when I call them because I need a sounding board for a new idea to my friends who listen to the show even if they aren’t that into podcasts, because they want to show their support. Thank you to all of you (named and unnamed) who have made my dream of making a podcast possible, I’m forever grateful to you.
Kid Podcast Guide
Before I tell you about the other things I’ve learned from making The Friendly Podcast Guide, we’re going to take a quick break to talk about: My guide to kid podcasts. One of my favorite parenting tools is kid podcasts. I use them when I’m running errands with the kiddos to keep them from complaining the whole time. Or when we’re going on a road trip and I want the kids to stay entertained so I don’t have to hear the dreaded “are we there yet?” question a million times. I know that kid podcasts would help you in your life too, which is why I made a guide to kid podcasts.
There are eight different categories ranging from science to mindfulness to audio drama with at least three different podcasts in each category, there are 27 different podcasts in total. I’ve listened to each of the podcasts on this guide, so I can attest to them being kid-friendly. And I put my email at the bottom of the guide so that if you try a couple with your kids and none of them are a good fit, you can email me and I will personally help you find a kid podcast that works for your littles and you.
Okay back to what I learned from making FPG for the past year.
I Can Do Hard Things
The third thing I have learned is I can do hard things.
Making a podcast isn’t easy and I am so proud of myself for sticking to it and creating something I can be proud of. Being able to bring this podcast into the world is something I’ve been talking about since I found podcasts more than 5 years ago and I finally bit the bullet and did it and I’m so happy I did.
Making My Podcast is Helping My Kids
Last but not least I have learned that Making my podcast is helping my kids.
One of my biggest concerns about starting a podcast was that my kids would resent that I was doing something that didn’t revolve around them. I know how silly that sounds when I say it out loud, but as a stay-at-home mom that was a worry of mine. But this past year has shown me that doing something I love has helped my kids know that they can follow their dreams and do what they love. My 3-year-old has decided to start her own podcast, right now it’s mostly her writing things in a notebook I gave her, but I have no doubt that in a couple of years I will be helping her produce her own show.
Making The Friendly Podcast Guide has been so much fun and I am so excited to learn and grow even more in year two. Talk to you soon!
