We’re so excited about the launch of the Podcasters Platform. We know that it will be a place that will foster engagement between podcasters. A place where you can lean on and learn from your peers.
We can’t wait for you to see all that our team has built. We’ve poured all our effort into creating courses to help you on your podcasting journey. And we have some really exciting gaggles planned, and a whole bunch of great stuff in the pipeline.
You definitley don’t want to miss out!
And speaking of courses, we have something special to share with you today! An interview with the Podcasters Platform very own Jamie Bower.
If you follow us on social media, you’ll have seen Jamie hanging around. He’s the Community Manager of the Podcasters Platform, and he’s also the one who will be taking you through all the courses we have for you.
And because he’s such an integral part of the platform, we thought we would give you the opportunity to get to know him a little better.
Related read: What is the Podcasters Platform?
Jennay: Jamie! It’s so great to have you on the blog today! Let’s dive right in! Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Jamie Bower. I’m born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, up here in the great white north (AKA Canada). I’m a husband and father of 4 amazing kids.
The other day someone asked me what my hobbies were and it hit me, I love learning. When I was a kid, and even going through High School I didn’t care much for school, and my grades reflected that! Now that I’m older, I just can’t get enough of learning…which is probably one of the reasons why I’m such a fan of podcasts!
My passion is to help people understand who they are and what they’re capable of. This is truly something I feel called to do. And this is what led me to becoming a life and health coach and co-founding my startup, Enabled You.
Jennay: That’s amazing! And we know that everyone on the Platform is going to get to experience that passion for helping people achieve their best! Speaking of the Platform…How did you get involved with the Podcasters Platform
So I’m good friends with Carli, who founded We Edit Podcasts. Carli and her team have been thinking and dreaming up the Platform for a long time, but needed to get a few more players in place.
One day, out of the blue We Edit rung me up and said they wanted someone to join the team. After hearing about their mission of developing a platform that focuses on empowering the person behind the mic, I was all in!
Jennay: You also host your own podcast, Healthspiration, tell us a little bit about that.
Ok so HealthSpiration started out of my own story with asthma. I’ve had lifelong asthma and it was always something that was just there in my life to be managed. It wasn’t until I had a health crisis, as it were, that I realized I had an active role to play. I realized that my lifestyle choices could either promote health and wellbeing or sickness and disease. I essentially biohacked my asthma and have made some significant gains in reducing my dependency on medications. I soon realized that so many people with so many other health conditions had similar stories. So what I do on my podcast is showcase these amazing people and their stories to act as a source of inspiration to others on similar journeys.
Jennay: You mentioned you love podcasts as a medium of learning. Tell us, what do you think is so special about the podcasting space?
It’s a low barrier to entry with a high value adder. What I mean by that is I can find almost any podcast about anything and listen to it at little to no cost. But what makes it really special, similar to YouTube in a way, is that podcasts can empower the individual to create and bring value to others.
Jennay: Great answer! Now, let’s talk about the Podcasters Platform. Tell us about it…
Where to begin? Well, at the core, we are focused on developing the person behind the microphone, the podcaster. I think there are so many amazing resources out there that provide great information. Whether that’s microphone specs, editing tricks, and so on. But there isn’t much out there focused on building up the person who is doing the podcast.
This is what really sets us apart. We want to build that community of podcasters that can act as that source of inspiration, motivation, and belonging. I think the more we can focus on the person the better their podcast will become.
Jennay: And what is your role within the Platform?
I’m the Community Manager here at Podcasters Platform. So I do everything from teaching courses to hosting the live weekly gaggles, and all sorts of community-focused activity. But there is a great team behind me that supports the platform, I couldn’t do this all on my own. But my role is to bridge their expertise and knowledge to our members. I think that’s another thing that really sets us a part. We’re already leaning on our community to make the Podcasters Platform community the best that it can be.
Jennay: One of the pillars of the Podcasters Platform is this focus on community. So what does community mean to you?
Ok, to me community is belonging. It’s a place where you can be challenged and accepted at the same time. It may be hard to describe but when you belong to it you feel it.
Jennay: Looking forward, the Podcasters Platform has launched, and people have started signing up. From there, what do you hope the Platform will become?
It’s simple, an active community. A source for inspiration. A place of belonging. I know it may all sound cheesy or cliche to say that but I really think a sense community is of high value. I also think that it’s something that it’s high demand, even if we don’t all realize it…yet! But capturing and cultivating a sense of community with the people I do life with is something that means a lot to me personally.
Jennay: Because cultivating an incredible community, what feature of the Platform are you most excited about?
I’m really looking forward to weekly gaggles. I know, it’s a great name, right?! But just what are the gaggles? So the gaggles are a way to connect with our members in real time. They’re going to be at set times each week, where we create the space to really connect.
And it’s in these gaggle where we will answer any questions people may have, talk through challenges, debrief after the courses, but really it’s a chance just to get to know one another and support each other.
Jennay: I really think those gaggles are going to be vital for podcasters on their podcasting journey! Turning our attention to podcasts again…what are some of your go-to podcasts?
I hop back and forth between different genres so the shows I listen to range from Rich Roll’s podcast over to Rogan. Recently though I’ve really liked the “Lex Fridman Podcast”. Lex has an interesting way of pushing back against the people he interviews. That tension makes for a better learning experience by taking the conversation a few layers deeper. I’ve learned a lot about podcast interviews from him.
I also like the “What Bitcoin Did” podcast with Peter McCormack. This show talks more about macro politics and economics. I’m also a big believer in Bitcoin which was obviously the gateway into that show but the topics covered are well beyond that. One show I haven’t checked out yet but am interested in is the “All-In” podcast. When I can find the time I’ll give it a listen.
Jennay: I’ll have to check some of those out, too. I’m intrigued. Finally, the Podcasters Platform at it’s core is a resource to help podcasters start a succesful podcast and then keep it going for the long haul. What’s your advice for people thinking about starting a podcast?
Actually someone recently asked me if they should start a podcast and I told them it probably isn’t a good idea. Hahaha, I know, not what you’d think from someone who is building a community for podcasters. Here’s the thing, if you’re looking to start a podcast because it will only add value to yourself then you shouldn’t do it because podcasting is about adding value to others as well. Without that ingredient no one will care about your show, no one will listen to it, you’ll end up getting discouraged, and ultimately quit.
So, my advice? Make sure that you’re really passionate about whatever it is you want to talk about. And make sure it has value beyond hearing yourself talk about it! And then sign up to the Podcasters Platform so that we can support and encourage, and equip you with the necessary skills along the way!
