Podcasting During Crisis: A Community Service

by | Mar 25, 2020 | Content Marketing, Podcasting

Are you a podcaster who is feeling overwhelmed with the huge amount of information floating around out there at the moment? 

Do you feel a bit stuck for what to say to your audience right now?

Maybe you’re wondering if you should even be podcasting when the world is in the midst of this crisis?

Today, I want to share with you a personal story about why I love podcasts so much, and why I know there is great opportunity for you to serve your audience in this crisis. 

I truly believe that creating educational and helpful content for your audience is so important now more than ever. 

With many people in self-isolation and more still to end up in isolation in coming weeks, they are turning to the internet for entertainment and inspiration, comfort and connection. 

While blogs and videos are certainly able to fulfil this need, podcasts are powerful and special, especially for those who are unwell.

My love affair with podcasts began over a decade ago, when I had a series of health challenges including Glandular Fever and Thyroid Cancer that kept me in a state of semi-self-isolation for about 3 years. 

As many of you are now learning first hand, life in even semi-isolation can be really tough. It can be lonely, frustrating, boring and just really hard.

Back then I also had chronic fatigue syndrome and was sometimes too exhausted and unwell to keep my eyes open to read or watch TV. 

But my mind was awake and alert and I was desperate for distraction and diversion.

At the time, I found podcasts and they not only distracted me, but comforted me, entertained me and connected me to the outside world, even though in reality I was often confined to my house.

Your podcast is a community service at this time. 

Your listeners need your voice in their life. They will be looking for entertainment and information, yes, but also connection, and podcasts are a brilliant way to build deeper connections with your audience. 

By and large, podcast listeners care a lot about the podcasters they subscribe to, so they would probably love to hear updates from you and how you are applying your expertise in this incredible time in human history. 

In some cases they will be looking for a break from the constant coronavirus news and a sense of normalcy, and that’s where evergreen content comes in too. 

If you can share on topics that are immediately relevant to the situation we all find ourselves in, then that is great, but it’s also wonderful and maybe even better if you can share episodes on topics that have nothing to do with the pandemic too. 

It will depend on your podcast, your audience and also on what you feel like sharing at this time. But remember that your podcast can help distract people, comfort people, entertain people and connect them to the outside world when they are very likely stuck inside their house.

Even more than that, if a member of your audience is unwell at this time, then it’s quite possible that listening to your podcast is the only form of distraction and entertainment they have the energy for right now, and it’s an incredibly beautiful thing to be able to reach people like that.

Afterwards, when this is all over, your audience will remember your content. They will remember your voice and the connection it gave them with others in a time when isolation and disconnection was taking over.

Maya Angelous said “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

I hope that is something you can remember and apply in all of your communications at this time, in business and in life. 

If you are a podcaster and need to take a break right now, that’s ok too. 

Do what you need to do to look after yourself and keep your basic needs met. 

Podcasting is by definition an optional extra right now, so if you just don’t have the energy for it, know that that’s ok too. 

If you do find yourself with some time and energy and want to find out how you use content marketing to  build your authority and take your online presence to the next level, I’ve got a free webinar that can help you do just that.

It’s a tough time and a long road ahead but let’s maintain our kindness and connection to one another even amidst the social distancing.  

Wishing you, your team and your loved ones courage and comfort through the months to come. 

Take care and I’ll talk to you soon x

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