A comedy sciencey show for people who love learning about weird sh*t.
“Love what you do.”
Today Jill ChaCha, the creator of Well... That’s Interesting shares her story of comedy podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
Well… That’s Interesting is a weekly 30 minute comedy sciencey podcast for weird people who like learning about weird sh*t, like can hair grow between your teeth or could we ever lose our moon? (Sadly, yes to both.) WTI tells the story behind the facts and, turns out, those stories are funny.
Join me, Jill ChaCha, as I take The Flock on a journalistic, storytelling adventure into new, bizarre, often unexpected findings. The tales are epic and the laughter is plentiful.
Who is The Flock, you may be asking? Great question. This is one of the many enduring terms I use on the show to engage and reference the show's listeners. I approach each episode as though we're all on a journey together, adventuring through the day's topic from beginning, middle to end.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I'm an avid podcast listener and nerd, from true crime to serial documentaries to ghost hunting and paranormal activity, my subscription list is a lone one. But despite this, back in 2020 I found myself looking for a show that combined humor, storytelling, science and a dash of weirdness. So I decided to make the podcast I wanted to see in the world.
Compared to episode 1 versus today, you can hear the show has grown and evolved to become its polished self. On day one I dove in with heart and not so much a proper format! But within a few months, I honed a writing style, found my primary and secondary go-to sources for research, and created segments and a framework for the show The Flock could expect and depend on, week after week.
I wanted Well... That's Interesting to be equal parts weird, accurate, funny and heartfelt. I may cover some very technical discoveries, but with these ingredients in mind, I create episodes where learning is easy and memorable.
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► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Getting into podcasting, I knew it would take time and effort--but damn. I didn't realize, if you want the show to take off and you want listeners to come back week after week, you need to dedicate a lot of time. More than you think.
Being a show that relies on scientific studies, I have to find, research, write and edit each episode's topic so that it fits into 30 minutes--all while being digestible and funny. This can take up to 6 hours. Then there's recording, editing and uploading which can add another 2 hours. Again, this is a PER episode. Then there's the daily marketing on social media: be sure to connect with your fellow podcasters, even for a few minutes a day!
How do I find the time? I suppose I make the time. I love science communications and The Flock, the fans of this show are the best people in the world. I learn along with them, and I believe the audience can pick that up.
If you're interested in starting a show, you don't need thousands of dollars. Most hosting platforms and editing softwares are free! What is going to cost you is time, if you're serious about podcasting. Schedule yourself and you'll be great.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
It took 3 years before I was approached by Airwave Media, an incredible network that shares my vision of bringing entertaining and educational stories to the masses. They handle getting sponsors, which is a huge relief (I can focus on creating content!). I still have a day job despite sponsorships, so growing The Flock is still a priority to up that revenue stream.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
It all starts with heading to websites I know I can rely on for getting a lead on new scientific discoveries: Smithsonian Mag, Live Science, even IFL Science. When I find something I know is right for the show, I then take a deep dive from here, finding that discovery's primary sources, like the original study and any interviews with the researchers. My goal is to craft a story, so I need to know the who, what, when, why and how this discovery was made.
I use google docs to write and store my files and Sound Trap to upload/edit my mp3 files. Its free to use and you can add royalty-free background music. Highly recommend it!
► How do you market your show?
Social media is HUGE when it comes to marketing. If you have skills with video, make them. Post them. If you can write witty tweets and IG posts, do it. Reach out to other podcasters and swap promos and posts. The goal is to get the attention of fans who tell their friends about your show. Word of mouth from a trusted friend or family member is the way people subscribe to a new show.
Most of The Flock is listening on Spotify and Apple; YouTube is now streaming podcasts, so I recommend getting verified (it's easy!) and maintaining your podcast on that platform to reach a different audience which may not stream pods on traditional apps.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Things I've Learned After 3 Years:
Love what you do.
The show may go through different variations before you know what's right, and that's ok.
Be proud of your work.
If you need to take a break, tell your audience and come back! They'll be there for you.
If your show reports on world events or science, facts are the priority. Be a podcast people can rely on and trust.
As for social media, only allow comments by people who follow you :) Be smart with your settings.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find Well... That's Interesting wherever you do podcasts: linktr.ee/wtipod
IG: @wellthatsinterestingpod
Twitter/X: @wti_pod
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