A raw, humorous podcast sharing personal mental health stories & confessions. Join me in the dark, laughing at life's struggles.
"The passion you have will resonate with your audience."
Today Local Neighborhood Baby, the creator of Stressed Depressed & Anxious shares her story of mental health podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
I'm the host of Stressed Depressed & Anxious, a podcast that delves into my raw and authentic personal stories and discussions about mental health. The show often features guests, ranging from mental health professionals to fellow sufferers, offering diverse perspectives. My listeners are people who appreciate genuine, unfiltered conversations about life's challenges. Unlike typical mental health podcasts focused solely on positivity and expert advice, my show embraces the complexities of struggles and finds humor in them, making it relatable and comforting for those going through similar experiences.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started Stressed Depressed & Anxious because I needed to "Talk about it." Picture me as Cinderella, minus the fancy ball—just me, living with an aunt who didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat. I had just lost all my belongings because the airline lost my luggage, and I was feeling the full weight of hopelessness. The podcast was my way to vent into the void, hoping it would lighten the load. I recorded and released my first episode, "Dark Tunnels," on May 30, 2019, all in one day—talk about spontaneous therapy! As people started listening, it became more about connecting with others and helping them feel less alone.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Balancing the podcast with life is definitely a juggling act, but it's something I make time for because I love it. I aim to release new episodes every Monday, though the realities of being stressed, depressed, and anxious can sometimes delay that. During tough times, I've even recorded live from under the blankets! The podcast is cathartic for me, and despite the challenges, it's worth it. I initially funded everything myself—my credit card certainly felt it—with costs around $200 a month for the website, equipment, software, and more. I also campaign for listener support to help with these expenses.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Podcasting has been an incredible journey for me, providing a much-needed outlet to express my thoughts and connect with others. While I currently don't have any sponsors, I'm actively working on securing a few. I started with one sponsor when I had around 5,000 downloads per month, and now the podcast averages about 12,000 downloads per month. Podcasting benefits me in many ways, including building a supportive community, enhancing my communication skills, and offering a platform to share and learn from others' experiences.
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► How does your podcasting process look like?
My podcasting process is like a therapy session—sometimes calm, sometimes chaotic, but always necessary! I use Riverside FM to record and Audacity to edit (it's like a free mental health app for podcasters). For solo episodes, I grab my weighted blanket, jot down some thoughts, and hit record. When I have guests, I go full detective, researching everything about them—almost like I'm preparing for a therapy session. After recording, I spend hours editing, usually while snacking on comfort food. Once it's polished, I share it all over social media, hoping to connect with listeners who might need a laugh or some solidarity. It's a cathartic process, helping me and my listeners feel a little less alone.
► How do you market your show?
Hey, it's me, your friendly podcast stalker! Just kidding... sort of. On a serious note, marketing my podcast involves a mix of hustle and creativity. About 30% of listeners find us on Apple Podcasts, while Spotify and my website, sdanxious.com, also draw a crowd. I use (X)Twitter like a megaphone, sharing memes, jokes, and sneak peeks to reel people in. Sometimes I pop into mental health communities or drop newsletters, making sure my show is impossible to miss. It's all about connecting and sharing those raw, real moments. It's a fair amount of work promoting each episode, using a mixture of strategies like audiograms and the like, but it's a labor of love.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Do it because you love it, not because it's trendy or you're looking to make money. The passion you have will resonate with your audience. Just start—you don’t need the fanciest equipment; hitting a record is the most important step. Consistency is key, but it's okay to miss an episode if life happens. Networking with other podcasters and joining podcasting groups can provide support, community, and insights. Podcasters are a friendly bunch. Lastly, have fun! Your enjoyment will make the podcast more engaging and authentic.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can find more about me and Stressed Depressed & Anxious on my website: sdanxious.com. Follow me on Twitter: @SD_anxious for updates and fun content. If you'd like to support the podcast, you can join the Patreon, become a member for exclusive episodes, or support via Buy Me a Coffee and other resources. All the details are available at sdanxious.com/support/. For direct inquiries, email me at localneighborhoodbaby@gmail.com. Let's connect and share our journeys together!
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