An arts, culture and community podcast based in Baltimore.
An arts, culture and community podcast based in Baltimore.
"Stay committed to your vision, embrace the learning process, and enjoy the journey of creating content that resonates with your audience."
Today Rob Lee, the creator of The Truth In This Art Podcast shares his story of arts podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
'The Truth in This Art' is a podcast that delves into the world of creativity, storytelling, and cultural revelation. As the host, I invite artists, creatives, and art enthusiasts to join me on a transformative journey. Together, we explore the profound connections between art, culture, and the business of creativity.
Through authentic conversations, we unravel the essence of artistic expressions and gain insight into the creative process. Each episode is a vivid mosaic of perspectives that shapes the vibrant world of art. From personal journeys to the business side of the art world, we leave no stone unturned.
'The Truth in This Art' is a celebration of storytelling as a powerful force for cultural preservation and evolution. As we navigate this creative path, we discover the profound interplay between creativity, culture, and the human experience. Join me in this captivating auditory voyage to unlock the truths within art.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I launched 'The Truth in This Art' as a response to combat negative narratives about Baltimore. I saw the podcast as a powerful tool to bring together artists, cultural workers, and the community to share their perspectives and stories about the city. By including this diverse cross-section of individuals, I aimed to provide a platform for those who often don't get the opportunity to speak about their experiences and showcase the vibrant culture of Baltimore.
As the podcast evolved, it grew to emphasize the importance of highlighting underrepresented artists whose stories and work deserve greater recognition. I wanted to ensure that their contributions to the art world received the appreciation they rightfully deserved.
In July 2019, I recorded and released my very first episode of 'The Truth in This Art.' This podcast was a significant shift for me after being a podcaster for 10 years. I wanted to take on a project that felt truly meaningful to me - amplifying the voices of artists and shining a spotlight on cities like Baltimore, which often don't receive the attention they deserve. By celebrating the art and creativity in these cities, I hoped to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for their unique cultures.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Finding the time and funding to bring 'The Truth in This Art' to life has been a journey that required careful planning and dedication. As for the release frequency, I have maintained a prolific pace. For instance, in 2022, I released an impressive 333 episodes throughout the year. However, as the podcast grew, I decided to wind down and settle into a more sustainable schedule of 2-3 episodes per week, with the goal of releasing one episode per week consistently.
In terms of the production process, I have developed a systematic approach that allows me to efficiently manage my time. On average, it takes me about 4 hours to produce each episode. This includes researching the guest, recording the interview, and handling post-production work. By being organized and utilizing tools like batch recording and scheduling, I strike a balance between my day job and the podcast.
Regarding funding, I started the podcast with minimal expenses, using affordable hosting platforms and basic editing tools. As the podcast gained traction and popularity, I explored different revenue streams, such as ads and sponsorships, to support the show's growth. I also contribute personal funds to invest in the podcast, as I believe in its mission of amplifying underrepresented artists and cultural narratives.
While podcasting incurs expenses, the combination of strategic financial choices and personal investment allows 'The Truth in This Art' to continue thriving. I remain committed to delivering meaningful content to our audience and ensuring the podcast's long-term sustainability.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Podcasting has been rewarding, bringing meaningful conversations with diverse guests. I do take sponsorships, with a growing audience of 12,000 downloads per month. Securing my first sponsorship at 6,000 downloads was pivotal. Podcasting benefits me personally and professionally, fostering friendships, learning, and new opportunities in the art community.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
My podcasting process revolves around efficient tools and thorough preparation. To conduct interviews, I primarily use Zoom, which allows for both in-person and remote interviews. Here's a breakdown of my process:
1. Guest Selection: I find guests through various channels, including networking, recommendations, and online platforms. Seeking out diverse and interesting artists, creatives, and cultural workers ensures engaging conversations.
2. Research: Before each episode, I invest several hours in researching the guest's background, work, and achievements. This preparation helps me craft thoughtful questions and understand their unique perspectives.
3. Question Preparation: Armed with the research, I develop a set of questions tailored to each guest's experiences and expertise. This ensures the conversation delves into meaningful topics and insights.
4. Recording Gear: For in-person interviews, I use Zoom recording gear to capture high-quality audio. Additionally, I rely on Zoom for remote interviews, ensuring a seamless and reliable recording experience.
5. Interview: When the interview day arrives, I conduct the conversation, encouraging open dialogue and authentic storytelling. Zoom facilitates smooth communication, whether it's face-to-face or virtual.
6. Editing: After recording, I use audio editing software to refine the episode, ensuring clarity and coherence. Removing any distractions or errors helps maintain a polished final product.
7. Post-Production: Once editing is complete, I finalize the episode, adding any necessary intros, outros, or background music to enhance the listening experience.
8. Publishing: The episode is then ready for publication. I schedule the release according to the podcast's consistent frequency to engage the audience regularly.
By employing these tools and approaches, I maintain a structured and efficient podcasting process that enables me to produce compelling content that resonates with my listeners.
► How do you market your show?
To market 'The Truth in This Art,' I utilize various approaches:
1. Listeners find the show on podcast directories like iTunes and Google Podcasts.
2. Social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) help with promotion and audience engagement.
3. The podcast website serves as a central hub for information and attracts listeners through search engines.
4. Positive word-of-mouth and guest promotion expand the podcast's reach.
My most useful marketing channels include:
1. Social media for direct interaction and sharing content.
2. Email marketing to communicate with subscribers.
3. Collaborations with other podcasts and relevant partners.
4. Engaging in online communities and events to connect with potential listeners.
5. SEO optimization for better search rankings.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
To aspiring podcasters, here are some valuable lessons and advice I've learned on my podcasting journey:
1. Find Your Passion: Choose a podcasting niche that genuinely excites and interests you. Being passionate about your content will keep you motivated and engaged throughout the process.
2. Plan and Be Consistent: Develop a content schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to building an engaged audience and establishing trust.
3. Invest in Quality Equipment: While you don't need top-of-the-line gear, investing in decent recording equipment and editing software ensures your episodes sound professional and polished.
4. Engage with Your Audience: Interact with your listeners through social media, emails, or listener feedback. Building a community fosters loyalty and a deeper connection with your audience.
5. Network and Collaborate: Connect with other podcasters and professionals in your niche. Collaborating and cross-promoting can expand your reach and provide valuable insights.
6. Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open to learning new skills, whether it's podcasting techniques, interview skills, or marketing strategies.
7. Be Authentic: Be yourself during interviews and in your interactions. Authenticity builds trust with your audience and makes your content more relatable.
Remember, starting a podcast can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor, but it requires dedication and continuous effort. Stay committed to your vision, embrace the learning process, and enjoy the journey of creating content that resonates with your audience.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can learn more about me and 'The Truth in This Art' podcast through the following links:
Website:
https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/
Kofi: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/contribute-here
On my website, you'll find information about the podcast, episodes, guest profiles, and additional resources related to art, culture, and creativity. If you'd like to contribute to support the podcast, you can find the Kofi link, where you can make donations to help sustain and grow 'The Truth in This Art.'
Thank you for your interest in my podcast, and I hope you enjoy the content and the conversations with inspiring artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds!