Feelings & human experience through the lens of movies, as told by comedians and film nerds.
"... one of the greatest gifts I've gotten from podcasting is greater self awareness."
Today Aubrey Zevallos, the creator of Bring Your Own Popcorn shares her story of making the TV & Film podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
My name is Aubrey Zevallos. I started Bring Your Own Popcorn in 2013 because I realized that discussing movies with people had so much more potential beyond "it was good or bad". Movies bring up so many emotions and memories for people, and in such different ways. No two people experience the same movie in exactly the same way. I wanted to keep talking to as many people as possible about movies, uncovering feelings and memories, all while goofing around and having a good time.
Though I am usually the solo host of my show, I have recorded many episodes with my former producer, Daniel Cordova, prior to learning to record episodes myself. My listener base consists of film, music, and comedy nerds, and many fellow podcasters!
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I started Bring Your Own Popcorn because I was working at a movie theater for two years, and I was seeing so many free movies with my friends that I needed somewhere for all of our conversations to go. My initial goals were to interview anyone who was particularly knowledgeable about a movie's character or franchise, but I've since adapted to having guests choose movies that changed their lives.
Podcasts are a great way to be a part of a conversation as a "fly on the wall". You get to know people you never would have otherwise, and hear about different experiences. My goal now is to get at the heart of how each guest experiences film and the effects movies have had on their life.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Finding time for the podcast has always been tricky, which has led to some spotty gaps in the podcast's history. In the beginning, I paid for hosting costs by putting it on a credit card and paying it off when I could. For a time, I was working three jobs, but still managing an episode here and there.
As of 2020, when the pandemic forced us to go virtual, I realized that I could record episodes easily at home. Thus, I was able to get back to a regular schedule!
I work full-time, but thankfully only have one job now. I usually spend almost the entire weekend editing each episode. I started a Patreon for the podcast, which has helped me cover annual hosting costs and allowed me to buy a new mic.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
So far, I have not sought any sponsorships. For the most part, I've tried to avoid monetizing the podcast out of concern for the additional restrictions that can come with monetization. The most important thing about my podcast is getting to talk to people about their feelings, and having fun while doing that. It's a joyful and enriching experience, but I worry that adding sponsors would restrict that freedom.
My podcast gets about 40-100 downloads per month without sponsorships. Doing my podcast has led to many new friendships and connections, as well as learning more about myself and other people.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I interview guests over Zoom and edit using Audacity. As my podcast is not monetized, it is very low budget, but the audio quality is good! At least, it sounds good to me, and I've never had any complaints.
I find guests to interview through networking and community. I usually approach friends and mutuals in the local film and comedy communities to book them. For example, I once saw a comedian who did a joke about "A Goofy Movie". I messaged her on Instagram asking if she'd like to talk about A Goofy Movie on my podcast, and she was super excited! We had a blast (Diana Hong in episode 44).
► How do you market your show?
I promote my podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Discord. 63% of my listeners use the Podbean app, which is my hosting site. The most useful marketing channel I've found has been community, by directly engaging with fellow podcasters and listeners on social media. I started a Discord server for indie podcasts, and we support each other by listening and reviewing each other's episodes, as well as hanging out and being supportive in chats.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
I know a lot of people hate listening to themselves, but one of the greatest gifts I've gotten from podcasting is greater self awareness.
Listening back on my interviews has inspired me to grow and change whenever I've been less than happy with how I expressed myself. I've also appreciated when I've done better than I thought I did. That has caused me to grow in confidence and develop a stronger sense of self. If you're going to podcast, I highly recommend listening to yourself - not just for the audio quality, but for growth. But be gentle on yourself! If you're someone who beats themselves up over every little mistake, that's the first thing to work on. The podcasting community has been very kind in my experience, so the only thing standing in your way is self-doubt. (And the funds and equipment to host your podcast!)
Before you start podcasting, have a strong idea of two things: 1, the structure you want each episode to have, and 2, what is your ultimate goal for the podcast. To be funny? To teach people? To make friends? Whatever it is, make sure it's your goal and no one else's.
One last tip: Research where to host your podcast thoroughly before settling on a platform. It will be difficult to move it if you're unhappy with the one chosen.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
You can learn more about me and my podcasts by following @BringPopcornPod on Twitter, @BringYourOwnPopcorn on Instagram or Facebook, or supporting me on Patreon.com/bringpopcorn. You can reach me by email at BringYourOwnPopcorn@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!