📣Call for Speakers! Share Your Voice at the Empowered Podcasting Conference🎙️

29 Feb 📣Call for Speakers! Share Your Voice at the Empowered Podcasting Conference🎙️

👋Hey there Podcaster!

😬Confession, I may have obsessed over Reesa Teesa last week just like millions of others have! However, in this newsletter, I’m going to break down how we can learn from her success. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know who she is or have watched her 52-part series on TikTok to benefit, I’ve done the work for you in this newsletter! 🫵

📣Call for Speakers! Share Your Voice at the Empowered Podcasting Conference 🎙️

Have you ever been to an event and left feeling inspired by all the knowledge you learned?

Better yet, did you make life-long friends and connections that helped elevate your podcast game?

I have, and so have my friends in the podcast industry. 

So much so that we’ve decided to come together and put on the VERY first Empowered Podcasting Conference, happening June 27-30 in Charlotte, North Carolina! 

**insert imaginary foghorn here**

But we can’t do this event without YOU and your expertise, and we’d love for you to apply to speak. We’re searching for dynamic speakers who can bring fresh insights, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to our attendees.

📣 Are you ready for an event that’s going to…

➡️ Shake up the podcast industry

➡️ Inspire creators deeply

➡️ Create meaningful connections

➡️ And empower them to break the mold in their podcasting niche?

This is not just any conference; it’s a gathering of minds eager to explore the depths of podcasting, creativity, and community building. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster, a skilled content creator, or an expert in digital media, we know your voice will make a powerful difference.

Why Apply?

• Connect with fellow podcasters and creators.
• Share your knowledge and experiences with an engaged audience.
• Elevate your personal brand, reach and podcast.

Application Deadline: March 22

Click here to apply and find more details.

We’re looking for sessions that are enlightening, engaging, and, most importantly, empowering. If you have an idea that fits, even if you’re feeling a bit of imposter syndrome, we want to hear from you!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to the Empowered Podcasting community. We can’t wait to see your application and potentially welcome you to our lineup of incredible speakers!

🚀 The “Reesa Teesa” Technique for Viral Storytelling 

😲Ever stumbled upon a story so gripping it makes you forget to blink? It was like my ADHD was instantly gone as I got sucked into the Reesa Teesa storyline on TikTok! I’ll blame Simona for bringing Reesa Teesa and all 52 of her videos to my attention on The Podcasting Morning Chat last week, but I’m so glad she did, there is so much to learn from this! I had to write a whole blog on these lessons!👇

🌍Welcome to the world of Reesa Teesa, whose TikTok saga not only went viral (over 350 million views as of earlier this week!) but also became a case study on the profound impact of storytelling in the digital era. Reesa created a series for her TikTok playlist, utilizing the new extended format that permits videos up to 10 minutes, to share her harrowing and traumatic experiences with an ex-husband who was a pathological liar.

The new long-form feature for vertical videos is unique to TikTok, making her story hard to share by other people in other platforms with either horizontal long-form (YouTube) or vertical short-form content (YouTube and Instagram). Due to this exclusivity of content location, the news of her story sent everyone interested only to one place, her TikTok account. This coupled with her amazing storytelling racked up the followers, views, and engagement. The virality Reesa caused has secured her TikTok creator monetization, brand deals, and who knows what else; the future looks limitless for what she can do now.

In a digital world where attention is the currency, Reesa Teesa’s TikTok success challenges the myth of a dwindling attention span. This proves that compelling, well-crafted content can captivate audiences, no matter the length. For podcasters and content creators, the lesson is to focus less on the length of your content and more on its depth and narrative quality.

📣 This story transcends viral success; it serves as a blueprint for podcasters and content creators eager to make their own impact. There’s no need to mimic others, even as many may attempt to replicate Reesa’s format. Instead, we can absorb the lessons and integrate what’s applicable into our unique processes; embracing authenticity, relatability, and masterful storytelling in our distinct style. Let’s explore the top three insights from Reesa’s journey that could transform your content strategy.

1. Authenticity is Your Secret Weapon

Forget high-end production; Reesa Teesa’s authentic narrative struck a chord with millions. Her videos, seemingly impromptu, feature face-to-camera conversations during her everyday activities, such as applying makeup, driving, and styling her hair. 

The lesson? Authenticity trumps perfection. In an ocean of content, the stories that resonate are those that are raw, genuine, and unapologetically real. Your voice, your story, your truth can slice through the digital noise like a hot knife through butter.🧈 For podcasters, this means letting your guard down and inviting your audience into your world, flaws and all.

😨Nervous about making an authentic pivot? Here are some tips on how you can master this secret weapon, no matter your comfort level:

• Share Personal Stories: Integrate personal anecdotes and experiences into your content. These don’t have to be life-altering moments, like speaking out about your horrific ex; even small, everyday stories can be relatable and engaging. 
• Be Honest About Failures: Discussing your setbacks or failures can be incredibly powerful. It humanizes you and can inspire others by showing that overcoming obstacles is part of the journey. This process can even prove to be cathartic and key in the process of healing from the past. Reesa is upfront and says she is sharing things that make her look dumb for not realizing something was wrong sooner.
• Express Genuine Emotions: Don’t shy away from showing your true feelings about the topics you discuss. Authentic emotional expression can resonate deeply with your audience. Reesa’s videos candidly capture her genuine emotions as she navigates the challenges of dealing with a difficult ex-husband and elicit emotions from viewers with the shocking details.
• Invite Feedback and Engage: Create a two-way conversation with your listeners. Ask for their opinions, answer their questions, and incorporate their feedback into your content. Reesa continues to create videos and goes live asking for feedback and answering questions.
• Experiment with Content: Show different facets of your personality by experimenting with various content formats and topics. This can include solo episodes, interviews, Q&A sessions, and more. Reesa Teesa gauged her followers’ interest in her story before she put out her series.
• Be Present and Mindful: Practice being fully engaged and present while recording. This mindfulness can translate into a more genuine and relatable presentation style. Reesa speaks to the camera as if you’re right there with her, sharing her deepest secrets.
• Use Humor Wisely: Don’t be afraid to inject humor into your content. Laughter is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building rapport. Reesa’s humor and sarcasm shines through in her videos, reflecting her natural personality and her knack for navigating challenging situations with a touch of humor. She even acknowledged this in her disclaimer video that it is a coping mechanism to get through things that were not funny.
• Acknowledge Imperfections: Once in a while acknowledge any hiccups or mistakes during recording openly instead of editing them out. This transparency can endear you to your audience. Reesa has continued to be transparent even after her viral success and do Q&A sessions live on Tiktok and address comments and videos from others in her story and the public.

By implementing these strategies, podcasters and content creators can foster a more authentic connection with their audience, encouraging loyalty and engagement.

2. Master the Art of Storytelling

Reesa’s narrative wasn’t just a story; it was an artfully crafted journey that kept viewers hooked. During her time with her ex in 2020 and 2021, Reesa kept an audio diary documenting things that didn’t sit right with her at the moment, and the content was likely used to jog her memory to create her series. Reesa mentioned that she purposefully created the series the way she did so it could be viewed like a video-book. This goes to show that journaling (written or audio) can be very beneficial in so many ways!

Storytelling is more than recounting events; it’s about weaving a narrative that engages, retains, and impacts. The structure, pace, and delivery of your story can dramatically influence your audience’s engagement. For your next podcast episode or content piece, think about how you can transform your message into a compelling story. Remember, a well-told story can turn listeners into loyal followers.

Applying effective storytelling techniques can elevate your podcast or content to new heights, turning casual listeners into dedicated fans. Here are some actionable tips for podcasters and content creators to harness the power of storytelling:

• Start with a Strong Hook: Begin your episode or content piece with an intriguing statement, question, or anecdote that grabs attention. Your opening should promise value and pique curiosity. Reesa had a disclaimer video that told you upfront what she would discuss and how long it would take her, but even knowing the ‘gist’ of the story first, it was so intriguing to see how bad it really got with her ex. In the disclaimer video, you also got to see a bit of her personality and she seems very trustworthy, respectful, nice, and normal; so the viewer is intrigued to see how she got duped and survived the crazy dramatic story of her life with her ex.
• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Introduce the setting and characters, present a conflict or challenge, and conclude with a resolution or takeaway. This classic structure helps listeners follow along and stay engaged. Reesa did this beautifully and even inserted clarification videos if she remembered something that wasn’t mentioned or responding to comments from people.
• Pace Your Story: Control the pacing to maintain interest. Use shorter sentences and pauses for dramatic effect, and vary your speed and tone to match the narrative’s emotional flow. Reesa acknowledged she was getting feedback saying she talked too slowly, and was long winded, and stated she is just a detailed person. The pace and the details created an even more dramatic effect and allowed the viewer more time to play the scenario of the story in their own mind.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Use descriptive language and details to paint vivid pictures in your audience’s minds. Instead of simply stating facts, evoke feelings and images that immerse listeners in the experience. Reesa’s audience could definitely picture each scenario in their mind with her great art of storytelling.
• Incorporate Dialogue: When possible, include dialogue or direct quotes to add authenticity and depth to your storytelling. This can make your narrative more relatable and engaging. Reesa tried to do this with characters in her story, even role-playing as them.
• Leverage Sound Design: In podcasting, sound effects and music can enhance the storytelling experience, creating an immersive audio environment that complements the narrative. Check out Dominic Lawson’s podcast Black is America for a great example!
• Share Personal Insights: Infuse your story with personal reflections or lessons learned. This adds depth and relatability, encouraging listeners to connect with the content on a personal level. Reesa acknowledges that she should have seen the truth sooner, and characters in her story that eventually helped her do so.
• End with a Purpose: Conclude your story with a clear takeaway or call to action. Ensure your audience leaves with something valuable, whether it’s a lesson, a thought-provoking question, or a prompt to engage further. Reesa stated several times that the point of her series was to warn other people who may come across a pathological liar.
• Practice Empathy: Consider your story from the audience’s perspective. Tailor your narrative to resonate with their interests, experiences, and emotions.
• Solicit Feedback: After sharing your story, seek feedback from your audience. Understanding their reactions can guide you in refining your storytelling skills. Reesa’s disclaimer video discusses how she will handle comments and feedback throughout and after her series and has continued with Q&A sessions.

By focusing on these elements, you can craft stories that not only captivate and entertain but also foster a deeper connection with your audience, enhancing the overall impact of your content.

3. Relatability Builds Bridges

Reesa’s personal saga tapped into universal themes of love, trust, betrayal, and resilience, reminding us of the power of relatable content. Your audience is more likely to engage with content that mirrors their experiences, hopes, and fears. Crafting content that speaks to the heart of your audience’s experiences can forge deep connections and broaden your reach. As you create, ask yourself: How can my story echo the collective experiences of my audience?

Crafting relatable content is key to forging a deep connection with your audience and broadening your reach. Here are some tips for podcasters and content creators to create content that resonates on a personal level:

• Explore Universal Themes: Focus on themes like love, loss, triumph, and failure, which everyone experiences at some point. By tapping into these universal emotions, your content becomes more accessible and engaging to a wider audience. Reesa’s content had the theme of love and betrayal, which a lot of people can resonate with.
• Share Personal Stories: Don’t hesitate to share your own experiences, particularly those that reflect broader human experiences. Authentic personal stories can serve as a powerful bridge, connecting you to your audience. 
• Listen to Your Audience: Engage with your listeners or readers through comments, social media, or direct feedback. Understanding their stories, challenges, and victories can inspire content that speaks directly to their hearts.
• Use Everyday Language: Communicate in a way that’s easy to understand and relatable. Avoid jargon and complex language that might alienate your audience. Make sure your content is also accessible to everyone by providing transcripts for audio and video content and alt-text for images.
• Highlight Relatable Characters and Situations: Whether you’re telling a story or discussing a topic, include characters or scenarios with which your audience can identify. This can be particularly effective in narrative podcasts or storytelling segments.
• Incorporate Humor and Lightness: Even when tackling serious topics, finding moments of humor or lightness can make your content more approachable and relatable.
• Be Brave: Showing your vulnerabilities (or as I say, your bravery) can make you more relatable. It reassures your audience that it’s okay to be imperfect, fostering a stronger, more genuine connection.
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: Pose questions that prompt reflection and self-exploration among your audience. This encourages them to think about how the content relates to their own lives.
• Create Interactive Content: Encourage your audience to share their stories or opinions related to your content. This can be through social media prompts, call-ins during live podcasts, or interactive segments.
• Reflect Current Events and Cultural Moments: Relate your content to current events or cultural trends that your audience is likely experiencing or observing. This relevance can make your content feel more immediate and connected to their lives. Just like I am now, talking all about Reesa Teesa!

By integrating these strategies, you can create content that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with your audience, encouraging engagement and fostering a sense of community.

Hungry for more insights like these? Tune into The Podcasting Morning Chat each weekday anywhere you listen to podcasts. Let’s transform your content from overlooked to overheard. Remember, in the realm of content creation, you are only a story away from connecting with millions.

🙌🏿Celebrating Black Voices in Podcasting

In February we are celebrating Black History Month with podcast recommendations hosted by Black voices.

This Week’s Highlight: Stitch Please

The Stitch Please podcast is hosted by Ambie Award nominee Lisa Woolfork. The podcast is the official platform of Black Women Stitch, emphasizing the significance of Black lives in the sewing community. It offers an engaging blend of sewing tips, techniques, and discussions on African American literature and culture, aimed at sewists of all levels. Celebrating Black creativity, the podcast provides a dedicated space for Black women, girls, and femmes in sewing, promoting inclusivity and support for Black-owned businesses within the craft. For more detailed insights and episodes, visit Black Women Stitch.

Podcasting Morning Chat co-host Dominic Lawson also has his podcast Black is America nominated for the same category, but Dominic is graciously rooting for Lisa and is very proud of her as well.

I’m so grateful to be connected with you and a part of your podcast journey. 

All My Best,

👋Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI