❤️‍🩹 Hurricane Helene: Using This Platform for Good

03 Oct ❤️‍🩹 Hurricane Helene: Using This Platform for Good

Posted at 11:16h in Uncategorized by
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👋Hey there Podcaster!

Using your platform for ‘good’ is about using your voice with purpose. Whether during a crisis, like the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, or in everyday storytelling, we have the power to inform, inspire, and connect. By fostering empathy, coordinating support, and embracing authenticity, we can make a real difference. When we focus on being genuine and using our voice to uplift others, we help create a stronger, more compassionate community. Keep reading to see how you can help others and yourself get important messages out there!

❤️‍🩹 Hurricane Helene: Using This Platform for Good

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Hurricane Helene hit my hometown of Asheville last week, it brought devastation on a scale none of us could’ve imagined. Streets where I once walked my dog are now unrecognizable, shattered by the storm. The landscape looks like something out of an apocalypse—thick mud and debris cover what’s left of the roads, and remnants of people’s cars and homes are scattered across the streets.

But the physical destruction pales in comparison to the human toll. Lives have been lost, and countless people remain missing. The community is reeling, and the weight of this disaster weighs heavily on me. It’s a sobering reminder of just how fragile life can be, and how quickly everything can change.

As I processed the aftermath, I found myself reflecting on the role of podcasters during times like these. Mainstream media coverage was slow to grasp the full extent of the disaster, but I realized that as podcasters, we have a unique ability to provide real-time updates and amplify recovery efforts. We can offer a platform to the unheard voices in our community—the survivors, the volunteers, and the first responders. 

Here’s why podcasting can be such a powerful tool in times of crisis:

🚰 Coordinating Volunteer and Supply Efforts

Podcasts offer more than just storytelling; they can serve as an essential tool for community coordination. During disasters, timely information is critical, and podcasting provides an opportunity to communicate directly with listeners who want to help. By sharing updates on where supplies are needed or how to volunteer, podcasters can bridge the gap between those in need and those eager to lend a hand. In Asheville, where many are still displaced and in desperate need of help, this kind of coordination could prove vital to recovery efforts.

🫂 Fostering Empathy and Connection

Podcasting is an intimate medium. Listeners hear the emotion in people’s voices, feel their pain, and connect on a deeply human level. In times of crisis, this empathy is especially important. Personal stories shared on podcasts can help people feel less alone, whether they’re survivors trying to rebuild or neighbors across the country looking for ways to support affected communities. Empathy fuels action, and podcasts can be a source of inspiration for others to step up and contribute in meaningful ways.

🧑‍🚒 A Platform for First Responders

First responders are the unsung heroes of any disaster. In the chaos of recovery, their stories are often overshadowed, but podcasting gives them a platform to be heard. By highlighting their efforts, sharing their experiences, and providing them with a space to communicate essential information, we can ensure that first responders get the recognition they deserve. More importantly, podcasts can disseminate crucial, real-time updates that may not reach communities fast enough through traditional media channels.

As we move forward in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I’m committed to using podcasting and platform as a tool for recovery and support in Asheville. This disaster has shown me just how vital it is for podcasters to step up during times of crisis. We have the power to inform, inspire, and help rebuild. Now, more than ever, it’s time to use that power for good. 

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing stories from my community—stories of survival, recovery, and resilience. My hope is that through these personal accounts, we can not only help restore Asheville but also inspire others to use their platforms to make a difference. Together, we can be a part of the healing process, one voice at a time. You can listen in on Tuesday’s episode of The Podcasting Morning Chat and if you’re looking for resources or updates, please follow @CityofAsheville on Instagram or visit their website. 

If you’d like to donate to the recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene, visit the Red Cross’s donation page: https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html

📢 Using Your Voice: A Lesson in Authenticity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s easy to feel like you need to sound like a pro when you first start out as a podcaster. 🎙️ You hear those deep, polished voices on popular shows, and it’s hard not to compare yourself.

I’ve been there myself. Early in my podcasting journey, I worked for a show hosted by former professional radio broadcasters—people with those big, booming, radio-ready voices. It didn’t take long for me to start questioning whether my own voice was up to par.

But one piece of advice changed everything for me. A host I was working with, Michael Elston, who had become a close friend and mentor, told me something that completely shifted my mindset:

“It’s not about the sound of your voice. It’s how you use it.”

This helped me realize that podcasting isn’t about trying to sound like someone else or forcing yourself into a certain mold. It’s about using your natural voice with confidence and authenticity.

This message was reinforced by Nic Redman, a voice coach and expert, on Monday’s episode of Podcasting Morning Chat. Nic is someone who really knows the ins and outs of voice work, and she emphasized something every podcaster needs to hear: The key to a strong, engaging podcast isn’t in having a deep, radio-perfect voice. It’s about using your real voice with confidence.

Nic shared several key takeaways that all podcasters should keep in mind:

🤝 Authenticity Builds Trust: Listeners can tell when you’re being genuine, and that’s what keeps them coming back. Using your natural voice makes you relatable and trustworthy.

☝️Less Strain, Better Performance: Trying to force a different voice style can lead to vocal strain, especially over long recording sessions. Staying true to your own voice helps keep it healthy.

🤩 Confidence Shines Through: When you stop worrying about how your voice sounds compared to others, you can focus on what really matters: delivering your message clearly and confidently.

💁 One more powerful point Nic made during the chat: Stop focusing on mimicking others and start focusing on being the best version of your own voice. 

Podcasting is all about connection, and that connection starts with being yourself. When you use your natural voice, your listeners can hear your confidence, your passion, and your authenticity—and that’s what keeps them tuning in.

Have you ever struggled with finding your authentic voice as a podcaster? If so, I’d love to hear your story. Let’s keep the conversation going! Comment on LinkedIn and share your story with me.

🎙️Podcasting Morning Chat Highlights🌅

Welcome to your essential morning brew of ideas and insights, the “Podcasting Morning Chat” is a daily show that’s by creators, for creators. A dynamic team of experienced podcasters, entrepreneurs, and producers hosts the PMC. Each episode peels back the curtain on the art of podcasting and content creation. The conversation is a mix of insights, stories, and strategies, tailor-made to keep your content fresh, your audience engaged, and your creative spark alive. 

Recorded live every weekday at 7 AM EST on Clubhouse and available via podcast at 7 AM PST, our show has become a cornerstone for podcasters worldwide, offering a unique blend of expert advice, real-world success stories, and innovative ideas. Whether you’re here to enhance your content, expand your audience, or just soak in the collective wisdom of fellow content creators, the PMC is your source for inspiration, empowerment and connection in the podcasting world. 

Catch up with the latest episodes and join our global community of creators to kick-start your day with creativity, strategy, and insight.

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

All My Best,

Marc Roncik

 

 

 

👋Marc Ronick

This content was composed with assistance from OpenAI
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