The Power of Authenticity in Podcasting: Insights from Paula Sima

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Paula Sima didn't start Talk Shit With P to build an audience. She started it because she needed somewhere to put what she was carrying: COVID, depression, a breakup, and the particular weight of living a full life mostly alone. What happened next is the part nobody tells you: pressing record on the honest version of yourself is what builds the room other people actually want to walk into. Over five years, ten seasons, and 219 episodes, Paula built one of the most genuine spaces in independent podcasting. In this weekly conversation series, creative people show up unfiltered and talk about the mental and emotional cost of building something. In this episode, she and Gabe get into what it actually means to turn personal healing into a movement, why she still uses a $40 Amazon mic from the early days as her measuring stick for what actually matters, and the one non-negotiable in her workflow that every guest signs, including her dad. 3 THINGS YOU WILL WALK AWAY WITH * The gear is not the resistance; the resistance is the gear. Paula started on a $40 Amazon mic she couldn't fully assemble, recorded on the free Anchor app, published without editing, and never listened back to Episode 1. Five years later, she has 219 episodes. The equipment conversation often serves as a delay tactic disguised as wisdom. * Seasonal podcasting is a legitimate workflow, not a cop-out. Paula records a full season during her off-time, schedules the release, then spends the active run promoting instead of scrambling. Listeners don't leave if you're honest with them. Build a rhythm that works for your life, not somebody else's production schedule. * Your show is not everyone else's show. Podops didn't work for Paula. Email outreach didn't work for Paula. What did work: Instagram voice notes, podcasting conferences, word of mouth, and yes, dating apps. Know your why, know your audience, and stop letting gurus with full production teams tell you how to run a one-person show. If what Paula shared today landed for you...And I think it did, go find her. She is @talkshitwithp everywhere. That's not a typo, and it's not a coincidence. Instagram, TikTok, Threads, same handle, all of them. And the show itself, Talk Shit With P, is on every major platform. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, wherever you're listening to this right now, go search it. Start anywhere. You won't regret it. Leave Paula a review. Share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. That's not a small thing. And while you're at it, if this show has been useful to you, same ask. Leave a review for The Podcast About Podcasting on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Subscribe if you haven't. Tell one person. That's the whole CTA. One person. You know exactly who needs to hear this. Want to create better intros and outros...check out Eleven Labs: click the link for your free trial. https://try.elevenlabs.io/6ih6wtdsxjkq Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607099/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607099/support] THE PODCAST ABOUT PODCASTING A weekly interview show answering the only question that matters before you start — why should you do a podcast? New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-about-podcasting-with-gabe-leal/id1890063067 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mFSFuT6n3R26Xm28h9Qbd?si=92a9db77895f4521 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastAboutPodcastingwithGabe FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heygabewhatsup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heygabewhatsup/ Substack: https://substack.com/@heygabewhatsup SEND GABE A MESSAGE podcastaboutpodcasting@gmail.com --- If this episode hit — share it with one person who keeps almost starting. That's who this show is for.

"From Print to Podcasting: A Media Journey Built on Storytelling That Connects with Cindy Mich.”

From Print to Podcasting: A Media Journey Built on Storytelling That Connects with Cindy Mich In this episode of Podcast About Podcasting, Gabe Leal sits down with award-winning journalist, media personality, filmmaker, publisher, and podcast host Cindy Mich for a powerful conversation about storytelling, resilience, media evolution, and finding your voice through podcasting. With a career spanning journalism, radio, television, filmmaking, publishing, and podcasting, Cindy shares how podcasting unexpectedly became one of the most authentic and impactful platforms in her creative journey. From launching conversations that matter to building a listening audience of over 205,000 people, Cindy explains why podcasting remains one of the most accessible and meaningful mediums for creators today. This conversation explores what it means to build authentic media in a world driven by algorithms, why every interview guest deserves to be treated like a celebrity, and how creators can overcome fear, grief, self-doubt, and burnout while continuing to share stories that resonate with people. Cindy also opens up emotionally about loss, healing through creativity, and turning personal grief into storytelling through her upcoming short film project. Whether you’re an aspiring podcaster, filmmaker, writer, journalist, or creator trying to discover your voice, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for building something meaningful that lasts. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why podcasting is one of the easiest and most accessible creative mediums How Cindy Mich transitioned from print journalism into podcasting Why “every interviewee is a celebrity” The importance of authentic conversations and strong interviewing skills Building an audience from zero in a crowded podcasting space Why podcasting should never feel like a chore Handling criticism, feedback, and audience expectations The business side of podcasting and media creation Grief, healing, and continuing creative work after loss The role storytelling plays in helping others through difficult seasons How networking opens doors in podcasting and media Cindy’s advice for aspiring podcasters afraid to start The importance of research, preparation, and audience engagement Upcoming projects including Elegant Expressions Magazine, Sin’s Chat Corner, film festival work, and Cindy’s upcoming short film Memorable Quotes “Every interviewee is a celebrity.” “If you want to make a difference, podcasting is a great outlet for you.” “Never too old. Never too inexperienced. Never giving up.” “When your heart is broken, sometimes you feel like you have nothing to say.” About Cindy Mich Cindy Mich is an award-winning journalist, media personality, filmmaker, publisher, podcaster, and founder of the independent film festival Art is Alive, now in its seventh year. She is the creator and host of Sin’s Chat Corner, a podcast and television platform focused on candid conversations, storytelling, arts, media, and human connection. Cindy is also the publisher and managing editor of Elegant Expressions Magazine and has built a listening audience of more than 205,000 listeners through her work in podcasting and media. Follow Cindy Mich on Instagram: @officialcindymich Connect With Podcast About Podcasting Hosted by Gabe Leal, Podcast About Podcasting explores the real stories, lessons, failures, and breakthroughs behind building a podcast and finding your voice as a creator. If this episode inspired you, share it with a fellow podcaster, filmmaker, journalist, storyteller, or aspiring creator who needs encouragement to finally hit record. 🎧 Follow, rate, and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. Have a Question? Leave us a text or voicemail. We would love to hear from you. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607099/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2607099/support] THE PODCAST ABOUT PODCASTING A weekly interview show answering the only question that matters before you start — why should you do a podcast? New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. SUBSCRIBE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-about-podcasting-with-gabe-leal/id1890063067 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2mFSFuT6n3R26Xm28h9Qbd?si=92a9db77895f4521 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodcastAboutPodcastingwithGabe FOLLOW THE SHOW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heygabewhatsup/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heygabewhatsup/ Substack: https://substack.com/@heygabewhatsup SEND GABE A MESSAGE podcastaboutpodcasting@gmail.com --- If this episode hit — share it with one person who keeps almost starting. That's who this show is for.

28 de may de 202651 min

The Power of Authenticity in Podcasting: Insights from Paula Sima

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