As we draw to the end of season 16: Why Your Disability Advocacy Service Needs a Podcast, let’s recap and refine the message.
Why Your Service Needs a Podcast
Podcasts are an excellent way to amplify the voice of your service, connecting directly with audiences in an intimate format that builds authourity. For disability advocacy services, podcasts provide a platform to share lived experiences, discuss pressing issues and build community around shared values. They humanize your mission, building deeper connections with listeners by telling stories that might otherwise go unheard. That, in effect, give the unfeard a voice. With a podcast, you control the narrative, addressing misinformation, driving action and educating your audience. Beyond awareness, podcasts create tangible outcomes, such as volunteer recruitment, increased donations and/or policy change. The intimate nature of podcasts creates a loyal listener base which is a powerful asset for your organization.
Trends and Opportunities for Disability Advocacy Services
The podcasting landscape is rapidly evolving and disability advocacy services are uniquely positioned to benefit. Trends such as accessibility-focused tech, increased societal awareness about inclusivity and the popularity of authentic storytelling align perfectly with service missions. Opportunities abound for creating content that celebrates lived experience, critiques systemic challenges and educates the public. Partnering with service users to tell their stories enhances your service’s credibility and reach. Emerging AI tools and transcription services also make content creation and distribution more accessible. Engaging podcast series solidify your service as a thought leader while fostering understanding and inspiring systemic change.
Overcoming Common Barriers to Podcasting
Starting a podcast can feel daunting but many barriers are surmountable with the right strategies. A common concern is the cost of equipment but high-quality recordings are possible with a modest setup, such as a USB microphone and free editing software. Even the phone in most people’s pockets have a “good enough” mic to get your service started.
Time constraints are another hurdle; consider batch recording and delegating tasks to streamline the process. Lack of expertise can be addressed through free resources and workshops on podcasting basics. To that end JMPS is releasing a free mini course: Podcast Pre-Launch: Gear Up, Plan & Register Like a Pro. Available 29th Novemeber 2024. Register now to be one of the first to receive this. It walks you through every step of the pre-launch process to set you up for success. Link in the show notes.
Choosing the Right Podcast Format
Selecting the right format for your podcast is an important first step. Popular formats include interviews, narrative storytelling, panel discussions and educational episodes. For disability advocacy services, a hybrid format might work best, blending personal stories with actionable steps. Consider your team’s strengths and the preferences of your target audience. Storytelling episodes connect emotionally with listeners, educational monologues may not but have their place too. Keep your format flexible to accommodate evolving content needs but maintain a consistent structure to foster familiarity. Experiment with formats early on and adapt based on audience feedback.
Developing Content
Crafting podcast content requires a blend of strategy and creativity. Start by interrogating your mission statement. It’s why your service exists. Develop episode themes that align with this. Get creative and always remember your clients and staff are a golden resource. Do not waste them. Create a content calendar to maintain consistency and consider collaborating with other organizations or individuals to bring alternative perspectives to your episodes.
The Art of Storytelling
Storytelling is the heart of great podcasting, particularly for advocacy services. A well-told story captures attention, evokes emotion and inspires action. Start with a clear purpose—what message do you want your audience to take away? Use lived experience narratives to illustrate broader issues, highlighting both challenges and wins. Structure your episodes with a beginning, a middle and an emotionally driven conclusion. Remember, storytelling isn’t just about facts; it’s about connecting your audience to the humanity behind your mission. Authentic, relatable stories leave a lasting impression.
Essential Podcast Equipment
A professional-sounding podcast doesn’t require a massive budget but some key equipment ensures quality. A good-quality microphone is essential for clear audio. Either your phone, a zoom hook up and either a USB mic or an audio recorder that doubles as a USB mic, see episode 7 of this season: Essential Podcast Equipment. Headphones help monitor sound while recording and editing. A pop filter minimizes plosive sounds, while a mic stand or boom arm ensures stability. Recording software, such as Audacity or GarageBand, allows for editing and platforms like Zoom facilitate remote or even monologue interviews. Remember we have tools to clean audio that didn’t exist five years ago. Pick an accoustically neutral site, as best you can and just start recording. Until you hit the record button, nothing matters.
Creating a Call to Action
A call to action (CTA) transforms passive listeners into active supporters. End each episode by encouraging your audience to take a specific step. Initially to spread the word about your show, word of mouth is the gold standard in podcast growth, especially in the early stages. Later on your CTA can ask for donations, volunteers or to sign a petition. Your CTA should align with the episode’s content and be clear, concise and actionable. Always keep the “Why am I producing this show?” thought at the forefront of your mind.
Why Your Service Needs a Podcast
A podcast is a powerful tool for disability advocacy services. It allows you to reach a wider audience, build a community and raise awareness about important issues. By focusing lived experiences you can take listeners with you on a journey of change. Making the world a better place by Giving The Unheard a Voice in your field of advocacy.
As I mentioned above, a free mini course covering everything you need to prepare your show for release, the pre-launch stage, will be released on 29th November 2024. To join the list to receive this mini-course, click the link in the show notes. It is the only link there this week to make life easier for you.
I’ll back soon with Season 17: The Art of Storytelling!
FREE Mini-Course: Podcast Pre-Launch: Gear Up, Plan & Register Like a Pro.