Over the past few years Podcasting has become a common way for radio talk shows to re-transmit interviews and popular broadcasts; which is ironic, as publishing audio files to be listened to at will is the opposite of what radio stations want you to do. They want you listening during their assigned times so that sponsors, who pay the bills, continue to fork over the money.
But podcasting is not just for radio stations any longer. With the evolution of the Internet together with cheaper hardware and software, today anyone can produce a podcast.
One person who had decided podcasting was their media of choice is Angie Mozilo, otherwise known AZ Mom of Many Hats on Twitter and Facebook. Angie produces and hosts Mom of Many Hats Radio every Friday at 5 P.M. ET.
Her show is for, according to her website,
…a woman who is a mom, a wife, a student, a sister, a friend, a counselor, a mediator, a nurse, a creative genius, a maker of memories, a lover, a caretaker, a domestic goddess, a budgeter and financial planner, an employer or employee, a chef, a manager and CEO of her home, and just plain wears any other hat of any other role that could possibly come her way… a place for moms to hear a loud and resounding “MOMS ARE IMPORTANT!” message.
Angie has shared her passions and creativity online, on local TV, and in various public venues but has found that podcasting brings her closer to her fellow ‘moms’. Each week she will talk about, and invite guests to discuss the subjects of finance, health and beauty, creativity and of course, parenting. She’s even made her 19 broadcasts available for free through iTunes so that they can be listened to on any portable device!
When asked how difficult it was to host a podcast, Angie shared the following:
“Just as if you were carrying on a conversation with someone and wanted to hold their attention, the same is true of podcasting. Because I have a set show, prep and content is very important, and probably the most difficult part of the process. I need to be clear in my mind of the message I want to convey and then use supporting information and guests to help me do that. At the same time, I need to keep audience in mind, as well as be prepared for last-minute changes in case guests drop out of interviews or have technical issues on the day of broadcasting/recording.”
The positive effects of podcasting on the other hand are worth the effort according to Ms. Mozilo.
“Podcasting as well as social media in general has opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I initially started in social media on Twitter just for socializing. I shortly thereafter started a blog, then Facebook, then another blog, then vlogging. Today because of connections through social media/podcasting, personally reaching out, and purposely stepping out of my comfort zone, I now own and host my Mom of Many Hats internet Radio show. It has led to some exposure on local television as well as speaking opportunities and radio interviews.”
Taking podcasting one step farther, live internet talk radio evolved into a full-time business for those not wanting to host their own podcasts at Toginet Live.
You provide the content and guests, and we do absolutely everything else to make you the professional that you are. Our Hosts are part of our family and not just another number.
Being part of Toginet, you can decide whether to broadcast daily or weekly, create a 30, 60 or 90 minute show, go live or pre-record, use an 800 number for guests to call in and so many other options that could cost an individual host an incredible amount of money, purchasing their service is a boon for many. Their roster of shows covers subjects from simplifying your life, to parenting, to how to be successfully unemployed!
No longer does a person who wants to be a ‘face’ in radio have to bow to corporations and their strictures, nor do they have to ‘prove’ themselves to be worthy of vaunted air time. Instead, now anyone can host their own program.
Podcasts could be the beginning of the end of syndicated talk radio shows. In the words of Ange Mozilo,
“I think that for some audiences it (podcasting) is on par with “regular” talk radio. Podcasts can be taken with the audience on their mobile devices where ever they go. It is not dependent on a radio signal or internet connection. With so many people on the go and so busy, many of the things that they may have listened to on other media sources are bypassed in lieu of the portable option of podcasts. There will always be a segment that likes stationary media such as TV or Radio, but the segment that relies on podcasts, I believe will continue to grow.
Do you think podcasts are a good thing? Have you ever considered hosting your own podcast? Tell me what you think, and let’s talk about it.
Sound wave photo courtesy of ekirts-nz on deviantART.com, photos of Angie Mozilo and Mom of Many Hats Radio courtesy of Angie Mozilo.
