From Cassette Tapes to Community
My Journey with The Podcast Academy
Author: Ti King
There's a certain magic to audio storytelling. It's a journey sparked by sound waves, translated into narratives that ignite our imaginations, provoke laughter, and inspire action. My love affair with audio began with two cassette tapes: "The War of the Worlds" and episodes of "The Shadow," gifts from my grandparents on my 12th birthday.
Those tapes, they didn't just play stories, they sparked something in me, a fascination with the power of sound to transport you.
In the early days of the internet, I discovered the wild west of independent audio shows, the freedom of creation fueling my passion. I was hooked, spending hours scouring those early websites, feeling like I'd found a secret world where anyone could tell their story.
Fast forward to 2018. Struggling to connect with C-level executives for my marketing business, I launched a podcast, inviting them as guests. Honestly, it was a bit of a gamble. I was thinking, 'What's the worst that could happen?' Turns out, it was the best thing I could have done. It was a revelation – a powerful networking tool. I remember the first executive who said yes, and I thought, 'This is it, this is how I’m going to break through.' I dove headfirst into the world of podcasting, experimenting with video, graphic overlays, and advanced editing. I became a mad scientist in my own little studio, trying everything, failing a lot, and learning even more. My passion led me to create a podcast festival in Arkansas in 2022 and establish a non-profit to empower aspiring podcasters.
I wanted to build something for my community, to share the knowledge I’d gained the hard way.
This journey culminated in speaking at Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024, where I experienced my first Ambies. The energy was electric. I was completely starstruck, seeing people I admired on stage, and feeling this overwhelming sense of belonging. Seeing the incredible talent on stage, I discovered The Podcast Academy. I instantly became a member. It was a gut feeling, like I knew I had to be a part of it. The next day, I sought out Ami Thakkar, a TPA governor, and had a conversation that validated my work in a profound way. To have someone who's achieved so much, actually listen and see the value in what I was doing, it meant the world.
Joining TPA was like stepping into a vibrant community. The Slack channel buzzed with conversations, Zoom meetings offered invaluable insights, and the member directory was a treasure trove of connections. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a podcaster in Arkansas; I was part of something bigger. Suddenly, I was sharing virtual spaces with industry giants like Jen Sargent (CEO of Wondery) and producers from the New York Times. It was surreal, like, 'Wait, am I really having this conversation?' But everyone was so welcoming and down-to-earth.
The true value of The Podcast Academy lies in its ability to foster networking, learning, and community. It’s not just about the big names, it's about the genuine connection.
Networking: TPA opens doors to conversations and connections that would otherwise be impossible. It's like having a backstage pass to the podcasting world. It's a space where industry leaders and emerging creators converge, fostering collaboration and mentorship.
Learning: From insightful Zoom sessions to committee work, TPA provides continuous learning opportunities. I'm constantly picking up new tricks and perspectives, and it keeps me from getting stagnant. You're constantly exposed to new ideas, best practices, and industry trends.
Community: More than just a professional organization, TPA is a community. It's where you find your people, the ones who get it. It's a place where you feel understood, supported, and inspired. The spirit of collaboration and sharing is palpable.
This year, I had the privilege of becoming a mentor, a chance to give back to the community that has given me so much. Seeing my mentees light up when they have a breakthrough, it's incredibly rewarding. The enthusiasm and gratitude of my mentees are a testament to the power of connection and knowledge sharing.
My experience with The Podcast Academy has been transformative. It's more than just a membership; it's an investment in myself and my passion. It's a testament to the power of community, the importance of continuous learning, and the magic of networking. I’m excited to witness TPA's continued growth and expansion, offering even more opportunities for podcasters to connect, learn, and thrive, both professionally and personally. I can't wait to see what we build together.
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Ti King
Founder of Arkansas Podcast Collaborative, podcast producer of several justice related podcasts.