Ever wondered what it's like to write true crime stories? Join Sean and Nicole Engelbrecht, a seasoned podcaster and author, as she opens up about the highs and lows of the industry.
She reveals the crucial role of authenticity in storytelling, the emotional toll of discussing sensitive subjects, and how her podcast has shaped a community of listeners.
Nicole also shares her aspirations for growth and tackling the intricate web of crime in South Africa.
Nicole's commitment to creating stories that resonate and the profound influence of podcasting is truly inspiring.
Finding the Right Story (00:00:02) Nicole discusses her approach to choosing stories, emphasizing the importance of involving families and the impact it has on the episodes.
Becoming an Author (00:01:22) Nicole talks about her newly released book on a hate crime, highlighting the various aspects she delves into and the reasons behind writing it.
Podcasting Landscape Changes (00:03:58) Nicole reflects on the evolution of podcasting in the five years she has been involved, emphasizing the growth and impact on storytelling in South Africa.
Building a Support Network (00:05:26) Nicole discusses the challenges of starting a true crime podcast and the support she received from international podcasters, highlighting the collaborative nature of the podcasting community.
Creating Human-Centered Narratives (00:08:38) Nicole explains her process for humanizing victims in her storytelling, emphasizing the importance of portraying their humanity to engage listeners and potentially generate leads on cold cases.
Scripting and Storytelling (00:16:25) Nicole shares her approach to scripting, focusing on victim-centered narratives and the challenges of condensing extensive research into compelling podcast episodes.
Workflow and Involvement (00:21:44) Nicole details her workflow from choosing a story to publishing, highlighting her hands-on involvement in every step of the process, from research to publishing.
Finding My Voice (00:23:06) Nicole discusses finding her authentic voice and overcoming initial self-doubt.
Challenges and Motivations (00:25:00) Nicole shares the challenges of podcasting, including managing emotions, and the motivation she finds in listener feedback and real-world impact.
Future Plans and Challenges (00:36:12) Nicole outlines her initial expectations, achievements, and future plans for her podcast and production company.
Worst Moments in Podcasting (00:40:52) Nicole reflects on her difficult experiences, including blocking a family member and dealing with factual errors.
Influence of South African Crime (00:43:07) Nicole discusses how the unique nature of crime in South Africa influences her podcast content and approach.
Misconceptions in Podcasting (00:45:53) Nicole shares insights on common misconceptions and challenges faced by podcasters, including the risk of "pod fade" and wrong mindsets.
Nicole Engelbrecht's thoughts on podcasting (00:46:38) She emphasizes the value of scripted, researched podcasts and the hard work required in podcasting.
The importance of hard work (00:47:57) Discussion on how hard work leads to luck and the commitment needed to stay passionate. The Podcast Catalyst newsletter
