If you're in a creative slump lately, you're not alone. I've spent the last seven months* of the year podcasting at the slowest pace ever. After chatting with some podcast friends, I realized they were also experiencing the same thing. There is so much going on around us that it's hard to feel creative and inspired. 

Thanks to a handful of batched episodes, the frequency of my podcasts haven't been affected too much, but now I'm out of batched episodes and still low on creative energy.

So, how do we handle these moments? 

Every podcaster has a different approach, but what has worked for me is to give myself permission to slow down (or pause) when I need to.

 

*In this episode, I say that we are six months into the year. It's seven. Time is a blur. 

music (1960's 2 house) by mobygratis

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Today's episode* is a casual chat with my dear friend (and fellow podcaster and writer), Julio Olivera (co-host, of The Contrarians podcast).

The Contrarians podcast is a show where Julio and his co-host, Alex Mattis, take on popular opinion, trashing movies everyone loves and praising movies everyone hates, and is currently celebrating it's 10th year! No small feat.

Julio met during our screenwriting days at AFF (Austin Film Festival) and it was during that time I learned about this thing called "podcasting." Julio was doing it before many of us, so I wanted to sit down with him in a vibe similar to many panels we sat in at AFF, where we'd watch two seasoned writers talk about their process, their ups, and downs, and give their advice to new writers.

In this episode, we'll talk about how we bring our writer/editor hat to the podcast space, get nerdy about recording software, editing, Youtube, and Patreon, and learn what has helped Julio publish episodes for ten years. Spoiler alert: it's having good friends. 

Julio will also share some advice for anyone starting in podcasting and it's a GEM! 

*recorded October, 2024

Follow The Contrarians Podcast on X, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and at wearethecontrarians.com

mentioned in this episode:

• Hindenburg
• Audio Hijack 4 

Also, Check out the episode of my other podcast where Julio joined me to discuss the movie, Jenny's Wedding. 

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Listen to my other podcast: The Gay Podcast for Everyone

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Even after five years of podcasting, mistakes happen — like forgetting to select the right mic (noooooo!). In this behind-the-scenes episode, I share an embarrassing tech blunder, what I learned from it, and how I salvaged the audio.

It's a reminder that we’re always learning — whether it’s week two or year two — and that mindset matters behind the mic. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

 Women Who Podcast Magazine (Issue #17, April/Spring 2025)

The Gay Podcast with Everyone, Episode 39: He Played with Dolls. A chat with writer, Luis Ignacio Andrade

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You don't have to show up on social media to have a podcast, but it's a great way to connect with listeners and engage in conversation. It can also be a lot of work. If you're hesitant to show up on social media or don't have the time, this episode is for you.

Molly Lee is the creator of Optimistic Soap, a brand of handcrafted soaps with a valuable message. Molly's online voice is as vibrant as her soaps, and she creates content that is seemingly effortless but also provides a ton of value.

In this episode, we'll talk about:

• ideas for making quick reels for social media that also add value
• how to juggle your side hustle with your full-time gig
• how to over imposter syndrome

Molly is an LGBTQ+ ally and uses her platform to raise funds for various organizations, including The Trevor Project. Listen to Molly on The Gay Podcast for Everyone: Ep. 41. Holding space for optimism in 2025 with Molly Lee of Optimistic Soap

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I recently tried batching episodes for the first time. Overall, it was super helpful. When life got busy, I wasn't scrambling for content...until I was.

In this episode, I share practical tips to keep in mind the next time you batch episodes so that you always have relevant content ready. 

If you’re thinking about batching to stay ahead, this chat will help you do it in a way that works for you, your podcast, and your schedule.

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"Waiting for perfect is never as smart as making progress." - Seth Godin

Hitting PUBLISH is the hardest part of starting a podcast. In this episode, I share my biggest podcasting mistake and why sharing your voice, flaws and all, is the key to honing your voice, podcast, and creative journey. 

To improve on something, you have to start.

mentioned in this episode: La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas (with Paulette Erato of Latinas in Podcasting) - Ep. #81 Tom Brady sucks at his job

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It's never too late to start podcasting. Both myself and my guest, Jen Vertanen (Be. Dare. Create.Your Best Damn Lifepodcast), are over 50 and doing the damn thing! 

In this episode, Jen talks about why podcasting is a true labor of love. We also dive into the permission she gave herself to stop podcasting when it simply wasn't fun, and the permission she gave herself to come back to it when she was ready. 

She also shares the importance of allowing yourself to have fun, play, and figure out what lights you up as you create your podcast.

Join us for a chat about our podcast processes, challenges with microphones and sound, and going with the podcast flow.

Recorded: October 2024

 
mentioned in this episode:

• Logitech Brio webcam
• CastMagic
• Descript

Follow Jen Vertanen: jenvertanen.com.

Also, check out the episode of Jen's podcast when I was invited to be her first guest.

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Listen to my other podcast: The Gay Podcast for Everyone.

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With some minimal editing you can create a more enjoyable listening experience for the listener. 

Granted, there's a learning curve, but small efforts will make a big difference and they're worth learning. Don't let the word "editing" scare you. Basic skills are easy to learn and some software (ex. Descript, Riverside) will do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.  

Your podcast does NOT need to be perfect, so don't get caught up in a perfect edit. Just focus on a few key things. They'll make a big difference. 

mentioned in this episode: Auphonic and Magic Mastering

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It's easy to get discouraged while creating your podcast. Sometimes we compare our pace to other folx (hello, social media!), and doubt starts to creep in. 

This episode is a reminder not to compare your podcast journey with anyone else's. 

about the host:
Angela Briones is the creator, host, and producer of The Gay Podcast for Everyone, a podcast for the lgbtq+ community, family, friends, and allies. 

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This episode is a look back at the microphones I've used in my podcast and my honest review of them.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose the microphone that works best for you, and not to forget that sharing your voice is even more important than the actual mic itself.

mentioned in this episode:

• Blue Yeti mic
• Samsun Q2U/ Audio Technica ATR 2100X
• Rode NT-USB Mini
• extra gear: boom arm, pop filter, and mic desk stand

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