The Power of Community on Substack: "I had no idea that it was going to become this massive community that I was going to want to live in."

Lindsay Johnstone

From the archives and in celebration of Lindsay completing an incredible memoir serialisation project here on Substack, here is a wonderful episode on the POWER of audio on Substack. Lindsay is running a flash sale where you can access her serialised memoir ‘Held in Mind’ for the price of a hard back book. GO see!

Lindsay Johnstone has been here in my membership here at Sparkle on Substack from the very beginning and it’s been an ABSOLUTE joy to celebrate her triumphs and see her express herself so creatively on this platform.

I believe audio is the most under utilised resource here. The transcription tools are insanely good, the hosting is COMPLETELY free and we can record with the technology we already have. 😬

With audio my publication keeps growing. This podcast has been downloaded almost 35k times. It blows my mind. As the platform gets busier, audio is the way to stay ahead of the curve!

Substack tell us publications that integrate audio grow 2.5 times faster. I’m so passionate about it I’ve built a whole course to teach you about process, tech and mindset on sharing your voice.

If you want to join us live we start next Friday, I’m going to guide you every step of the way…

More details here on my LIVE course Perfectly Imperfect Podcasting.

Guest bio

Lindsay is a writer, reviewer and creative writing workshop facilitator based in Glasgow, Scotland. Post-therapy, she’s holding the necessary space for herself and others entering midlife while very much still figuring things out.

In autumn 2022, she ended a three-year psychotherapy journey asking, ‘What now?’ and vowed she’d replace those thrice-weekly therapeutic hours with something, but wasn’t then sure quite what.

Enter Substack…

Follow Lindsay’s work on Substack over at What Now? with Lindsay Johnstone or on Instagram;

🎙️ Timeline

00:00 Writer discusses work on Substack and books.

05:07 Substack became community and writing practice hub.

07:45 Connection turns comments into conversations, fostering community.

12:35 Loneliness-driven mental health epidemic needs deeper connections.

15:32 Audio storytelling enhances personal connection in publishing.

19:35 Episodes revised for better audio pacing, content.

21:55 Curating content creatively yields timely, impactful connections.

23:48 Teaching schedule, energy management, and consistent writing.

26:58 Creative evolution with Substack, community, and experimentation.

30:25 Guest authors connect with writers via Substack.

35:36 Holding space: connection, creativity, balance, wellbeing.

37:23 Substack voiceover improved; eager to try.

41:53 Voice notes on Substack built global connections.

45:19 Audio offers creators personal expression and accessibility.

47:47 Exploring audio snippets and diaries for creativity.

53:27 Recording helps refine writing; creative expression evolves.

54:53 Stopping recording; continuing chat with paid members.

This podcast is supported by my Diamond Members who’s belief in me has led to me running the business of my dreams. Thanks to them and to you for being here. Diamond membership opens again in January 2025 for one month.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkleon.substack.com/subscribe