Arlill Rodriguez, producer of the Random Chatterings podcast, discusses their journey into podcasts, the evolution of their listening habits, favorite episodes on mental health and finding silver linings, the influence of personal experience and politics, the connection between social media and content creation, and their personal journey with swearing in podcasts.
Podcasts have played a significant role in the speaker's personal development and learning journey, expanding their knowledge and understanding of various topics.
The speaker has curated their audience through their podcast by producing episodes that align with their interests and values, creating a safe and inclusive community.
Podcasts have been a medium for the speaker's personal growth, challenging their preconceptions, and expanding their understanding of social issues.
Deep dives
The power of podcasts in personal development and learning
The podcasting medium has played a significant role in the personal development and learning journey of the speaker. Through podcasts, they have been able to expand their knowledge and understanding of various topics, such as gender identity, politics, and social issues. It has opened their eyes to different perspectives and allowed them to connect with a diverse range of people. The speaker has also found inspiration and guidance from podcasts, particularly in terms of content creation and producing their own show. Overall, podcasts have provided a platform for growth, self-reflection, and a way to engage with important discussions.
The impact of audience curation on podcasting
The speaker has carefully crafted their audience through their podcast by curating content that aligns with their interests and values. They have focused on producing episodes that cover topics they are passionate about, such as gaming, gender identity, and social issues. By doing so, they have created a space where like-minded individuals can come together and engage in meaningful discussions. The speaker recognizes the importance of making their podcast accessible to their target audience, including content warnings when needed and being mindful of the impact their episodes may have on listeners. Through audience curation, the speaker aims to foster a safe and inclusive community within their podcast.
The evolution of podcasting and personal growth
Over their 10-year journey in podcasting, the speaker has experienced personal growth and transformation. They have witnessed their own changing perspectives and political ideologies, from being centrist to embracing more leftist and progressive ideas. This growth reflects the impact of podcasts as a medium for education, exposure to diverse viewpoints, and self-reflection. The speaker acknowledges the role of podcasts in challenging their preconceptions and expanding their understanding of different social issues. Through the production and consumption of podcasts, the speaker has had the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, learn from others, and continuously strive for improvement.
The balance between work and enjoyment in podcasting
For the speaker, podcasting is both a labor of love and a means of personal enjoyment. While the creation process involves significant work, such as scriptwriting, editing, and refining content, it is a fulfilling endeavor. The speaker derives pleasure from discussing topics they are passionate about, connecting with an audience, and sharing their insights. They also find joy in listening to podcasts that expand their knowledge and challenge their perspectives. Despite the dedication and effort required, podcasting remains a source of fulfillment and an avenue for personal growth and self-expression.
The significance of swearing and authenticity in podcasting
Swearing, when used appropriately, can enhance the authenticity and impact of podcasting. The speaker recognizes that swearing can add emphasis and flow to their conversations, allowing them to express their thoughts and emotions more effectively. They view swearing as a natural part of their podcasting style and believe that it contributes to the overall tone and message they wish to convey. However, the speaker also acknowledges the importance of knowing the limits and being mindful of their audience, ensuring that the use of swearing is purposeful and not excessive.
Arlill tells the story of how they discovered podcasts (through an earlier interest in gaming) and how they came to produce Random Chatterings: a show that covers ‘all aspects of pop culture including video games, movies, television shows, and the internet at large’.
Content warning: suicidal ideation, depression, transphobia, violence and some coarse language
Please note this important distinction between the terms, as explained on the second webpage linked above (under Relationship to transgender): ’The term transgender was coined by John Oliven in 1965. By the 1990s, transsexual had come to be considered a subset of the umbrella term transgender. The term transgender is now more common, and many transgender people prefer the designation transgender and reject transsexual.’
