Stevan Smith: Bridging Connections as a Black Media Professional in Content Creation

In this episode of The Truth in This Art, host Rob Lee engages in a conversation with Stevan Smith, a seasoned public media professional. They discuss Stevan's journey in the industry, his love for radio, and the importance of representation in podcasting. 🎙️🔊

Episode Highlights:

• Stevan's background in jazz radio and his journey in public media (00:00:21) 🎷📻
• Stevan's experience working in the radio industry and the impact of his mentors (00:01:17) 🎙️🤝
• Stevan's early influences in music and his love for soul, R&B, and hip hop (00:05:44) 🎵❤️
• The connection between hip-hop and jazz music and Stevan's decision to pursue a career in radio broadcasting (00:06:08) 🎶📻
• Stevan's internship at WEAA and his experience hosting the Strictly Hip Hop show (00:09:46) 🎤🎧
• Stevan's transition to WBGO and his role as traffic manager (00:19:30) 🚗🎙️
• Stevan's move to WNYC and his role as assistant program director (00:23:05) 🏙️🎚️
• Stevan's decision to become the chief content officer at WBGO and his goals for the station (00:25:28) 🤔📈
• The challenges and opportunities in the podcasting industry and the importance of representation (00:28:41) 🎤🌍
• Stevan's podcasting project, My Little Podcast, and his focus on highlighting diverse content creators (00:39:43) 🌈

Key Takeaways:

• The journey of Stevan Smith, from interning at WEAA to becoming the Chief Content Officer at WBGO, showcases the importance of gaining hands-on experience and staying committed to one's passion. 🚀
• The podcasting industry is oversaturated, but creating meaningful and relatable content can still attract a loyal audience. 🌐
• Stamina and consistency are key in podcasting, as well as understanding and catering to the needs of the target audience. ⏰

Check out Stevan Smith's podcast, My Little Podcast, to hear inspiring interviews with creative individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Website: stevansmith.com
Social Media Links:
Facebook: Stevan Smith
Instagram: stevan_radiowav
Twitter: @Stevan_RadioWav
LinkedIn: Stevan Smith

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* this interview was conducted in December 2023.

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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