The Origins of the 'Fat Mascara' Podcast

The transition from writing and editing for magazines to launching a podcast stemmed from a genuine interest in the medium, influenced by the rise of narrative-driven formats exemplified by shows like Serial. The idea for the podcast emerged during a casual discussion between co-hosts who were both beauty editors, leading to the recognition that their professional background lent itself well to creating engaging audio content. They structured the podcast to include a variety of segments—short topical items, in-depth interviews, and concluding features—reflecting their journalistic skills. The quirky name 'Fat Mascara' was chosen deliberately to avoid conventional beauty terms, intending instead to encapsulate the overly embellished language often found in beauty product marketing. This choice aimed to resonate with the larger-than-life descriptions prevalent in the beauty industry, ultimately creating a brand identity that stands out in the market. Additionally, the initial acronym 'FM' inadvertently tied the show to radio, enhancing its appeal and recognizability.