Jackie Johnson
Jackie Johnson is the host of Natch Beaut, a comedy and beauty podcast AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE HUMANS OF ALL TIME. Follow Jackie on Twitter here.
2019 was QUITE THE YEAR for you. But you always showed up to your show, every damn week. Was it tough to stay positive on your show? Did your show help you through all the shit you've been through this year?
Natch Beaut absolutely got me through last year. The hunnies (my listeners) were the driving force behind my resilience. When I announced my divorce, they reached out in droves, from all over the world, and got truly personal with me, and I will never ever forget it. It reminded me just how sacred podcasts and the relationship between a host and an audience can be. I am so honored to have my hunnies! Staying positive actually wasn't hard, because recording Natch Beaut is my light and my joy. Recording my cover songs every week (like my 100th episode's cover song, Bocreamian Snatchsody, which is peak in terms of just how silly my work can be) really, really helped me keep in touch with my silly side during a very un-silly time. I was very sad that day and even cried in between takes. You can kind of hear it in the song. But the silliness kept me going and kept my inspiration, and honestly, my desire to continue, from running dry.
Women are criticized for their voices on podcasts all the time. What is your relationship to yours?
Back when I was still reading itunes reviews (I stopped very early on) I remember a good amount of the negative ones commenting on my voice being too deep, loud, annoying, etc. And I just sit over here and say, hey buddy, tell me something I don't know. I have been getting attention, good and bad, for my unique voice my entire life. I am not surprised or offended by anything, and I've truly heard it all. I know my voice is special and not for everyone. And I like not sounding like everyone else! I wouldn't have made it this far in my life if I had an issue with my loud ass deep southern voice.
If someone has never listened to Natch Beaut (which means they do NOT LISTEN TO MY ADVICE) which episode would you suggest they start with?
First off, thank you for recommending me, honey! You know we love an old school word of mouth recommendation. That is a hard question, as Natch Beaut really runs the gamut. Sometimes we are serious (Self-Acceptance with Jeffrey Marsh), sometimes we laugh and go way off topic (No Mo Stace with Throwing Shade is a personal fave), and sometimes I just sing for an hour (my recent musical intro cover song spectacular episode.) I would ask them what they're mostly into and give a rec based on that, like a server at the Cheesecake Factory would do! That menu is EXTENSIVE, just like Natch.
You are a huge advocate for animals and cruelty-free beauty products. Has this harmed or help you in growing the show?
Who knows honestly. I'm sure the vegan thing turns some folks off, but they're on their own journey and we wish them the best. The bottom line might suffer at first or here and there, but I have found that authenticity to yourself and your beliefs is the true success to longevity. I have most definitely turned down multiple brand partnerships due to animal testing policies. I know, I'm such a good person. It's exhausting!
What makes a good podcast host?
Someone who is passionate, but most importantly, someone who works HARD. The game is strong and new pods are poppin' up left and right. You can't just show up and talk for an hour and sit back and collect the checks/notoriety. You have to step your shit up. Do your research. Come up with segments. Listen back and learn from your work; edit out pauses and flubs. Follow through with grand ideas. Bust your butt getting high profile guests. Put in the time, sweetie! People are giving you an hour of their precious time- show that you are grateful of that time by putting in your time, too.
What podcasts do you listen to? Can you give us a recommendation?
I am a Stan for the following pods:
Las Culturistas True passionistas of pop culture and they always make their guests shine. I have learned so much from this show and have googled SO many things. Their I don't Think So Honey segment is iconic. And yes I have been on this pod- it was my highest honor.
Throwing Shade I listen to this show religiously. Erin and Bryan and comedic geniuses and the most sincere, caring people. They are true professionals of the craft with I believe 400 episodes under their belt. I basically get my news from this show, and pretend I am hanging out with Erin and Bryan while listening. They also do the best ads in the podcast game.
Ologies Alie Ward is a GEM- this show is super interesting and she works her tail off and it shows. She logs insane hours to complete one episode, because of her extensive research and editing. I prefer entertainment pods over educational ones (what can I say? I'm smart enough) and she manages to toe the line so I learn while laughing. Not easy to do!
Howard Stern I listen to his show every week and have for most of my adult life. He's not technically a pod, but he's kinda the Grandpapi of pods and I listen to him on an app, so I count it!
Thanks, Jackie!