Shreya Sharma
Shreya Sharma is the editor of Inside Podcasting. Follow her on Twitter here.
How did you get introduced to the audio space?
For me, tales told are tales remembered. I find storytelling most enjoyable in the audio form. This is why I've been into podcasts for a while. The first one I fell in love with was "Let's Talk About Myths, Baby." My conversations (read obsessions) around podcasts pervade ALL my spheres. In 2020, when, as a freelancer I found myself looking for new projects, I was pulled into a marketing strategy project for a finance podcast. From there on, I got one project after the other, with writing and curating Inside's Podcasting being the most impactful one.
How do you decide which shows you're going to cover?
While I like to inform my readers on newly launched shows, I prefer to focus on indie podcasts. The decision to cover them is impacted by several factors including – the stories of the creators, how interesting the shows are, the ease of getting into them (like are they super episodic and you need to have started 5 years ago), and the cause, if any, that the shows support.
I get my podcast news from you. How do you get your podcast news?
From industry sources including Podnews, Sounds Profitable, Podcast Pontifications, PodMov Daily, Hot Pod, among others. I also spend an hour or so on Reddit and Twitter every day to learn what the community is talking about.
What are three podcast subjects that always get you interested?
1. Mythology, fairy tales
2. Disney and Musicals
3. Etymology
You just mentioned that you reached a subscriber goal. What's the best way to grow a newsletter?
James Cridland asked me for a tip and this is what I said to him. Jokes aside, in addition to what a Google search will yield for this (consistency, content, etc.) what works is being honest about the mistakes you make. Also, respond to the readers when they write in! Earlier this year, I suffered a loss in my family and had to unexpectedly take a week off from Inside. Readers wrote in sharing their stories and condolences with me; I responded to each of them and it made me feel less alone.
What's a normal day like for you?
Comfortably chaotic. In the before-times, I could have boasted of a set schedule executed with perfect precision but today, I find myself being quite comfortable in the chaos of the pandemic-riddled world we're in.
I spend about 6-7 hours working on a variety of projects; task-switching as I go to avoid ennui. I usually consume at least an hour of Gilmore Girls or Gilmore Guys content along with 2x 45 minute long walks listening to fantasy audiobooks or podcasts.
Currently, I am listening to Sandman and Lexitecture on these walks.
What's a podcast prediction you have for 2022?
I believe (and hope) that we will see more women in the audio space. With the efforts like those of Elsie Escobar at SHE Podcasts Live to Twila Dang's pitch to get more women in podcasting adtech, the leaders in the space are making some noise to make this change happen.
Ultimate Frisbee. Discuss.
My day job is being a Marketing Director (Overlord) at Elevate Ultimate, a youth ultimate frisbee organization in Canada. I get to be a part of a team that impacts kids' lives, on and off the field. As our team is incredibly young (I think I am the second oldest person), I also have the privilege to mentor young professionals on their growth paths. Couldn't be more grateful for it!
Thanks, Shreya!