Welcome to a crossover episode of a different sort. But first: How are you doing? No, really? I ask because May is Mental Health Awareness Month. So many of us, myself included, struggle to articulate how “off” we feel right now, a cruel joke given that the good folks and orgs behind this month’s observance urge us to check in with our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. 

I’ll go first (yikes!): The only way I can describe my current state of mind is fragile. Can you relate? If you’re an entrepreneur, an educator, a corporate employee, a HUMAN, I bet you can.

You’re okay. I acknowledge and honor your struggle.

This episode isn’t about mental health per se. It’s about creating a secure and attentive environment for guests to feel supported, understood, and willing to engage in vulnerable conversations. The high schoolers behind Power Your Story, my student mentee podcast, beautifully illustrate my point. Their cohort-led interview with Peer Support Specialist and Mental Health Advocate Ashley Scott showcases subtle practices anyone can incorporate to become a better listener and, thus, better podcast host.

Co-hosts Elvis, Emerie, Jules, and Alejandro facilitate a space where Ashley feels supported to speak more candidly about her mental health. That safety is mutual: Ashley’s comfort leads the students to go off-script, to ask more meaningful follow-up questions, and to add personal observations that make for a more engaging conversation.

You can talk about podcasting for marketing, sales, audience growth, or business all day, but this genuine exchange is why I love podcasting; this is where your audience will find value.

The last few episodes of Podcast Envy have focused on hosting and content strategies guaranteed to make your show a repeat listen. By creating a safe, intimate container where you and your guests can discuss important topics, you’re signaling to the audience that they, too, are seen and heard. I appreciate that not everyone’s format is conducive to exploring tough conversations. Still, anyone can follow the Power Your Story lead, regardless of your show’s POVs, by remaining present and reflecting back to each guest.

For Mental Health Awareness, check out all of this month’s related Power Your Story episodes: 

Insomnia & Dreaming of a Better Night’s Sleep with Leonardo & Dewayne; 

The Journey to Self-Empowerment: Mindfulness,Law of Attraction with Hysan & May; 

Heavy Metal & Mental Health with Justin Bowling by Leslie, Carlos, Essence & ChuYing and produced by Aldo;

Advocating for Mental Health & Peer Support with Ashley Scott

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

PEP106 - Awesome Podcast Host Featuring Karen Yates

Power Your Story

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