Extend reach and accessibility to care for those in need, while leveraging financial gains, from this digital form of communication
Podcasting has significantly changed how millions of individuals are informed and entertained around the world. Approximately 100 million people listen to podcasts daily, and the industry is estimated to be worth $1 billion.
First, what is podcasting? Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of audio or MP3 files over the internet. Listeners typically access the audio files from a website and listen to them on their mobile phones, computers or digital audio players. Podcasting initially hit the market in the 1980s in the form of audio blogs and quickly grew in popularity during the early 2000s, aided by technology such as broadband, the internet and portable digital audio players such as i Pods. Podcasting can be used to reduce health care disparities, such as access to care. Black people have a long history of trauma and, unfortunately, therapy has not readily been accessible or available to many due to poverty and systematic racism. So, how do we reach individuals who could benefit from the knowledge that we possess as behavioral health experts? The answer is simple: Create podcasts and other forms of digital communication to extend our reach and accessibility. Here are two popular podcasts that provide access to high-quality mental health information. ‘Therapy for Black Girls'Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, hosts this podcast that discusses mental health topics including racial trauma and personal development among Black women. Listeners receive expert advice from Bradford and other mental health professionals who frequent her show. ‘The Breakdown With Dr. Earl'Erlanger "Earl" Turner, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist, psychology professor, author and nationally recognized mental health expert. "The Breakdown" focuses on topics related to Black boys and men such as wellness, mental health, parenting and personal development. What skills, tools are needed? When asked this question, I often smile and reply, "Passion, a computer and microphone." A large percentage of mental health professionals are skilled at empowering people and often serve with a high degree of passion. In researching what it takes to launch a successful podcast, I found passion is the greatest skill that is needed. Your podcast should be birthed from your desire to speak passionately about topics that matter to you and others. Also, communicate with conviction and seek to address the pain points of your audience. These are elements of a successful podcast. By the way, you can launch and host your podcast from your home or office with a computer, and a microphone that costs $100 or less. Also, you will need audio-editing software. Free editing software, such as GarageBand, is available. Additionally, you will need a conference hosting service such as Zoom if you desire to host guests virtually. Finally, you must select a podcast hosting service – such as Anchor and Buzzsprout – where your podcasts will be stored and distributed. Steps for monetizing podcasts
Platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts pay for streams, so you can monetize podcasting by growing your audiences and increasing live streams.
Offer a tiered-membership program through Patreon, a platform for content creators including podcasters, that allows them to create different tiers for fans. Fans pay for content based on tier levels.
Host a live podcast on YouTube and monetize the event by enabling ads and accepting payments from fans. YouTube's Super Chat feature allows individuals to accept payments, but you must be accepted to YouTube's Partner Program to accept payments.
Facilitate a live tip-based training on Zoom or Facebook. Host a podcast episode and provide your Cash App or a "tip URL" in your show notes so your fans can support you by tipping.
As mental health challenges accelerate within the Black community, Black mental health professionals should use podcasts to share our expertise with those in need. We can do good for others while monetizing our passion.
First published in Black Mental Health Today, Summer 2022 (Vol. 4).