Trying to nail down your podcast audience is no easy task. It can be frustrating trying to figure out their exact persona, especially when we often put listeners into neat little boxes. But what if I told you there’s a deeper way to understand your ideal listener, your guests, and even yourself that goes far beyond simple demographics? In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Dr. Lola Adeyemo to dive into the powerful concept of intersectionality in content creation. This week, episode 214 of Podcasting Unlocked is about intersectionality in podcasting!
Key Takeaways:
- Lola’s book “Thriving in Intersectionality” and how it shaped her podcast.
- The definition of intersectionality and how it has evolved over time to a broader scope.
- Understanding your audience’s needs and interests to stay relevant and inclusive.
- Creating thoughtful follow-up strategies to stay engaged with your guests.
Intersectionality in Podcasting: Attracting Diverse Guests & Engaging Your Audience with Dr. Lola Adeyemo
As podcasters and content creators, we often spend countless hours trying to define our ideal listener, crafting their persona down to the last detail. But what if there was a way to understand your audience on a much deeper, more authentic level? What if, by truly embracing the concept of intersectionality, you could unlock richer conversations, attract more diverse guests, and create content that resonates profoundly with a broader audience?
In a recent episode of “Podcasting Unlocked,” I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lola Adeyemo, a passionate advocate for inclusive workplaces and the brilliant mind behind the “Thriving in Intersectionality” podcast and book. Our conversation delved into the transformative power of intersectionality for podcasters, offering strategic insights that can help you amplify your message and grow your community.
Beyond the Box: What is Intersectionality?
For many, the word “intersectionality” might still be new or conjure up specific, limited definitions. Lola helped us demystify this powerful term. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality initially described the compounded barriers faced by Black women, highlighting how the intersection of gender and race creates unique experiences of discrimination.
However, as Lola explains, the definition has evolved. Today, intersectionality is used more broadly to encompass all the diverse, often social, minoritized categories that make up an individual’s identity. Think beyond just gender and race to include disability, gender expression, parental status, income, and so much more.
The core idea is this: no one is a monolith. We are all a unique tapestry woven from various experiences and identities. A person isn’t “just” a Black person; they might also be a woman, a mother, a sister, and a leader. Understanding these multiple layers is crucial for genuine connection.
The Power of Broadening Your Lens
Lola’s own podcasting journey offers a fantastic example of the strategic shift from a niche focus to a more inclusive approach. Initially, her podcast was called “Immigrants in Corporate,” stemming from her research for her book, which involved interviewing over 50 immigrant women in corporate America. While valuable, this title inadvertently created a barrier, attracting primarily immigrant guests.
By rebranding to “Thriving in Intersectionality” for season two, Lola deliberately broadened her scope. This wasn’t about losing focus; it was about acknowledging that the experiences of thriving despite multiple barriers resonate with a much wider audience. Now, she invites guests from all walks of life – white women, single parents, veterans, and more – as long as they embody multiple underrepresented or minoritized categories and have found ways to thrive in corporate America.
The feedback was immediate and powerful. People who had never heard of the term intersectionality before felt seen and understood by the new name, realizing the show applied to them. This strategic pivot allowed Lola to explore the concept of intersectionality in richer ways, inviting guests to define their own categories and share their unique perspectives.
Beyond Demographics: Understanding Your Audience’s Nuance
As podcasters, we often fall into the trap of boxing our listeners into narrow demographic profiles. “She’s a new mom who lacks support at home,” we might say. While these descriptors can be a starting point, they rarely capture the full picture of an individual’s struggles, triumphs, and aspirations.
Lola’s approach emphasizes that what’s important for everyone is different. Instead of assuming what defines your audience, create spaces where they can tell you. Asking listeners questions like, “When you think of intersectionality, what categories describe you?” during one-on-one calls or through audience surveys can provide invaluable insights. This deeper understanding of their real struggles, often stemming from their unique intersectionalities, can then guide your content creation and guest selection.
For instance, Lola shared an enlightening anecdote about an Indian guest she expected to lead with her immigrant identity. Instead, the guest powerfully identified as a “leader,” a role that had shaped her since childhood and continued to define her in her family, workplace, and mentorship. This profound insight wouldn’t have emerged if Lola had stuck to her preconceived notions.
Practical Tips for Cultivating an Intersectional Podcast
So, how can you practically implement these insights to create a more inclusive and engaging podcast?
- Thoughtful Guest Follow-Up: Don’t let the conversation end when the recording stops. After an episode airs, send a personalized, thoughtful follow-up email to your guest. Reference specific insights they shared and connect it to your audience. Crucially, include a call to action: “Do you know anyone in your network who would resonate with this conversation and could be a great guest?” This organic approach helps widen your circle.
- Step into Your Audience’s Shoes: Regularly reflect on your audience’s perspective. What are their current challenges, interests, and curiosity points? This allows you to think outside the box when brainstorming topics and guest ideas. If your podcast is about handcrafted goods, but you’re hearing a buzz about DEI, consider how you can bring that conversation to your audience in a relevant way.
- Analyze Your Analytics and Reconnect: Pay attention to your podcast stats. If an older episode suddenly gets a surge in downloads, reach out to that guest! A quick message saying, “Hey, your episode is getting some buzz, what are you up to?” can reignite connections, showcase your excitement, and open doors for future collaborations or shared social media promotion.
- Embrace Your Own Intersectionality: Don’t shy away from sharing your own nuanced identity. As hosts, showcasing your own intersectionalities attracts the right people who resonate with your experiences. This authenticity builds trust and deeper connections with your audience.
By embracing intersectionality, you’re not just diversifying your guest list; you’re enriching your content, building a more vibrant and connected community, and truly amplifying messages that matter. It’s a journey, as Lola reminds us, but one that leads to more meaningful conversations and a podcast that genuinely reflects the beautiful complexity of the human experience.
Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive tons of practical tips on turning your podcast listeners into leads and to hear even more about the points outlined above.
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Learn more about Podcasting Unlocked at https://galatimedia.com/podcasting-unlocked/
CONNECT WITH DR. LOLA ADEYEMO:
Thriving in Intersectionality podcast
Thriving in Intersectionality book
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