Want to start a podcast? These Filipino content producers say 'do it'
Podcasts are becoming a thing now, covering virtually every topic imaginable—from relationships and mental health to Hallyu and true crime, and even niche topics. Now that it's here to stay, what if you want to start your own? These podcasters say, just do it.
If you have a passion and expertise in a particular field, starting a podcast can be a great way to share your knowledge and build a community.
With the growing popularity of podcasting among Filipinos, "Hear For It," the highly-anticipated inaugural podcast festival organized by Anima Studios brought fans and podcasters together to celebrate the craft last Oct. 22.
Paano Ba 'To's Bianca Gonzales, Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast's Direk Antoinette Jadaone and Direk JP Habac, and two of the podcast pioneers in the country, Jim and Saab Bacarro of Wake Up with Jim and Saab, were among the podcasters who shared their inspiring insights and experiences about beginning a podcasting career in the country.
Direk Antoinette Jadaone and Direk JP Habac of Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast made everyone’s stomachs hurt from laughing as they invited stand-up comedian Inah Evans to join them on stage. The trio hilariously delivered their thoughts on becoming friends with an ex, earning loud waves of laughter at the venue with their occasional witty remarks.
Despite the unserious segment on stage, the two directors also shared with PhilSTAR L!fe some tips for beginning podcasters.
“’Wag na silang mag overthink kung gusto nilang magstart ng podcast,” I’m Drunk, I Love You director JP advised.
Meanwhile, Direk Tonet shared that picking a topic that interests you is key to an interesting podcast.
“Kapag yung topic na ‘yun ay mahalaga sa’yo, marami kang masasabi [at] marami kang magagawang episodes,” she noted.
Speaking to the crowd, Boy Abunda, Bianca Gonzales’ Paano Ba ‘To segment guest, echoed the same thing. Adding that to be interesting, you have to be invested in the topic first.
“If you want to become interesting, you have to be interested,” he said.
The renowned Filipino host shared how important it is to research and be immersed in the conversation with guests. He emphasized the value of loving and appreciating the craft and finding the right concept to make you stand out in the industry.
“You go for a structure pero kwentuhan din. Then, allow for many surprises,” he told the audience.
Boy and Bianca also addressed avoiding self-deprecating for beginners, emphasizing not to overthink what you would like to start.
“Stop overthinking what’s going to happen unless it’s part of research [and] just do it,” he advised.
Similarly, celebrity couple Jim and Saab of Wake Up with Jim and Saab also imparted their insights on the topic.
“Even if you think walang may pake, just go for it,” Saab told her "podkids."
The pair also said how podcasting helped them manage their struggles and how it could become an avenue to share healing with others.
“Sharing is healing. You are not alone. Knowing that is the start of healing,” Jim added.
Among the list of podcast personalities at the festival included YouTube couple Roanne and Tina of Queertuhan, DJ Joelle of Paano Kung..., Victor Anastacio of Intellectwalwal, Ali Sangalang of The Linya-Linya Show, GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan of the The Kool Pals, and Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra of Anyare Saeyo?.
Each guest covered various discussions ranging from culture, love, self-advice, and comedy, perfectly capturing the diversity in topics and unique storytelling in podcasting. Fans were also allowed to immerse themselves deeper into the experience of podcast production through the different interactive booths set up at the venue.