Tag: DE

German LGBTTIQ* Podcasters Make Their Voices Heard Through SoundUp 2020

October 23, 2020

Every year, Spotify’s SoundUp program helps aspiring podcasters from underrepresented backgrounds gain the expertise they need to create their own podcast. The only criteria? A good idea and a big dream. This year in Germany, 20 aspiring LGBTTIQ* podcasters were chosen out of 300 applicants to take part. Those selected got a chance to start their podcasting journey through the seven-week virtual program, honing their skills in storytelling, designing a podcast, editing audio, and learning the business of the medium. 

By the end of the program, three of the participants, Fabio, Taiina aka Maria Moschus, and Tai were declared the winners. Their podcasts consist of topics such as “tracing and connecting your identity as a queer Polish-German person,” “personal stories of drag artists around the world,” and “safe spaces for marginalized groups in nerd culture.” Over the next six months, they will each have regular check-ins as part of a mentorship program, and will eventually have the opportunity to pitch their format as a Spotify Original podcast. 

Check out what each winner had to say:

Fabio: “I was able to learn a lot not only from the numerous experts in sound, technology, language and concept development, but also from the 20 absolutely horizon-expanding participants that Spotify brought together. For this experience a huge thank you to all of you—you have made the year 2020 a lot sweeter for me!”

Taiina aka Maria Moschus: “I am super happy to finally share these exciting stories with the world! There is still a lot of work ahead of me, but I am really looking forward to the day of release. Who knows, maybe we will celebrate it with a drag show!” 

Tai: “My podcast idea was born shortly before the deadline out of frustration at the spaces I move around in. It’s incredible that I’ve gotten so much good feedback since my first application interview—which made me very proud again at the end of the pitch. This gives me confirmation as a person, because I put everything into my podcast idea that makes me special. Especially as a trans* person, working only with the voice makes me vulnerable.” 

Three participants from SoundUp 2019 who already have their own podcasts on Spotify were also involved in the 2020 program, serving as mentors and sharing practical tips on creating a successful podcast. We asked them a little bit about what’s changed from SoundUp 2019 to now.

Madita 

Podcast: Gay Mom Talking

“By now I have become a lasting part of the queer podcast world! Having produced 25 episodes made me get used to some kind of relaxed podcast routine and I am grateful for many loyal listeners. However, some interviews still make me a little nervous, but I usually feel very comfortable in my role of a podcast host which I have been for more than a year now.

In the last year I have learned a lot—both about podcasting and myself. My podcast project has even helped me to grow a bit personally. I can now make many new private and professional contacts and I am proud of having achieved what I intended with my podcast.”

Fabian

Podcast: Somewhere Over The Hay Bale

“My political opinion on queer life in the countryside becomes more clear and profound. My podcast does not only stand for visibility, but also for the constant demand of creating safety and safe spaces for “coming outs” and queer life in rural areas. Many people helped me share my point of view and I am very grateful for that. I enjoy being an advocate for these matters, receiving messages from people all over Germany—I have the feeling that my podcast and the inherent mission develops into more than just an audio file, which feels great.”

Sung Un

Podcast: BIN ICH SÜßSAUER?

“Before SoundUp 2019, I knew nothing about podcast production and what potential there was in the podcast world. Also, I was not sure if anybody would be interested in stories of queer Asian people living in Germany, since we are seldom visible in the media. Through the mentoring and lectures provided by SoundUp, however, I learned not only technical skills necessary to start my own podcast, but also developed the confidence in me that life stories of queer Asians do matter and my podcast would connect people across boundaries. As I produced the first interview of Bin Ich Süßsauer?, I stubbornly tried to stick to what I learned from SoundUp, especially regarding the length of the episode. Very soon, however, I learned that life stories needed more time to be told and people were ready to take time to listen to them. Today, I have a growing number of audience and I am grateful that they share their enthusiasm with me via mails and messages.”

Spotify’s SoundUp is held in the U.S., UK, Germany, Australia, and now Sweden and Brazil. The program assists aspiring podcasters from underrepresented backgrounds in gaining the expertise they need to create their own podcasts. Read more about it here.

In the German market, LGBTTIQ* stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer; the asterisk represents unnamed identities. 

German News Anchor Linda Zervakis Celebrates Diversity in Her New Spotify Original Podcast, ‘Linda Zervakis präsentiert: Gute Deutsche’

June 15, 2020

German news anchor Linda Zervakis likes to describe herself as a “Hamburg native with Greek roots.” Due to her family’s experience with immigration and what she calls her “migration background,” she has a frankness around multinationalism and an interest in diversity that she brings to all aspects of her life. Now the journalist and author is taking her passion to a new medium in the Spotify original podcast Linda Zervakis präsentiert: Gute Deutsche.

In each episode, a well-known guest will join Linda to share their family’s story of migration and the formative role of their homeland. The show also tackles tougher topics, like stereotypes and misconceptions. While these conversations at times are serious, Linda always approaches them with her signature lightheartedness and humor. Through deep dives into the culture, politics, and history of the guest’s origin country, the podcast aims to prove that all of us, no matter where we’re from, are more alike than we are different.

For the Record caught up with Linda to talk about what she hopes listeners will take away from Gute Deutsche.

Your podcast challenges people’s perceptions of individuals and stereotypes about the country their families migrated from. Why is this so important? 

The podcast is meant to help break down stereotypes about people who come from different countries. Hopefully, this will show listeners that having people from different nationalities in your life is enriching for both people and society.

You’re very open about the background that you and your family come from. What has been the response to that?

I’m often contacted on social media by people who tell me that my story has given them courage. They know that I come from a simple upbringing and that I have made it this far despite my parents’ background. Growing up, I never thought I would be a role model for so many people.

You have a segment called “The Pearl from Afar” where guests bring with them something that reminds them of their journey from one country to another—what you would refer to as a “pearl.” What is yours?

I would definitely bring mixed Greek appetizers. Among them would be white beans in tomato sauce, grilled octopus with olive oil and fresh lemon, and fava, a Greek version of hummus made from yellow flat peas as well as fresh spring onions and parsley. And for washing it all down afterwards: a good ouzo. (Thinking about this made me hungry again immediately!)

What do you hope listeners will take away from this podcast?

I hope that we can bring a lightheartedness into difficult topics and that we can show that a colorful, diverse society is enriching to everyone.

Podcasts have traditionally featured primarily male voices. What advice do you have for aspiring female podcasters who may be nervous about entering this industry? 

Believe in yourself and your podcast; don’t let statistics scare you.

If you could have any guest on your show, who would it be and why? 

Edin Hasanovic. He was born in the middle of the Bosnian war, grew up without a father, and is so talented and has a great career. To me, that’s more than impressive.

What podcasts are you streaming lately?

I’m a fan of Fest & Flauschig and also listen to Hotel Matze from time to time.

What was the most surprising thing you learned while recording the show?

I learned that home does not have to be a place, but instead a feeling. This feeling can arise when you have family and friends around you that you don’t have anywhere else in the world.
 

Check out the trailer for Linda Zervakis präsentiert: Gute Deutsche below.