Pod Mirror: A Platform for the Unheard – Empowering Voices and Building Communities

By (Late) Elgin Matt John

Podcasting has emerged as a powerful force in the media landscape since 2018. Once a niche hobbyist’s playground, almost 18 years ago, it’s now a mainstream platform boasting millions of active shows and a global audience hungry for diverse and engaging audio.

I began listening to podcasts in mid-2019, after my elder brother introduced me to a bunch of shows featuring on NPR (US based radio). But beyond the entertainment value and celebrity interviews, I feel podcasting holds a unique power: it gives voice to the voiceless.

Elevating marginalized voices

Podcasting serves as a platform for marginalized communities who have traditionally been underrepresented in mainstream media—those who haven’t seen themselves reflected in traditional narratives. They can now create their own shows, share their stories, and build communities around shared experiences.

Inspired by this democratizing power of podcasting, we created Pod Mirror, a platform for podcasters in India. We believe everyone deserves a voice, regardless of budget or experience. Unlike traditional media, podcasting offers a platform free from rigid formats and expensive equipment.

The power of storytelling

Podcasting’s strength lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. Storytelling is a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding. Through in-depth interviews, first-person narratives, and creative audio formats, podcasts draw listeners into the experiences of others.

This fosters a sense of connection, allowing listeners to step into the shoes of those who may be different from them. As I scroll through PodcastAddict app’s playlist I see a number of migrant Indians, dalit, tribals, Indian LGBTQ+ activists already podcasting.

I also see creators who have made podcasts in 16 major Indian languages (in fact , India has 122 major languages and 1,599 dialects)  and this number will only grow.

Sense of community

Unlike traditional media often dominated by a few large corporations, podcasting thrives on its democratic nature. Anyone with a microphone and an idea can create a show, fostering an ecosystem of niche voices and perspectives. This I believe will foster a sense of community, allowing listeners to connect with individuals who share their passions, experiences, or struggles.

Going beyond personal stories

Podcasting empowers not just individuals, but also movements. Shows can raise awareness about social and political issues, provide a platform for activism.

Building a future

To ensure podcasting continues to empower diverse voices, several actions are necessary:

• Supporting Diverse Creators: Organizations like the PRX in US and a similar organization in India is required to provide resources, training programs, and funding opportunities for creators and those from underrepresented backgrounds in India.
• Building Inclusive Communities: Podcasters in India can play a role by creating shows that feature diverse perspectives and actively promote other creators who are underrepresented in the space.
• Amplifying marginalized voices: Listeners can support podcasts created by marginalized communities by subscribing, leaving reviews, and sharing their recommendations with others.

Democratizing the Airwaves: Podcasting’s Power to Empower

Podcasting stands as a hope of accessibility in the mediaverse. Unlike traditional broadcasting, it requires no exorbitant costs. You don’t need fancy recording equipment, expensive editing software, or a strict and rigid broadcast schedule. There are no limitations on length – a podcast can be a quick five-minute snippet or sprawl over several hours.

This very lack of barriers is what makes podcasting such a powerful media equalizer. It grants a platform to anyone with a voice and a story to tell. You don’t need to possess a “radio-ready” voice or conform to a specific sound. Podcasting empowers anyone to speak, to create, and to break their silence.

In the end, as we move forward with Pod Mirror, our focus will be on fostering a supportive environment for podcasting. This environment will prioritize equity and a strong sense of community. By ensuring accessibility and celebrating diverse voices, we can elevate the value of podcasting and ensure it continues to be a powerful platform for all.

Podcasting’s future is bright.

(Elgin Matt John has been the guiding star for the PodMirror project. He always believed podcasting in India will be media’s greatest equalizers)

Podcast🎤 collaboration Will breed excellence

Pod Mirror believes that podcast collaboration — not competition — will breed excellence. We hope that podcast makers shift their focus from being ‘the first’, ‘the best’, and ‘the one-and-only’, to becoming collaborators and audio allies.

The podcast landscape is consolidating rapidly, with a handful of major networks controlling a growing share of listeners.

While many may argue that competition will drive excellence, it will also breed stress, anxiety, and burnout, making it difficult for new voices and perspectives to thrive. We hope podcast makers focus on collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition, to overcome these industry’s challenges.

Acknowledge these truths

😁 Collaborating with other podcasters, even perceived competitors, can help you create a supportive community that shares ideas.

😁 Accept that there are other podcasts like yours, whether in topic, tone, or target audience.

😁 Understand that there is always room for growth.

😁 There is no universal definition of podcast success.