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Andrea Klunder

Let's get vulnerable for a minute 😬

Published 11 months ago • 3 min read

How To Create A Safe Space For Vulnerable Podcast Interviews

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Welcome to a crossover episode of a different sort.

But first: How are you doing? No, really? I ask because we're winding down Mental Health Awareness Month (did you know that's May?).

So many of us, myself included, struggle to articulate how “off” we feel right now, a cruel joke given that the good folks and orgs behind this month’s observance urge us to check in with our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

I’ll go first (yikes!): The only way I can describe my current state of mind is fragile. Can you relate? If you’re an entrepreneur, an educator, a corporate employee, a HUMAN, I bet you can.

You’re okay. I acknowledge and honor your struggle.

This episode isn’t about mental health per se. And Ashley Scott wasn't a Podcast Envy guest per se.

This episode is a true case study demonstrating how to create a secure and attentive environment for guests to feel supported, understood, and willing to engage in vulnerable conversations. The high schoolers behind Power Your Story, my student mentee podcast, beautifully illustrate my point. Their cohort-led interview with Peer Support Specialist and Mental Health Advocate Ashley Scott showcases subtle practices anyone can incorporate to become a better listener and, thus, better podcast host.

Co-hosts Elvis, Emerie, Jules, and Alejandro facilitate a space where Ashley feels supported to speak more candidly about her mental health. That safety is mutual: Ashley’s comfort leads the students to go off-script, to ask more meaningful follow-up questions, and to add personal observations that make for a more engaging conversation.

You can talk about podcasting for marketing, sales, audience growth, or business all day, but this genuine exchange is why I love podcasting; this is where your audience will find value.

The last few episodes of Podcast Envy have focused on hosting and content strategies guaranteed to make your show a repeat listen. By creating a safe, intimate container where you and your guests can discuss important topics, you’re signaling to the audience that they, too, are seen and heard. I appreciate that not everyone’s format is conducive to exploring tough conversations. Still, anyone can follow the Power Your Story lead, regardless of your show’s POVs, by remaining present and reflecting back to each guest.

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Peace, Love & Podcasting,

Andrea Klunder
​Your Podcast Boss

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Andrea Klunder

I'm a Podcast Strategist, Producer, & Teaching Artist helping leaders curate brand story and reputation through educational, entertaining podcasts. Through my agency, The Creative Impostor Studios, we provide strategic consulting, story & host coaching, full service production and editing services, and new podcast development. Our specialty is working with organizations in arts & culture, education, and social entrepreneurship. We want to help you make a podcast that matters!

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