Murugi Munyi and Lydia K.M | The Podcast Sessions Magazine | October '23 | Issue 11

PLAN. RECORD. EDIT. UPLOAD. REPEAT.

THE PODCAST SESSIONS

As we cruise into the final quarter of the year, it feels a bit like hitting the home stretch in a halfmarathon You might be a bit tired and worn out, but the finish line of a year’s hard work is in sight Personally, I’m super excited to take a moment and look back on all the amazing things that’s been happening in the podcasting world this year.

It’s seriously mind-blowing to see the flood of new podcasts, and how people are starting to embrace AI and new technologies in their podcast productions.

And let’s talk about awards season – the past few months have been buzzing with nominations and winners Podcast and Chill with MacG triumphed at the DStv Content Creator Awards, clinching Podcast of the Year, presented by Spotify Recently, Lebang Kgosana, host of Life with Lebang, won Podcast of the Year at the APVA Awards And guess what? There are still more awards on the horizon, and we’ve got our ears and eyes peeled to keep you updated

Over at Podcast Sessions, we're all in on nurturing this growth. Our “This Week in Podcasting: African Podcast News” roundup has become a great news resource, dishing out timely updates on the vibrant podcast scene across Africa. It’s been amazing to see how it’s keeping our community well-informed and tightly connected. So, if you’ve got any news, speaking gigs, events, awards, or just something cool to share, let us know!

To all you podcasters and those hustling to build podcast companies in Africa, your dedication is truly awe-inspiring Your stories matter, with the power to shape narratives, challenge norms, and spark some serious change

Together, we’re crafting the next chapter of podcasting in Africa.

THE STARS THE LENS

&

Belete Negusie is a creative cinematographer based in Nairobi, Kenya He started working in the creative industry in 2012 as a photographer, and specialised in commercial, fashion and wedding photography His goal is to show the beauty, grace, strength and enthusiasm of people “I take pride in crafting a memorable photography journey while capturing moments “

Instagram: @beletenegusie

Lydia K.M. and Murugi Munyi are the hosts of The Messy Inbetween, a podcast that explores life’s messy moments with honesty and humour. Besides being award-winning African podcast superstars, they’re both successful entrepreneurs. Lydia’s Kagie Wellness and Murugi’s Wild by Murugi are testaments to their entrepreneurial prowess.

Lydia K.M: @ lydiakm

Murugi Munyi: @murugi munyi

YouTube: @tmipodcastke

TikTok: @tmipodcastke

Belete Negusie

Lydia K.M. & Murugi Munyi

CON TRI BUT ORS

Emmanuel Ideboghie is a defence analyst and PR strategist. A proud graduate of Veritas University Abuja, he was inspired to pursue a career in podcasting out of boredom (which stemmed from the lockdown period) and in search of a new hobby

Podcast: www.larkspodcast.com

Instagram: @officialemmydrake

Twitter: @EmaazDr

LEBANG KGOSANA

Paul McNally is the founder of Develop AI, a company that reports on AI, trains journalists to code with AI, and builds tools for media businesses He is also the founder of Develop Audio In 2017 he created and produced Alibi, Africa's first investigative, award-winning podcast

Podcast: alibi.simplecast.com

Newsletter: developai substack com

Twitter: @mcnallypm

MARTIN MUSASA

Lebang Kgosana is a broadcaster and creative entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in the media and entertainment industries Her previous experience includes broadcasting at YFM and TV production She currently runs her own creative agency, BBB Media Agency

Podcast: Life with Lebang

Website: linktr.ee/lebangkgosana

Instagram: @lebangkgosana

Eyes of Spark, founded by Martin Musasa, is a Joburg-based photography business that has captured stories and emotions through the lens since 2019

They specialise in portraits, events, and professional shoots.

Email: musasamartin@gmail.com

Personal: @musasa martin

Business: @eyes of spark

EMMANUEL IDEBOGHIE

PAUL MCNALLY

EMBRACING EMBRACING THE THEMESS MESS

WRITTEN BY: RUTENDO NYAMUDA

PHOTOGRAPHER: BELETE NEGUSIE

In a world where curated perfection often takes centre stage, two dynamic women are breaking the mould and inviting us into the beautifully unfiltered conversations of The Messy Inbetween Co-hosts Murugi Munyi and Lydia K M ’s conversations, which explore the challenges and joys of womanhood, have struck a chord across the continent and catapulted them to among the top podcasts in Africa

The duo met in 2016 when they were both working as talk show hosts on Ebru TV, a Kenyan media outlet They quickly bonded over their shared passion for storytelling and content creation, and decided to launch their podcast in 2021

“The Messy Inbetween is about the messy period between 18 and whenever you figure life out – I don't think you ever figure life out,” Lydia shares, her voice filled with conviction

The podcast covers a wide range of topics, from mental health and wellness, to sexuality and identity, to entrepreneurship and career The hosts invite guests from different backgrounds and perspectives to join them in honest and candid discussions. Some of their episodes include: “Unserious generational traumas we're breaking”, “A therapist once said...’Things we've learnt in therapy’” and “Dealing with friendship break-ups | How to end a friendship and heal from it”.

“Our episode with Chris Muriithi, where we discussed the LGBTQIA+ community, was powerful. We were able to hold space for a very marginalised group in this country and have a conversation that was enlightening, educative, and informative,” Lydia recalls. “For us, the most important thing is to have conversations that move the needle forward.”

"WE ARE NOT "WE ARE NOT ALWAYS IN THE ALWAYS IN THE MOOD TO HAVE THE MOOD TO HAVE THE CONVERSATIONS... CONVERSATIONS... SOMETIMES THEY SOMETIMES THEY REALLY TRIGGER REALLY TRIGGER US BEYOND WHAT US BEYOND WHAT PEOPLE CAN SEE.” PEOPLE CAN SEE.”

Behind the scenes, the podcast’s production is a well-oiled machine The process is quite intensive, as the hosts aim for a high-quality audio and video output A few days before shooting, they go over the topic and do some research Each production day consists of recording and shooting two episodes, once every two weeks They don’t share talking points beforehand, to keep the conversation natural and spontaneous

The production team, which consists of five members plus additional assistants, works tirelessly to ensure each episode is a testament to the podcast’s high production value From location scouting to set-up, makeup, hair, and a seamless run-through, the team’s dedication is evident in the final product

TMI has received rave reviews from listeners and critics alike, and has won several awards and accolades In 2022, they won Podcast Influencers of the Year and YouTube Influencers of the Year at the Pulse Influencer Awards They also became part of the Spotify Africa Podcast Fund, which supports emerging podcasters on the continent They have hosted two live events, in July 2022 and 2023, where they interacted with their fans and answered their questions

As for their future plans, they have big dreams for their podcast brand “We are really proud to be able to say that we are among the top podcasts in Africa and in Kenya We truly see ourselves as a brand that can transcend Kenya and make it to the pan-African and international stages We are looking to solidify the fanbase that we have here, and continuously and consistently produce good quality content that allows our audience to learn and to be engaged In a couple of years we would like to go on tour and visit a couple of places outside Nairobi and travel internationally ”

“FOR US, THE MOST “FOR US, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IMPORTANT THING IS TO HAVE IS TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS CONVERSATIONS THAT MOVE THE THAT MOVE THE NEEDLE FORWARD.” NEEDLE FORWARD.”

Yet, even for these fearless conversationalists, Murugi shares one surprising truth: “We are not always in the mood to talk. We are not always in the mood to have the conversations that we have on the podcast, and sometimes they really trigger us beyond what people can see. There have been times when we’ve had conversations that have forced us to think, forced us to reflect, and left us sitting in bed crying together after shooting a specific episode.”

“It might look like it’s always easy for us to record these episodes, but sometimes it’s really triggering ”

The Messy Inbetween podcast is a testament to the power of unfiltered conversations, and the strength that comes from embracing life's messiness

Who Will Be Our Next

Could it be YOU?

There are many tips out there about how to make money through your podcast. And as easy as they may sound, the likelihood of monetising your podcast is slim. Streaming platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify have a pay-out system for podcasters, however the pay-out is extremely low and there are many factors and guidelines that may work to your disadvantage based on your country and location. So how exactly can you make money through podcasting?

In addition to the already-known tips, here’s how to take your podcast from a fun hobby to a small gold mine.

WRITTEN BY: EMMANUEL IDEBOGHIE

Sponsorship is probably the first thing you think of when looking for ways to make money from podcasting Brands, big and small, reach out to podcasts to promote their products in exchange for either money or a service that will be beneficial to the podcaster This option helps both the sponsor and the podcast as the podcaster can take advantage of the popularity of the brand, and the brand can use the podcast to promote their product or service

This option can be difficult though as most brands don’t reach out to new podcasts However, this problem is easily solved if you take the first step and reach out to brands yourself You can get an agent or reach out to podcasting ad agencies as well to help you connect with brands

But make sure it’s a product you’re passionate about, or one that you believe you can promote and will be beneficial to your listeners; your listeners should always come first

Advertisements and sponsorships are often confused as the same thing, but they’re not. Sponsorship is a stronger relationship between the brand and the podcast, whereas advertisements are simply an exchange of value; someone pays you to promote their product or service for a specific amount of time. You could sell ad slots to brands or talk about the product or service in an episode.

Advertisements are easier to get and they don’t require any legal contract Plus, you don’t have to advertise a product or service from a popular brand, and your audience doesn’t have to be large to get ad requests from brands.

However, be careful not to make unrealistic promises when accepting a brand’s request for an ad placement If you know your followers won’t be interested in the product, don’t accept the deal, no matter how good it is; your brand’s identity should be paramount.

Republishing your podcast recordings on YouTube is another way to monetise your podcast You can just use an image and have your audio play in the background. Although, it’s better to make an actual video recording –better visuals mean increased engagement and increased engagement means more ad revenue

You can join the YouTube partner program that gives you access to other YouTube resources and features, such as advertising revenue, YouTube premium revenue, and others.

If there is a product or service that you offer, you can drive more sales there by talking about them on your podcast. You could also sell branded merchandise that features your podcast’s logo, iconography or signature phrases

For example, if you have a podcast about getting your life together, selling a planner with your logo or phrasing on it is a good way to generate income.

TO BE UNDERSTOOD YOU MUST FIRST

#BEHEARD

Solid Gold Podcast Studios stands as one of South Africa’s premier podcast and audiobook production companies Nestled in Johannesburg, it has become the go-to hub for podcasters of all levels, from novices to industry experts, as well as corporate clients seeking top-notch quality. Established by Gavin Kennedy in 2016, the studios have flourished, evolving to cater to the escalating demand.

PHOTO ESSAY BY: MARTIN MUSASA FEATURING: GAVIN KENNEDY

Some of their clients include Old Mutual, Red Bull, Audible, Spotify, and SA celeb Lesego Tlhabi.

Gavin is always readily available to share his insights and wisdom So if you’d like to know more, why not book a strategy session with him today? Or visit their website

ADVERTISE WITH THE PODCAST SESSIONS TODAY

Buildacomplete podcastepisodewithAI –nomicsrequired

WRITTEN BY: PAUL MCNALLY

Iwas in Athens earlier this year Once I arrived I wasn’t entirely sure why I was there Ostensibly I was meant to be covering an assassination that had happened two years earlier, but quickly I was told that there was a reason this story hadn’t been covered. It’s the only time I’ve been explicitly told not to cover a story for my safety and actually taken that advice.

So, for the next couple of months, I walked around the city, hung out with great journalists, and ate an exorbitant amount of feta. But I was also shaken by the advent of AI and slightly panicked with where media was going.

I hunkered down in my Airbnb and started talking to ChatGPT – the world’s new best friend. This was back in April 2023, and since then much has been written and said about AI and what it will mean for every industry, including media. But then I had this idea to build an application that could produce a podcast episode from scratch without even needing to record a human voice. I imagined a version of this podcast for Athens, one for Johannesburg, London… and every other city in the world. The day’s news produced by robots and voiced synthetically.

I spoke to ChatGPT more than anyone else that month. I used Google’s Colab to code (in the Python language) and it was a repetitive, occasionally frustrating, and generally exhilarating process. I managed to get a working coded script together that would spit out a complete 10-minute podcast episode recounting the daily news from Johannesburg (in a discussion format between three trained imaginary voices, one trained on my own speech).

The idea was that one of the presenters would always be predicting what would come next in the news – so after the two hosts recounted the details of a story, they would pass it to the third host for its predictions of where the story would go This is because ChatGPT is stronger in creating narratives than pumping out facts.

The program speaks to Google News, finds the top stories and scrapes prominent sites for material. It then produces a script with three hosts. The difficulty was getting each host to then be paired with a different synthetic voice. So, you need to separate the script into its different lines of dialogue and send the appropriate lines to the necessary voice. You then pull them back as dozens of small MP3s (each with a separate line) and then you stitch them all back together and spit it out as a complete MP3.

“Ispoketo ChatGPT morethan anyoneelse thatmonth.”

There were a couple of snags Firstly, the cost of synthetic voices (charged per character) was too high I had envisioned a dystopian factory of a hundred podcast episodes a day – no one even listening to the content before it was published This was not going to be possible The other issue was that the speed of producing each episode wasn’t as quick as a few clicks and then it was done You had to send the prompts back to ChatGPT, sometimes multiple times, to get it right However, the “chatter” among the three hosts was unnervingly authentic and the voices sounded incredibly real And there were times when the text or the voices went wildly off script and though that isn’t ideal, it also adds to the sense that these operations are wildly bored with the tasks we’re giving them and in time they’ll look for greater challenges

During the subsequent months we’ve seen AI dominate the conversation in the media and everywhere else. That’s why I’ve started Develop AI, an organisation where we report on AI in Africa, train African journalists to code with AI, and build AI tools for your media business. Through this initiative people will be able to sign up for AI-related content through our newsletter (with a podcast and workshops coming soon).

I eventually left Athens. It was time. I booked a flight to Cape Town (where I went to high school and university) and have settled back here. It’s been five months and it feels like AI in African media (particularly podcasting) needs considerable attention and I’m happy to give it.

You can already listen to a podcast episode developed with the AI tool described in this letter using this newsletter as a basis.

HELLO, CAN YOU HEAR ME? I CAN HEAR YOU, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

WRITTEN BY: THE PODCAST SESSIONS

Podcasting is a great way to express yourself, connect with your audience, and grow your brand But to make a great podcast, you need a great microphone A great microphone can make your voice sound clear, professional, and engaging, while a poor one can ruin your audio quality and turn off your listeners.

But how do you choose the best podcast microphone for your needs? There are so many options out there with different features, prices, and specifications. How do you know which one is right for you?

In this article, we compare three podcast microphones that are popular right now: the Shure SM7B, the Blue Yeti X, and the RODE PodMic. We look at the pros and cons, features, and performance.

Shure SM7B

The Shure SM7B is a professional-quality microphone that is ideal for recording in noisy environments or when you want to isolate your voice from other sounds It has a smooth and warm sound that enhances the natural tone of your voice It costs around $400 and requires a lot of gain to work properly

Blue Yeti X

The Blue Yeti X is a versatile and user-friendly microphone that plugs directly into your computer It has four recording modes that allow you to use it for different purposes It has a clear and crisp sound that captures every detail of your voice It costs around $170 and is very sensitive to background noise and room acoustics

RODE PodMic

The RODE PodMic is a simple yet effective microphone that has an end-address design that makes it more comfortable and natural to use It has a cardioid polar pattern that rejects unwanted noise from behind and around the mic It has a rich and balanced sound that suits any voice type It costs around $100 and does not have any controls or indicators on the mic itself

Choosing the best podcast microphone for your needs depends on several factors, such as your budget, your recording environment, your podcast format, and your personal preference. There is no one-size-fitsall solution, but there are some general guidelines that can help you make a smart decision. We hope this article has helped you choose the best podcast microphone for your needs. Happy podcasting!

LEBANG KGOSANA 10

QUESTIONS WITH

ABOUT YOUR PODCAST

WHAT DOES WINNING THE APVA AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

I feel honoured, humbled and excited about the award The recognition is a reflection of the hard work we’ve been putting on the table. The intention is to heal and provide unconventional ways of parenting This model works and it shows this is what Africans need It also confirms that we are on the right path and that the audience is being helped by our podcast

WHO IS YOUR DREAM GUEST?

BEST THING ABOUT PODCASTING?

This medium is freedom It doesn’t have interruptions in-between like ads, traffic, news and other features Coming from a radio and broadcasting background, podcasting is very different No scripts and rules, only your truth And if your truth can help people, then podcasting becomes a joy.

MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT?

Gathering a consistent audience has proven to be tricky It’s challenging because podcasting is still in its growth phase. Well, particularly here at home. Another thing is standing out, especially if your content is real, value-adding and wholesome Most people are drawn to gossip-based podcasts and those shows gain the most popularity Having said that, I am at peace with the fact that an audience takes some time to grow, and the right people who need to hear #LifeWithLebang content will eventually find it and stick to it.

PERSONAL GREATEST PODCAST ACHIEVEMENT?

Winning Podcast of the Year at this year’s APVA Awards.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A PODCASTER?

I have always known that I have a bigger calling I’m still figuring out what that is, but it involves healing. Another superpower of mine is my social skills

I worked as a broadcaster for almost a decade and I fell in love with the idea that I can use this medium to tell stories and bring healing Podcasting allows me to be myself but on a grander platform Apart from the freedom I feel behind the microphone, I just know that this is what I am meant to be doing. I have no doubts about that.

EQUIPMENT / SET-UP?

I record my podcast at CliffCentral, which is a professional studio equipped with microphones, a RODECaster, and all sorts of other fancy technical things that make my life so easy

ADVICE YOU WISH YOU HAD RECEIVED BEFORE YOU STARTED?

Be patient; podcasting is a slow burn and you have to be in it for the long haul

YOUR DREAM FOR THE COMMUNITY?

To heal and break generational curses in order to build a healed generation. The young African child deserves so much more I can’t wait until we realise our true power

“We will laugh, cry, sharewe will do it together.”

CATCHPHRASE

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