In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Kathy Barron about launching a niche digital magazine for women podcasters, building creative community, and the realities of independent media. Kathy shares her unconventional journey into publishing, her motivations for centering and promoting women in the podcasting sphere, and her new initiatives to support indie creators at every stage.

About the Guest:

Kathy Barron is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women Who Podcast magazine, author of fiction and children’s books, and videographer. With a passion for supporting women podcasters be successful in their craft, Kathy has become a trusted resource for women in podcasting. Women Who Podcast magazine celebrates women podcasters all over the world by giving them the accolades they deserve. Kathy is creating a safe space where women’s voices and stories matter. She strives to be a forum for fans and podcasters to reach out to one another for support, collaboration, and inspiration. Her vision is to create scholarships and mentorships to future podcasters, organize symposiums, and build a learning community.

Main Topics Covered:

• The inspiration behind Women Who Podcast Magazine and its unique focus on women in audio media.
• Kathy's creative background and unconventional entry into digital publishing.
• The challenges and rewards of sustaining both a magazine and a podcast as an indie creator.
• Why community-building and mentorship matter for women podcasters.
• The launch and goals of the Women Who Podcast Awards.
• Addressing representation, burnout, and the need for supportive spaces for indie women in podcasting.
• Exploring growth, collaboration, and how listeners can get involved.

"I want it to be personable. I want to talk to the podcasters. I want to hear their story... everyone has their own unique background, why they started their podcast, what their story is, and some of them are just hilarious. So I enjoy that part—to get to know the podcasters." — Kathy Barron

Timestamps: [00:00:00] Meet Kathy Barron & her Bay Area roots

[00:00:43] A recent compliment: the Women Who Podcast Awards

[00:02:15] What is Women Who Podcast Magazine?

[00:03:12] Starting the magazine: pandemic inspiration & building from scratch

[00:05:15] Kathy’s creative background and confession: “I don't listen to podcasts!”

[00:07:22] Podcast origins with Women Who Sarcast

[00:10:44] Why a magazine versus other formats?

[00:12:54] The power of personal interviews & tackling meaningful topics

[00:14:33] Representation stats and the importance of women’s spaces

[00:18:09] Startup story & early issues

[00:20:52] Community, service, and supporting others through media

[00:23:04] Why a scholarship/mentorship program matters

[00:26:12] What keeps Kathy going as an indie creator

[00:28:32] Hopes for magazine growth and mentoring new writers

[00:30:19] How podcasters can get involved

[00:32:03] The very first issue & honoring a lost friend

[00:33:02] Growth, momentum, and the role of awards

[00:33:50] Ways to support and engage with Women Who Podcast Magazine

[00:34:52] Get to know Kathy: Fun questions and more!

Connect with the Guest:

• Website: womenwhopodcastmag.com
• Instagram: @womenwhopodcastmagazine

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