PODCAST DISCIPLE

Emma Gannon: “Podcasting is such a democratic medium”

Published on January 31, 2023

In each issue of the magazine we ask a podcast disciple five questions about their love of podcasts and podcasting. Since Emma Gannon announced the end of the Cltrl Alt Delete podcast, we wanted to revisit her answers from Issue #009 of the magazine. Starting in 2016, Ctrl Alt Delete paved the way for female fronted podcasters to shape their own narrative about work, life and everything in between. High profile guests included Oscar-winning director Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, Lena Dunham, Mrs Hinch and Glennon Doyle. With 12 million global listens from 100 countries and over 400+ episodes, Emma was “one of the first in the UK to recognise the power of podcasting” according to ACAST.

Even as she moves away from the medium, this is why Emma Gannon loves podcast and podcasting.

PB: WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

EG: I love the fact that it’s such a democratic medium — anyone can make and upload one as it’s a low barrier to entry and pretty easy to make! I’ve always loved audio and the way that as a listener you have to use your imagination, and that you can go on long walks with some company in your ears. I also love podcasting in general for female broadcasters who can get their views across without being interrupted 🙂

WHAT WAS THE FIRST PODCAST YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

Probably the Ricky Gervais podcast because it’s a million years old. But the first one I remember properly listening to was Elizabeth Gilbert’s Magic Lessons and it was the podcast that inspired me to start my own.

WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Probably my friend Stevie Martin who hosts the Nobody Panic podcast. She cracks me up, and now that I can’t see her in person during this time, at least I get to laugh along to her podcast. I listen to it when I’m solo travelling — it’s a really comforting, warm and funny podcast.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST??

I would say Ester Perel’s podcast Where Should We Begin? – the first podcast that recorded real therapy sessions between couples. She is incredible and everything she says is eye opening. You’re basically getting free therapy.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A PODCAST OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF?

I love the podcast Forever35 with two LA hosts Kate and Doree— a podcast all about selfcare, switchoff time and beauty treatments. I listen in the bath with a glass of wine – bliss! On Ctrl Alt Delete, Emma Gannon chats to guests about careers and their relationship with the internet. It has the same name as Emma’s book published by Ebury Penguin Random House and has had nearly 5 million downloads since launch. It has been recommended by The Times, ELLE, Marie Claire, Red Magazine and many more.