HAVE YOU HEARD?

Goodniks: a podcast for people doing good in the world

Published on June 1, 2022

Have You Heard? is where the Pod Bible team meet the people behind the podcasts you may not have heard of yet. While the Oh. My. Pod. section in the magazine gives a quick shout out to shows of that ilk, Have You Heard? aims to go deeper in an effort to spread awareness for shows that deserve more exposure! After writing about new podcast Goodniks, we caught up with social worker, human rights activist, and host of the show, Annalisa Enrile to find out more…

So tell us a bit more about what your podcast is about?

Goodniks is an audio project exploring the journey and meaning of doing good in the world — for people who do good or are just thinking about it. We follow the journeys of people who are doing good things and wanting to make a difference- we dig into who and what inspired them, what keeps them up at night, their sacrifices, their rewards, their failures, and what it means for their relationships. What does it really mean to do good over the course of a life, or a moment, or a season?

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

The first podcast I ever listened to was about social workers. I don’t remember the name of it now, It was years ago and I assigned it to my students to listen to. I wanted them to do more than read academic articles. I wanted them to be immersed in people’s stories of what was happening in the field and I thought a podcast was a good way for them to do that. I let them choose what podcast but I listened to many to give them some options.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Jeff Leitner, our producer approached me with this project. He knew that I believe so strongly in the power of stories to transform and that everyone has a story to tell. Also, I’ve been hearing the most incredible things that people are doing- like really amazing things that are changing the world and how we do things. Everyone in my life always comments that I am so lucky to know really interestedly, brilliant, creative people and I thought that a podcast was one way to share stories with the world. And, it’s working- the other day, I had someone from the Philippines (where my parents are from) reach out to me. I’ve always done work with the Philippines Women’s movement and now I was able to reach whole different sectors that normally I wouldn’t have been able to. People love to listen to stories and delve into what people do and why. I think that’s part of the magic of Goodniks.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Right now I’ve been listening to The Only One in the Room. It speaks to how we always think we are the only one experiencing something but actually, it’s probably something so many people are going through, I love it because it normalizes and brings into light all of those things we think isolate us or make us vulnerable. A podcast I listen to consistently, like I jump on it right when a new episode comes out is We Can Do Hard Things. I love the message that Glennon Doyle, her sister Amanda and her wife, Abby have to say. They are so real and tackle so many of the things that resonate with me sometimes, I feel like I’m sitting in their living room just talking with my friends. Luvvie Ajayi Jones is like that too. There’s a lot of strong women podcasts out there. I’m also listening to Noble Blood with my niece. I want her to love history but she’s not a big fan until we started listening to these stories. It brings it to life and is so fascinating! We listen in the car and sometimes I find myself taking the long way around so we can finish an episode.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

There’s so many. I honestly am not sure who would be a dream guest. If I had to pick- definitely in the top five would be Chanel Miller. She wrote the book Know My Name and I just recently listened to her on a podcast and she sounded so thoughtful and intentional. She had a beautiful way of discussing past traumas and challenges but also a lot of humor and love when talking about her world.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

I’ve always believed that stories were essential but it’s also how you tell the story that makes a difference. Our producer and editor, Amanda Rosco Mayo works with Jeff to curate and present the stories in the most impactful way. We have themes and speak to these themes in the most powerful ways possible. It makes a difference and I appreciate the work they do so much to bring it all together. I’ve also learned how much people appreciate the work we ware doing and putting out there. You can sometimes feel like you are screaming into the abyss but to know that you are making a difference? That’s humbling and exciting and inspiring.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Episode 4: If you want to see God laugh. I love this episode. It’s all about how our Goodniks knew they were on the right path. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason and these stories are full of what happens when you get signs from the universe that you are on the right path and how you have to listen and trust that and keep going- even when things are not what you planned or how you thought it would be.