HAVE YOU HEARD?

Introduction to The Han Jan Ran Show podcast

Published on December 14, 2020

Have You Heard? is a series in which the team from Pod Bible 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! We recently spoke to Hannah Rankine, the creator of The Han Jan Ran Show, a self-improvement podcast all about the celebration of audacity and breaking down boundaries for the greater good.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I am Hannah Rankine and my podcast is called The Han Jan Ran Show (Han Jan Ran being the first three letters of my three names!). The podcast is a celebration of audacity and defying the status quo to create positive change within or for the greater good.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

It’s hard to think that far back as I am a certified pod-oholic but I think it must be Guys We F****d, which I was put on to by a fabulously audacious friend of mine.

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

My primary school report called me a ‘motor-mouth’ so maybe I was always destined to podcast! Truthfully though, I started because of two reasons. Firstly, because it was a creative solution to calm me after a health scare. I’ve had a number of chronic illnesses sadly. The first one led me to do a Masters of Fine Art. This year I was diagnosed with Epilepsy after having Covid-19. Taking time off work to recover is when I launched the pod. I have found that creativity cures a lot of ailments. Secondly, because powerful conversations leave me feeling so incredibly driven, creative and ambitious and that is such a wonderful effect that can come from impactful communication. I wanted to use that transaction of ideas and experiences to offer that feeling up to others.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I have a running joke with my family and best friend that I keep comparing my show to Michelle Obama’s. I only mean that we both navigate serious and emotional topics with a friendly and fun spirit, NOT that I am as poised, eloquent or as knowledgeable as the former First Lady… but you know… one day. (I can feel my brother eye-rolling right now).

The Echo Chamber Podcast by Jade and Ez. They give an honest take on contemporary issues and share the reality of their experiences as Black British women in a largely problematic society. I respect their authenticity deeply.

Race and Gender Unfiltered by Daniel Edmund. Daniel is an exquisitely, beautiful soul and his tender perspective on the human experience is inspiring to me.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Can I say Michelle?

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

I will resist talking about learning how to produce a show and say that everything great that I have learnt has been from my guests and my listeners. And that is to question everything and that self-love is the most radical and punk thing a person can do.

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

Ah! You’re making me choose between my babies!

Episode 3 with Ciaran Thapar really moved me and gives a good idea of the range of topics the show covers. I am told that Episode 14 & 20 with my mum and Evelyn Willing will make you laugh and cry but I also think they are a good way to get to know me, your doting host!

I just launched Season Two and am very proud of the second episode with Aleks Trkulja, a sex therapist and mental health counsellor. So… take your pick?!

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can start at Episode 1… I’m only joking. Come find me on Instagram @hanjanran and @thehanjanranshow. I’m pretty active and (annoyingly) verbose so you’ll find plenty out. I try on Twitter but forget it exists for the most part…

Listen to The Han Jan Ran Show on Spotify, or all other platforms.