To mark the moment, we’re returning to our Issue #017 cover star interview. This is the Gospel According To Kelechi Okafor…

Actor? Director? Dance innovator? Social commenter? D*ckhead in recovery? Baby girl? Kelechi Okafor wears many hats and as her podcast grew she built herself the perfect platform to show each one off in all its glory. We caught up with the Say Your Mind host back in October 2021 to chat all things podcasting…

PB: TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR SHOW! WHAT’S YOUR PODCAST ELEVATOR PITCH?

KO: Say Your Mind is the current affairs podcast that you might not want to listen to on loudspeaker at work, but you definitely want to listen to regardless. The podcast expertly combines tarot, current affairs and pop culture into one expletive filled fun time and is delivered to you from the perspective of a Nigerian-British Baby Girl. I am the Baby Girl FYI.

WHY PODCASTING? WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE FORMAT THAT APPEALS TO YOU?

I enjoy podcasting a lot because I love sharing my thoughts and I find it much easier than typing, although I am pretty mean on the keyboard when it comes to tweeting! On the subject of tweeting though, the thoughts you share can be taken down at any time and that’s why I like podcasting because I am in control.

WHAT‘S THE SECRET TO BEING A GOOD PODCAST HOST?

A good podcast host should be able to tell you something you already knew but deliver it to you in such a way that you think you’re hearing that thing for the first time. It is about having a fresh, confident attitude about whatever it is that you’re discussing and ultimately wanting your listener to already miss you the moment that episode is done.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO BEFORE YOU STARTED OUT AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Be patient! That is the number one piece of advice I would give myself and anybody else who is starting out as a podcaster. I worried so much about whether people would listen to Say Your Mind, and then I worried about when I would get enough listeners to enable me to have live read sponsors etc. I spent a lot of time being impatient about getting to the markers of what makes a “successful” podcast that I just stressed myself out for no reason. Now I have these grey hairs! Once I just started going with the flow and being proud of whichever stage I was at, the things I was so fixated on attaining came to me naturally.

HOW DID YOU FIND PODCASTING DURING THE PANDEMIC RELATED LOCKDOWNS?

I found podcasting to be really therapeutic during the lockdowns. I definitely didn’t have to worry about whether people would listen to the episodes or not. Ha! Honestly, I felt purposeful because I knew listeners needed to hear me reassure them that things would be okay in one way or another, while making them aware of other things that were happening in the world. Hearing me swear and laugh as I talked my way through each subject, also gave listeners permission to feel their own feelings. It was also really nice to spend so much time with my brother Sadiq because he joined me as a guest in residence on the podcast since we were already in a bubble. Getting to share my podcast with him will always be one of my best memories of an otherwise rather challenging time in all our lives.

DO YOU HAVE A DREAM GUEST OR GUESTS WHO YOU’D LOVE TO HAVE ON THE PODCAST SOME DAY?

I would fall on the floor if I could get Viola Davis on the podcast. I admire her acting skills so much and I fear that if I were to have her on as a guest, I would just breathe heavily into the mic and forget what I wanted to ask her. I would also like to interview afrobeats artist Wizkid, mainly so I could show him my dance moves to each of his songs. Finally I think I would like to have Lewis Hamilton on the podcast now that I have added a new segment to the podcast called Start Your Motors to complement my love of Formula 1. I don’t think he’d accept though, my swearing and random song breaks might lead him to believe that I’m a tad unhinged.

WHICH EPISODE OR EPISODES OF YOUR PODCAST MEAN THE MOST TO YOU?

Probably Episode 21: What now? This was the first episode after my pregnancy loss and I can’t believe how early it was in my podcasting journey yet I still insisted on being vulnerable and transparent while showing up to record. Episode 55: Easter Special – Baby Girl and a Baby was great because I announced I was expecting a baby and it was lovely to be able to have such a beautiful and intimate experience to share with my listeners.

WHICH PODCASTS OR PODCAST HOSTS INSPIRE YOU?

I know I have said this before because I love talking to you all! (Kelechi was our Podcast Disciple back in Issue #008!) but it would definitely be The Read with Kid Fury & Crissle. Their podcast is the reason I even thought being a host of my own podcast could be a reality. I love their openness while maintaining their personal boundaries. It is such a hilarious and well presented podcast, I really have no choice but to stan.

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT FAVOURITE PODCASTS?

I love listening to The Receipts podcast because they’re really wonderful women and funny as hell. I really like Who We Be TALKS_ too. Harry and Henrie are really youthful and vibrant hosts. I was a guest on their podcast a while back and I left proper feeling like they were my new friends, and that speaks volumes about their hosting skills!

Listen to the last ever episode of Say Your Mind on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other popular podcast apps >>

Get your tickets for the last ever Say Your Mind live show! In person Saturday April 13th, Conway Hall, London or live-streamed anywhere in the world. Find out more >>

The post THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO… Kelechi Okafor appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Dutty Sink Drama podcast accompanies the anthology of spokenword poetry, micro-memoir and prose of the same name, published by indie publisher MT Ink, 2021. I (Jaqi Loye-Brown), explore identity, race and topical themes, from Windrush, the pandemic to Grenfell and Brexit. A burst of creativity and activism borne out of the lockdown.

The podcast is focused on the Windrush Generation. I’m a product of that time, a child born in Britain with a Caribbean heritage. I was aware of the various stories we had, all very different and wanted to use the platform to share those experiences. I wanted to give a voice to growing up Caribbean and British in the UK and the navigating that intersection during the 1960’s & 70’s. Little was heard then or now of the now middle aged people. My podcast although long in episode, I hope as a body of work shines a light on those experiences. It also includes spokenword recitals and specially written short drama monologues.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

White Wine Question Time with Kate Thornton, followed by The Michelle Obama Podcast and Grounded with Louis Theroux.

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

I always had a keen interest in radio. A passion going back to pirate radio in the Midlands during the 1980’s (I was a newsreader via Teletext). I took many short courses in the days of tape and china graph during the 90’s somewhere in Kings Cross before involvement in RSL’s. I produced a show I co-hosted called The Women’s Locker Room in White City London. Like many people podcast was a buzz word that I felt compelled to investigate further and immediately knew I would produce my own show in the near future.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

White Wine Question Time received a lot of press and the title won me over. Archetypes from Archewell Audio – for the narration interjected between the guest interview. I find it engaging, because in the end, I want to hear from Meghan Markle as much as her guests.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

The appeal of Dutty Sink Drama is the ordinary guest, the authentic voice of people who are not public figures or persons of note. They‘re non media savvy happy to share their story without worrying about going off brand. My guests come from a suspicious community and the freedom to share thoughts is unwelcomed. They trust me. That’s more important. I’m happy to pull an episode if they’re uncomfortable.

But if Zadie Smith was about…

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

Preparation. Have questions ready. Go over them again and again. Keeping guests on topic is a skill. My questions are often too long!

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

Episode 1. ‘Dumplings, Drumming and the Death Stare with Myrah‘

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

My books are available to order online from reputable book stores from Amazon to Waterstones and Foyles.

I’ve just finished MA Creative Writing at Birkbeck and I am currently seeking representation.

Listen to Dutty Sink Drama on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. 

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Who are you and what’s your elevator pitch for your podcast?

My name is Cole Moreton, I’m a writer and broadcaster for national and international titles and a former Interviewer of the Year at the Press Awards.

Can We Talk? is a series of intimate, crafted short stories about real encounters I’ve had with remarkable people – the famous, the infamous and those caught up in extraordinary times – and what we might learn from them about how to live. I’m exploring the human craving for connection: with each other, with ourselves, with nature and with the divine, if we believe in that.

I live by the sea in the south of England but travel the world when I can. I’m a person of open, questioning faith, born into a Christian culture but very much aware of the wisdom to be found in other traditions, paths and faiths. I’m trying to listen.

Like Desmond Tutu, the hero of the struggle against apartheid, who mistakenly thought I was trying to kill him (you can hear how that turned out in his episode) I believe in a version of “ubuntu”: that we function best as humans when we recognise we are all connected, we listen to each other and we learn together.

I also just hope you’ll agree that are some really good stories!

We’ve had a great response. For example, Anita Anand, a terrific broadcaster and best-selling author, says: “A brilliant, sensitive storyteller, Cole produces perfectly formed mini epics that are both thought-provoking and hugely entertaining.”

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

Probably either Fortunately… with Fi Glover and Jane Garvey (I’m thrilled that Fi, who gets about five million listeners, has also said publicly that she loves Can We Talk?) or the hilarious musical riot that is The Horne Section Podcast.

You’re officially an award-winning interviewer – why did you want to veer away from interviews in your podcast? Well, it was a privilege to be recognised for my work, but I felt there was much more to say. These are fresh stories that look again at certain encounters, consider them in depth, think of the context and what it was like in the room and what can be learned from those people. But they’re also crafted short stories that should be compelling, moving, inspiring and take you somewhere in their own right. These are the kinds of things I have always wanted to write, in the way I’ve always wanted to write them.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

One I do love, because of the first person intimacy and pacing, which I try to emulate, is Coastal Stories by Charlie Connelly. Fascinating tales from around the coast of Britain, told to the sound of waves. Then there is anything by David Sedaris, a master storyteller. I like to think I’ve learned things from him.

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

Slow down. Talk to one person. This is intimate, it’s talking in someone’s ear. Let the story breath. Write and rewrite and craft and cut and polish but then let it sound spontaneous. And get a great producer, if you can. Emily Jeffery is mine, and with engineer Andy Partington I’m proud to say we’ve created something that is of the highest audio quality, good enough for the BBC or any broadcaster (I do a bit of work writing and presenting for Radio 4, sometimes).

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

Depends what you’re looking for. If you want to know what it’s like to (mistakenly) think you’re on a date with a Hollywood superstar, go for ‘Scarlett Johansson’. For a genuine global icon, consider The Queen. To understand that we are all the same and all equally worth of respect and having our stories heard, listen to the story on ‘Zahra’, who came across the Channel on an overloaded rubber boat one Christmas Day. And if you’re looking for a jaw dropping, heart breaking story about David Bowie that you’ve never heard before, have a listen to ‘Susan Sarandon’.

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

Well, it’s very kind of you to ask. My website is colemoreton.com or you can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as @colemoreton, because that’s my name. I’d love to hear from you, so do please get in touch.

Listen to Cole Moreton’s Can We Talk? now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and popular podcast apps.

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This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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What is it about podcasting that appeals to you?

You can be ironing, walking, driving, running, cooking, shaving, in the bath, knitting, doing a jigsaw puzzle – there are so many ways you can occupy yourself delightfully and yet with a human voice in your ear. The range of subjects too – it’s astounding. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, some detail of history, thought, science, technology, culture, sport … there’s a podcast for you.

Stephen Fry. Photo by Elliot Spencer

If you could go back to before you started your show and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Relax: don’t try to broadcast – chat, be yourself. Easy does it.

What makes a great podcast host?

Warmth, ease of tone and delivery, not trying too hard.

And what about a great guest?

Honesty, openness, thoughtfulness, surprise.

What’s been your worst podcast moment so far?

My podcasts don’t involve other people – just me talking. I started a lifetime ago – literally some people’s lifetimes – and in those days I called them Blessays… a silly compound of blog and essay, with a hint of blessing. So my worst moments aren’t to do with interviews/chats with guests, they’re more to do with laziness. Not providing new content.

Is there anything you found frustrating as a podcast listener but understand now that you make your own.

Not that I can think of. The only things that frustrate me as a listener are, of course, too many commercial advertising interruptions and too much trying to be liked. But that’s true of what’s annoying in radio and TV too of course!

What episode of your podcast means the most to you?

Crumbs. I did a blessay on language and the idiocy of pedantry and so on, which I think is important. The recent series on the 7 Deadly Sins is important to me, because I think it offers a different way of looking at the problems of the world without recourse to the usual blandishments of echo chamber politics and culture on the one hand or endless reiterations of neoBuddhist mindfulness on the other. With all due respect to both brands of podcast.

Which podcasts or podcast hosts do you take inspiration from?

Those that are excited by ideas but which don’t presume to espouse any one point of view: those that embrace the ambiguities, strangeness, complexities and contradictions of our silly and wonderful world.

Finally, what are your current favourite podcasts?

No Such Thing As A Fish from my old friends the QI Elves, Alan Alda’s Clear + Vivid. Lawrence Krauss’s The Origins Podcast, Peter Adamson’s History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps, Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History. Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History. Helen Zaltzman’s The Allusionist. Anything by Jon Ronson. Homo Sapiens, which Chris Sweeney and Alan Cummings do. It’s LGBT focused but not exclusive and unmissable. Various BBC shows put out as podcasts. Friday Night Comedy, Last Word, Desert Island Discs, Melvyn Bragg’s In Our Time, the Tech Tent, Books and Authors, but top of the list Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review. Just gold. And lastly, let’s not forget the magnificent Distraction Pieces from the one and only Scroobius Pip…

Stephen first started podcasting back in 2008 with the release of his popular ‘Podgrams’, a collection of his writings, speeches and collective thoughts. After a lengthy gap he returned in 2018 to release the documentary podcast series ‘Great Leap Years’ which explores the stories behind well known inventions. His most recent series 7 Deadly Sins is available now on all good podcast platforms.

@StephenFry // stephenfry.com

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The Blindboy Podcast

Each week plastic bag mask wearing Blindboy (one half of musicians and comedians The Rubberbandits) picks a topic to share his views or self declared “hot takes“ on… which may well sound unbearable, but what unfolds is always a strangely relaxing, history laden exploration of the widest range of topics from one of the best minds, and voices, in podcasting. LISTEN NOW >>

Say Your Mind

As the media is starting to realise, actress, director and public speaker Kelechi Okafor is one of the most powerful and important voices around at the moment. Say Your Mind sees Kelechi express her thoughts and views each week in the way they are best delivered: unfiltered. LISTEN NOW >>

The Sarah Silverman Podcast

Huge, established names jumping on the podcast band wagon can annoy some of the veterans of the scene… but when award winning comedian Sarah Silverman launched her podcast in 2020 she quickly became undeniable for her reasoned, rational and hilarious takes on the issues that she encounters in her day to day life, or that her listeners put to her. LISTEN NOW >>

Have You Heard George’s Podcast?

At this stage, what more can be said about George the Poet’s amazing offerings in the podcast world? They have won plaudits and awards left right and centre… and deserved every one of them. A mixture of storytelling, music and fiction builds a world of insight and art. LISTEN NOW >>

The Rob Auton Daily Podcast

In 2020, poet, comedian & Yorkshireman Rob Auton put out a podcast every single day. With durations tending to fall somewhere between 3 – 15 minutes these little nuggets of poetry, comedy and just wonderful thought are the ultimate binge podcast. LISTEN NOW >>

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Scroobius Pip founded Pod Bible magazine alongside Stu Whiffen and Adam Richardson back in February of 2019 but is best known as a podcaster, actor, rapper and label boss. His podcast Distraction Pieces began in 2014 and continues to deliver fascinating conversations week in, week out. Pip runs the company with Stu and Adam and contributes regularly to the magazine and Pod Bible Podcast. Head to Scroobiuspip.co.uk for more, and follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Have you listened to these solo podcasts? Or do you think we missed a podcast? Let us know on Twitter, or send us an email info@podbiblemag.com.

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