Podcasts in the Spotlight: Hear Motherhood. An interview about the new and noteworthy podcast that answers the question, "Can creativity and motherhood coexist?"
Podcasts are sweeping the nation. From the pop cultural phenomena that Serial became to the proliferation of TED talks and NPR favorites. We want to use our time to and fro engaged in learning or listening in a new and fresh way that goes beyond the traditional radio talk show or audio book.
For creatives, podcasts have become another tool in the kit to share brilliance. Should I have a YouTube channel? Should I have a podcast? Should I be on Instagram?
Paige Ray, author of the still lovely Approaching Joy blog, has turned her artistic endeavors to podcasting in the fresh and approachable show called Hear Motherhood. These conversations are set up to answer the question, "Can motherhood and creativity coexist?" If you've been a reader here for more than one post, you know my answer is a big, "Oh, yeeeaaaah!" to this one. Paige warmly captures a mother's struggles and relatable triumphs as each works to answer that question in their daily priorities.
I think you'll find her endearing Arkansas charm and positive tone one that will highlight your listening experience. Mommy Confessions as well as a Creative Momma Tip are a part of every show, too!
An interview with Paige Ray is the voice and heart behind the New and Noteworthy podcast entitled: Hear Motherhood.
Tell us how you came to be Hear Motherhood?
I am a brand new mom to a beautiful 5-month old boy. This time last year I was convinced that creative life as I knew it was over. In my mind, motherhood was a job so big that it encompassed all of your life. Luckily I soon realized I was surrounded by creative moms who were making both happen beautifully.
What turned this into a podcast instead of a blog or a kicking Instagram feed?
I immediately wanted to talk to those women I admired who were successfully being "creative mamas". It was selfish. I wanted to know their secrets. Then I realized that if I could record those conversations I could help other moms and moms-to-be who had the same questions.
Why do you think so many are turning or returning to a listening medium like podcasts?
I lost my grandmother this spring right before both my son and this project were born. And though, obviously in different ways, I think she would have been a fan of both.
Women in her time knew about the power of story and spoken word because the Internet, instant messaging, and even television didn't exist. In our faces paced society it's easy to see why people are looking back to those older mediums... Even if it is through using today's technology.
Tell us what you listen to.
- I listen to my baby sing when he wakes up at 6am.
- I listen to a lot of questionable pop music from the mid 90's.
- I listen to audio books and it's the only way most anything gets "read" in my life.
- I listen to loads of podcasts.
(Want to hear which podcasts Paige listens to?
Grab the printable list right here.)
What can we look forward to for Hear Motherhood?
More interviews from successful creative women who are willing to pull back the social media curtain and share parts of their real lives.
More solo shows where I share my heart about the intersection of motherhood and creativity.
And big dream? I want to be back in a year or so telling what it's like to write for O magazine as well and later put together a retreat for creative moms.
If you're new to podcasts, take a look at Paige's sidebar as she simply explains the super easy process of subscribing. Give yourself the gift of listening in on the conversations over at Hear Motherhood, and let me know what you think!