Team AD,
How ARE you?!
This week, my vibe is one of gratitude. This week’s guest, Channing Chasten, said some things that just, well, ‘hit different ‘while I was listening to our conversation this week:
“There are times when I get disheartened, but I don't let myself dwell in that place for too long…I still get those feelings, but I like to limit those feelings for a certain amount of time, then move on and figure out how I can use those feelings, or what I’m feeling, to propel myself to be a better version of myself, and use it as motivation to reach that goal.”
Okay - message received! Don’t worry; I’m not shoving anything down. I’m still hono(u)ring my feelings. I’m also using those feelings as…inspiration… if you will.
This week, I’ve considered what AudioDiaspora looks like within the dynamic creator and ‘news influencer’ landscape. Some media analysts have called the 2024 US presidential election “the podcast election” and highlighted how influential podcasters have shaped voters' perceptions of the major candidates.
The AP reported that podcasting—especially appearances on shows like The Joe Rogan Experience—played a crucial role in the President-elect's outreach to men aged 18-29. Vice President Kamala Harris's decision not to appear on Rogan’s show, even though she appeared on Alex Cooper’s ‘Call Her Daddy’ podcast, continues to spark discussions as I write.
While I don’t think we will understand the true impact of podcasters on this vote for a while, the fact that candidates went on these shows in the first place tells us how influential podcasting has become. But it’s not just podcasters who have a say; the writers and social media folks are also reshaping the landscape. The platforms are ready to capitalize on this shift; this week, Spotify rebranded its podcasting platform from Spotify for Podcasters to Spotify for Creators.
All of this got me thinking again about how famous names continue to get more access to insights, tools, and resources for growth and sustainability than others. I’ve worked in the industry long enough to know this.
I’m using that access gap to reaffirm my resolution: I am committed to providing you with access to insights and information via AudioDiaspora. I’m here to celebrate YOUR wins on the podcast. Let’s emerge from this stronger as creatives and as a community. Together. No one achieves their goals alone. While this platform is my baby, it has evolved and navigated three brand changes because of a brain trust that supported my vision, creatives willing to open up to me, and a production team that helps me get this content to you — and YOU!
Thank you for being part of AudioDiaspora. And, as my elders say, when we face a challenge, ‘we move.’
Channing Chasten on ‘The 1% Kid’: Don’t Let Your Setbacks Dictate Your Future
Channing Chasten, the former Phoenix Rising football star and author of the kids' book, "The 1% Kid," shares why honoring disappointment and sadness in setting goals and boundaries was essential in achieving his career or creative goals. He also recounts how often being the only Black player on his team fueled his drive to excel - and how that drive has served him as a writer and business owner.
Channing loves football – or soccer, as it’s called in the US, and talks about his commitment to driving the sport's growth in that nation. He also shares some surprising views about the decision to host the 2026 World Cup in the Americas!
Get step-by-step tips on using fear and criticism to fuel your success, setting goals, and becoming resilient in the face of seemingly overwhelming challenges.
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