Podcast Spotlight: MindShape
If things have been rough lately, MindShape is your stop for relatable stories that will help you power through. Hosts Joey Braun and Avery Chatman use their platform for guests to tell their stories of pain, struggle, and vulnerability, giving a voice to the narratives that often go unheard. Guests share their experiences with tough subjects like miscarriage, sexual assault, comas, refugee status, and more. There is power from vulnerability, and episodes are filled with laughter, tears, and honesty. You will leave feeling encouraged, motivated, and, most importantly, seen.
Braun and Chatman gently guide guests through their own unique stories. They withhold judgement, practice empathy, and ask the right questions. At the end of each episode, they encourage you to share the episode with someone in your life who needs to hear it. Maybe it’s a friend, family member, or just someone you’ve been thinking about. Because stories deal with mature topics, listener discretion is advised.
We were fortunate to talk with Braun about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.
Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser
DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?
BRAUN: Joey – Our journey into podcasting was very interesting to say the least. Neither of us had any experience. I started MindShape as a solo project around 2 years ago. The original plan was to provide motivation and bring on high profile guests to inspire people. I only got a couple listeners and ended up putting a pause on the podcast. In February of 2019 I saw an inspirational video on twitter that impacted me on a deep level. The video was made by a guy named Avery Chatman. I had a desire to start the podcast again but with a co-host that fit well. I went out on a limb and sent Avery a DM asking him if he would want to be a part of a podcast the helped inspire people. The rest is history. I am from New Jersey and Avery is from Michigan. To this day we have never met in person.
DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to MindShape?
BRAUN: Our first season was a mixture of guests that had motivational stories to tell. We slightly pivoted in the second season to our goal from the beginning. Our goal was to give everyday people a platform to share their most personal stories. The stories people share are about pain, struggle, trauma and vulnerability they have experienced in their lives. You should tune into our podcast because it provides a place to openly listen and connect with people from all around the world. Being vulnerable enough to share your story is a difficult task. Tune in and listen to people open up about their toughest life moments.
DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?
BRAUN: We have heard nothing but positive feedback from our listeners. They love the positive vibes and energy that is brought throughout the podcast. They have told us that we also have a very calming nature to how we talk which gives our guests the perfect setting to share their stories. Another form of positive feedback we get is how we ask our guests questions. They love the chemistry we have with our guests even though we have never met them before.
DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?
BRAUN: Since we don’t live near each other the podcast is done remotely. From New Jersey and Michigan. We record on a podcasting website called Zencaster. This website allows us to record our podcasts in the highest quality possible.
We are both using RODE mics with Scarlett 2i2 interfaces. We have used multiple setups over the past year and this one seems to give us the best sound quality.
DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?
BRAUN: A big challenge that we face is awareness of the show. Over the past year we have built up our social media followings and episode downloads. We still struggle to find ways to reach more people and bring more people into our amazing story-telling community. Your support will help us grow!
DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?
BRAUN: We have a vision to have our podcast reach millions of people around the world. We believe that having a place for people to share their story is important not only to the people telling their stories but also to the people that can be inspired by the stories told. As humans we connect through sharing our vulnerabilities. Through the stories told on the MindShape podcast people can do just that. Join our community!
DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?
BRAUN: Here are some podcasts that we have been listening to:
Real AF with Andy Frisella
The Ed Mylett Show
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Planet Money
DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?
BRAUN: Thank you for the spotlight opportunity! If you want to share your story please reach out to us on
Instagram: @mindshapepodcast. We are very active and respond fast. For everyone reading this: your support helps our guests stories reach and inspire more people. Let’s make the world a better place together.
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