Podcasts serve a variety of purposes — both intentional and unintentional. One unintentional benefit I’ve found is hearing from different voices on a variety of topics to give yourself a more well-rounded perspective. We often find ourselves trapped in the social media echo chambers with confirmation biased opinions, however, hearing from authentic, genuine, and insightful people has opened my eyes to help me view issues differently. One podcast I’ve been turned onto to further this goal is the Pretty Please? Podcast. The format is simple, guests from different walks of life have an honest roundtable discussion about current issues. 

It seems like no topic is off limits either. The Pretty Please? Podcast has discussed far-ranging topics like relationship advice and zodiac signs to  violence against women and the media representation of people of color. 

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Pretty Please? creator, Leah Collie, to discuss the podcast, the challenges of being an indie podcaster, and where she wants to take the podcast next. See below for the full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Discover Pods: How’d you get into podcasting? 

COLLIE: I’ve always been the “quiet” friend among my peers and never really speaking up or always spoke when spoken to. I wanted to create a platform for young women (and men) of color, like myself, to voice their opinions on various topics without judgment. I started podcasting with a friend back in 2016, once she decided she wasn’t interested in it anymore, I continued with it by creating my own show. It’s been an amazing experience so far! 

DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Pretty Please? 

COLLIE: I really believe everyone should take the time out to listen to podcasts. Whether you want to stay informed or have a quick laugh, podcasts are the best way to pass the time. Pretty Please? Podcast has just what an audience is looking for: to stay informed and to laugh. I deliver topics to my listeners with a humor-like quality to not only make them think but to also realize that in this world, we need a little happiness and we need a little laughter. The Pretty Please? audience is a community, we’re all in this together. 

DP: Your episodes clearly cover a wide variety of issues. Are there a few topics you enjoy revisiting throughout several episodes? 

COLLIE: Yes! Although I love all of my episodes that I’ve recorded, my three favorites happened to be with the people I love and keep near and dear to my heart: my family and friends. The episodes I enjoy listening to the most are “Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby,” ‘Black Media Matters!,” “Dating in the 21st Century” and “#ForTheCulture.” 

DP: How do you find your guests? Are there certain qualities you’re looking for? 

COLLIE: Finding guests hasn’t been hard at all. When there is an episode that calls for guests, I will typically post on social media for people to sign up via e-mail. If they are not located in my area, I will set up Skype for them to join in on the conversation. As far as qualities in a guest, I look for people who are witty and outgoing and have opinions on topics that are different from my own. Also, any and all ages are welcome! I don’t discriminate. 

DP: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster? 

COLLIE: The biggest challenge I would have to say it getting people to take it seriously. As a creative, we’re met with the challenge that our peers believe our projects are only ‘hobbies’ and not passions. My podcast is my number one job and a very important passion of mine. I want my audience, and people outside of my audience, to understand that I create content through dedication and hard work. It’s never easy putting yourself out there, especially by yourself. 

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast? 

COLLIE: My next steps are to keep growing and creating a big community of people. I hope to have created a big enough platform where it can be distributed on television to reach a bigger audience who want to have their voices heard because it is so important, especially in today’s society. 

DP: What other podcasts are you listening to now? 

COLLIE: I am currently listening to Small Doseswith Amanda Seales, Tea With Queen and J, and Therapy for Black Girls. 

DP: Anything else you’d like to add? 

COLLIE: Season 4 of Pretty Please? Podcast recently premiered in October! The podcast can be found on SoundCloud, iTunes, iHeartRadio and Spotify. 

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