We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Newman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
All I wanted to do was write and talk, so I was drawn to podcasting as a career. I’d been a visual artist in the photography/video industry and was burnt out. “Newman Media” started as a podcast management company. I was going to handle the technical side of other people’s podcasts. Nothing creative on my end. This felt very safe to me, but my ideas slowly took priority over the first year as I gained more confidence and an audience in the podcast world. I became an independent podcast studio, producing and hosting my own shows while collaborating and partnering with networks like Scary.FM and Sonoro.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
-Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

I’ve been chasing stories my whole life, whether it’s a bit of celebrity gossip or a family legend. The weirder, the better. Stories are a currency that keeps us going. Whether it’s my own versions of stories or someone calling in with my podcast “Tell Me A Ghost Story,” I am a story hound. Whether in video, film, or photography, I always try to tell stories. I would be a Bard in any D&D game.

-What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

While large networks exist in podcasting, there is still room for independent shows. I find that atmosphere exciting to work in. Anybody can do it, but the constant production and marketing are very challenging. This can lead to the term “Podfade,” where your show stops after 4 or 5 episodes. For some reason, there is a lot of shame associated with this term. I think you have to “podfade” to learn. Every successful podcast producer or show had people cutting their teeth on failed projects. I even did a show called “The Land of Failed Ideas,” where I would interview creatives/artists about failed ideas. This was my first podcast, and I poured my heart and soul into it. It lasted four episodes before I was overwhelmed. But it taught me everything I enjoyed about the process and what I didn’t. When I had the idea for my second show, “Deep Healing with Greg Barris,” I got to work, and that podcast won a Signal award. Failure is an excellent teacher.

-Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Mental health! I would have never been able to do you anything if I was still in my headspace of 6 years ago. I’d just be frustrated and angry. But I found a therapist I connected with (very important and can take time) and a med combination that works (very important and can take time).

-Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?

It’s more of a feeling than a quote: getting comfortable and excited about that in-between state. It’s like a mixture of grief and gratitude. You don’t know what’s next when something has ended (project, job, relationship, etc). Someone once told me they try to live in that state as much as possible, and I didn’t get it. I felt so lost and depressed whenever I felt that way. But now I get it. That’s where anything can happen; be grateful that something ended and got out of the way for something better to move in.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I hate leaving the house but when I do, you’ll find me drinking Eastsides at the Raymond 1886 in Pasadena.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m always grateful to my project collaborators comedian Greg Barris and podcaster Edwin Covarrubias. They are so full of advice and inspiration and only a little bit of shit 😉

Website: http://newmanmedia.org

Instagram: @michellealexis

Image Credits
Headshot photo: Joel Barhamand

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