A Reluctant Podcaster
At times we are asked to do things that we know are out of our comfort zone. We know it will stretch us a bit. That was the case for me when asked to host the new PeakDay Podcast for Couple to Couple League. I am solidly a behind-the-scenes kind of person. Researching guests, developing questions, and being in front of a camera conducting interviews was not exactly on my bucket list of things I desired to accomplish. Even now, 50+ episodes later, I am still uncomfortable looking at myself (do I really make such goofy faces?), hearing my voice (I sound like my sisters!), and telling others, ‘I host a podcast on YouTube’ (seriously, ME?).
Leaning Into It
I now lean into the “just do your best, smile and get it done” philosophy. Even with all the uncomfortable-ness, I truly appreciate and marvel at the gifts, skills, and talents of my guests. Children’s book authors, NFP teaching couples, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, physical therapists, the author of a fictional novel, professors of Theology, and doctors are just a sampling of the interests and vocations of those I’ve interviewed. They have one thing they have in common, though. They are committed to improving the health and fertility of women, couples and families. Yes, even a fictional novel can promote NFP (go Catholic Joe: Superhero!).
Sharing Stories
We are making NFP, often referred to as the “best kept secret”, not so secret anymore. When we run the numbers and look at stats, our podcasts are reaching our target audience. We reach young women, engaged & married couples, and like-minded supporters. This is a chance to share stories, have conversations and connect people to each other. Some of the all-time favorite episodes cover a variety of topics. They include Fathers & Sons, NFP and the Bible, Fertility & Adoption, Nutrition, NFP and Male Fertility, PCOS, Infertility.
I now have well over a year of hosting under my belt. Impressions and click-through rates have become part of my new vocabulary, as well as video tracks, compressing recordings and WAV files. To simplify things for me, we use an online recording platform and have a top-notch editor to make the final episode look polished and professional. In the back of my mind, though, I always feel a bit sorry for him having to cut all the mistakes and goofs I make (sorry, Luke!).
by Martha Haenni, host of CCL’s PeakDay Podcast
Did you know that the CCL PeakDay app is THE premier Catholic fertility tracking app. It helps women chart their period and cycle, and better understand their fertility and ovulation. Find it here.
If you have not subscribed to the PeakDay Podcast, you can do so on the CCL Youtube Channel . You will get notified of new episodes when they post. You can also listen to the podcast on the go, or in your car by simply searching for “PeakDay Podcast” on Youtube Music and it will load the 50 episodes.