3 Podcasts to Listen to If You Want to Start Modeling Karmen Brown

“What’s awesome is that we live in a digital era where there’s an endless sea of information at our fingertips. One of the best resources I discovered was podcasts.”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a model? Is modeling something you’ve dreamt of, but you have no idea where to start or if you’re even capable? If so, don’t worry, I felt the exact same way! I decided to pursue modeling professionally in 2020, after being in a modeling troupe since my freshman year of college. I had no idea how to transition from modeling for fun to modeling in pursuit of a career. I had so many questions. What type of work should I be doing? What are the different types of modeling? Do I need an agency? How do I get one, if so? How do I find work and how do I seriously turn this into a long-term profession?

What’s awesome is that we live in a digital era where there’s an endless sea of information at our fingertips. One of the best resources I discovered was podcasts. Podcasts are great because of their versatility and convenience. You can listen to a podcast anywhere and at any time. Showering or getting ready for the day? Perfect time for another podcast episode. Cooking, cleaning, or commuting to work or school? All great moments to listen to an episode or two. You don’t have to stop everything you’re doing. You can easily implement podcasts into your daily routine.

When it comes to modeling and fashion-related podcasts, there’s a ton of them! They’re often created and hosted by models themselves, or occasionally other people who work in the industry and have expertise on the do’s and don'ts . Therefore, each podcast provides different perspectives on modeling, fashion, and entertainment that are all authentic and valuable. To get you started, I’ve put together a list of 3 podcasts that are

Not So Glamorous: The True Life of Models (with Kyla Coleman)

I can’t be the only one who always wondered what really happened to the winners of America's Next Top Model (ANTM)... even the other contestants who didn’t win. Well wonder no longer because in this podcast, ANTM cycle 24 winner, Kyla Coleman shares her encounters as a professional model after ANTM. Kyla speaks on all of the ups and downs that come with being a model. She also invites other people within the industry to come shed light on their own stories and the realities of working in these spaces. A couple of the guests are past ANTM contestants, so we also get to hear about what they’ve experienced since being on the show. Listening to this podcast can be one reliable way for someone to see how careers in modeling, fashion, and entertainment really are before jumping into them head first. It’s also a wonderful resource for understanding how to navigate the industry if you decide to take that leap.

The Model Made Podcast (with Host Lola Chél)

If you’re looking for the what, where, and why of modeling, this podcast is a great place to start. Host Lola Chél, who is also a full-time professional model and model coach, kicks off this podcast by diving into what she refers to as “modeling foundations”. She talks about the different modeling niches and how to find yours, the importance of figuring out why you want to model, and how to determine your market as a model.

How to Listen

The Model University

She goes into detail about how all of these aspects are interconnected and work together to help you begin your modeling journey and stick with it. On top of that, Lola also brings on industry professionals as guests to describe their experiences and give modeling tips from their perspectives. If you want even more information, Lola has an entire school called “The Model University.” This is where she teaches courses and provides curriculums for beginner models or models who are struggling to get to the next level in their career. The Model University is where the Model Made podcast stems from and it acts as another tool for Lola’s students and followers. Lola also consistently posts videos with advice and tricks on her Instagram (@lolachel) and Tiktok

Standing Tall (with Andrea Ventura)

Have you ever said, “I’d love to model, but I’m too short!” Are you unsure that there’s a place for you in the industry? Well professional model, Andrea Ventura is here to prove you wrong by walking you through her journey as a 5’3” petite model. Throughout the episodes of “Standing Tall,” Andrea not only discusses the work she does as a petite model and how she got started, but she also advocates for diversity and representation within the modeling industry. She also invites a variety of industry professionals on the podcast to speak on their experiences and share their own thoughts on diversity and representation. Andrea utilizes her knowledge and that of others to provide tips and advice to listeners, along with creating a conversation about what is currently happening in the fashion industry. For more from Andrea, check out her Instagram (@andreaventura) and the blog posts on her website (Andrea Ventura).

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Whether you’re a complete newbie to modeling or have years of experience, these podcasts are great tools for learning about the industry and working on your craft.

They’re useful for figuring out if modeling is truly the avenue you want to go down, along with how you envision yourself doing so. They even naturally highlight the ways modeling can lead to other opportunities and careers or interests, such as acting, photography, creative direction, casting and more. I know there are plenty of other awesome podcasts out there to explore and utilize, but these are just a few I’ve personally discovered and found helpful. Now, it’s time to get to listening and researching others! If you have podcast suggestions or general resources that have helped you as a model or professional in the industry, I’d love to hear about them!

Resources

Chél, Lola. “The Model Made Podcast.” Podbean. Coleman, Kyla. “Not So Glamorous: The True Life of Models.” Studio71. Ventura, Andrea. “Standing Tall.”