6 minute read
Sistah’s Conversations Podcast
Podcast of the Month: Sistah’s Conversations Podcast
Interview by Angela Anderson
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Letrise Carter is an author, podcast host, media influencer, freelance writer, CEO of Sistah’s Place, and advocate for Black Women’s health. She is well educated, holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Accounting & Financial Management, working as an Associate Director with 30 years in accounting. Letrise has an eclectic palate in the creative space and a mission to create a media outlet for voices to be heard. Previously named Sistah’s Place Podcast, the show was rebranded and renamed Sistah’s Conversations Podcast to offer multiple co-host opportunities in entertainment, author spotlights, conversations of money and wealth. There are also girl talks on issues that affect the community and other hot topics of the world.
The podcast continues to be a platform for creatives, authors, artists, business owners, philanthropists, and more to have a voice. It is a unique blend of news and entertainment that informs, inspires, and educates all who listen. From art and entertainment to social justice and community activism, health, wellness, and career planning, Sistah’s Conversations Podcast provides an outlet for these conversations to take place.
Angela Anderson: How did you get started in podcasting?
Letrise Carter: I got started in podcasting after attending a local workshop, “How to take your brand to the next level?” I did my research first and explored the benefits of podcasting for your business. I took another workshop about podcasts to become familiar with how a podcast works and to learn how to apply the tools and resources from the first workshop.
AA: What inspired you to start your podcast?
LC: Sistah’s Place was interviewing for film, television, theater, music, and literary, online only. There was indeed a void in the podcast and online space. I wanted to reach a bigger audience, and I wanted the indie talent to be heard, not just read about. Besides, I love talking to people, so it was an effective move for me to step “In the Next,” or as my mentor would say to start my podcast. My podcast would evolve from Sistah’s Blog Talk Radio to Sistah’s Conversations Podcast from 2017 to the present.
AA: What is it about the Sistah’s Conversations Podcast that makes it unique?
LC: My podcast is unique, as the focus is on Black women in literary, film, television, business, and health who share their journey to be impactful, inspirational, informative, and empowering. Plus, we don’t limit our guests to their position, title, or social media status.
AA: Share some of the behind-the-scenes of what is involved with making one podcast episode?
LC: We create a show script that is followed by the host, review theme music if it’s needed for a show topic, set a topic to discuss with our guests, and research our guests so we are sharing a story that our audience can relate to. We survey our podcast community as to which questions they would ask a particular guest to ensure our show stays authentic. We take the top two questions from the community that fit the topic and add them to our list of questions for our guests. The show is pre-recorded prior to being aired. We review the pre-recorded shows and make appropriate edits, cutting out any fillers that would lose our listeners. We want to make sure that we focus on the topic at hand. We also add our professional intro/outro to each podcast episode. After each show, we listen to it, take show notes, and critique the show for the next episode. This helps us grow and get better as we adjust based on these notes and critiques.
AA: What aspect of the podcast brings you tremendous joy?
LC: I love it when my guests share their own testimony that reaches a listener who responds that an episode was helpful, made them cry, was encouraging, or empowering. Those types of responses and feedback bring me tremendous joy.
AA: What can a listener expect to receive when they tune into a Sistah’s Conversations episode?
LC: A sisterly conversation is what listeners can expect. It’s like coming to sit on the couch with us with your favorite cup of tea, coffee, or wine while enjoying conversation with your sisters.
AA: March is National Women’s History Month. When you reflect on the history of women who have paved the way for doors to be opened, who would you say inspire you?
LC: Wow, there are so many women who have inspired me like my forever First Lady Michelle Obama. I have a lengthy list of strong Black women who have inspired me. Then there’s Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey, my aunt Clara, my cousin Yalonda, and Ella Curry.
AA: As women continue to rise and make moves and make their mark in the world, why is self-care important to include in our day-to-day lives?
LC: Self-care is so important because we as Black women forget that we are not “Super Woman”. We need the time to recharge and refuel mentally, emotionally, and physically. We are no good to anyone else if we don’t take care of ourselves. Self-care is EXTREMELY important to incorporate into our daily lives, like we drink coffee or tea each day. Our lives depend on self-care, and it’s what we owe to ourselves. Self-care makes us stronger, not weaker. Self-care makes us available to be reliable to others.
AA: What advice would you share with women today?
LC: Take and make time for your self-care. It’s okay to step back from the busy life of work, projects, and caring for others. Build time for self-care as a daily part of your routine. Your mental health will thank you. It’s okay to say no, and you don’t need to explain why.
AA: What’s next for the Sistah’s Conversations Podcast?
LC: Sistah’s Conversations is planning a new season for February 2023 that will be empowering, inspirational, and impactful to our listeners. Meanwhile, throughout 2022, we will highlight the best episodes of 2021 that were informative and empowering.
AA: Share with us where and when can people tune in for an episode of Sistah’s Conversations.
LC: Sistah’s Conversations Podcast can be heard on Thursdays on Spreaker Radio, Spotify, Apple, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Podcast Addict, and Google Podcast.
AA: How can people stay connected with you?
LC: People can connect with me on social media under the Sistah’s Place brand. The Instagram and Twitter handle is SistahsPlace2, and Facebook is Sistah’s Place. You can also find me @letrisec on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @ authorletrisecarter.
