Stories to Love Podcast Interview by Angela Anderson
The Stories to Love Podcast is a podcast created by Tif Marcelo. Built on being an inspiration to its guest and listeners, Tif chat with creators and authors she knows and admires. The 30-45 minute podcast is filled with an engaging discussion of the creator’s process, books, book recommendations, and more. The off-the-cuff questions and fangirling moments bring great conversations and insight into how the guests are inspired and motivated. Angela Anderson: How did you get started in podcasting? Tif Marcelo: I started the Stories to Love podcast in September 2020 at a time when I missed my author friends. I was also lacking inspiration, and I thought that perhaps others felt the same way. In reaching out to creative folks, speaking with them, and then sharing those conversations, I hoped we could feel more connected. AA: What inspired you to start a podcast? TM: I had been a guest on several podcasts by that point and loved the fact that I could show up in my pajamas and my hair in a bun. On podcasts, I found myself more relaxed and thought it was such a great medium to chat with others. Also, I’m an avid listener of podcasts. I felt it was so accessible! AA: How did you determine the name for the podcast, Stories to Love? TM: The title is an invitation to listen to creatives and authors who had their own unique story to tell, besides the product or service they have put out in the world. AA: What makes the Stories to Love podcast unique? TM: I think what makes podcasts unique in general, are the voices and the conversations that vary by the individual. Inherently, it’s what makes the Stories to Love podcast unique. AA: Share some of the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to make one podcast episode. TM: I produce my own podcast, to include the interviewing, the writing, and the editing. I’ve been able to break it all down by the amount of hours to do each piece. Luckily, I now have Melissa, my assistant, to help with graphics and social media. Also, all of my tools are digital! My only real equipment is my computer and microphone. I also record it all virtually, right in my office study. It is such a thrill to be able to chat with folks from all over the world. AA: What is an aspect of your podcast that brings you tremendous joy? TM: I learn so much from every person I speak to. I have such a great day whenever I get to meet and interview a creator.
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THE HEAT SEEKERS MAGAZINE
AA: What can a listener expect to receive when they tune into the Stories to Love podcast? TM: They can expect me fangirling over my guests. And if they are authors, expect for me to ask my burning questions about their book. And hopefully, all under a half hours’ time. AA: What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who wants to start a podcast? TM: Jump in! Know that you can edit the message, the format, and the mission of your podcast as time goes on. 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 inspires you? TM: Whenever I’m struggling, I think of my grandmothers. One was a teacher, and the other was a nurse. They both had several children (one had five, and the other had seven). From what I know and remember of them, they didn’t overthink. They just did, even under the worst scenarios in the societies they were living in. I want to be as courageous. AA: In addition to being a podcast host, you are an award-winning author. What do you enjoy about the creativity of both? TM: On being a podcaster and an author, I liken it to breathing. In taking in and sharing another person’s story, I hopefully can write more nuanced stories. In being exposed to the breadth of people and their creativity, hopefully, I can dig deeper into my own.
