Social World Podcast – Podcaster Interview with David Niven

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed podcaster David Niven about his Social World Podcast, what inspired him to start it, and what he hopes to accomplish.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

All my working life I’ve been involved, often at a senior level, with combatting child abuse and wider safeguarding issues. I’ve was thrust into the media when elected Chair of the British Association of Social Workers. Took a while but, now 20 yeas on, I have had much experience and have trained groups in various settings.

How and why did you start podcasting?

As above, I grew to feel comfortable on broadcast media so felt, when I was introduced to podcasting, that I’d like to try putting something together. Couple that with past work contacts in politics, in local authorities , law enforcement, health etc –I wanted to use the people I’d worked with or admired—then 7 years later on my 122^nd programme—I’ve broadened out a bit.

What is your current podcast called, and how did you come up with the name?

www.Socialworldpodcast.com   Started with social work but wanted a bit of elbow room.

What platforms can we find Social World Podcast on?

Socialworldpodcast.com , ITunes, Spotify, Podfeed, apple and Google ‘thoughts on the social world’

What is Social World Podcast about?

Range of child protection, safeguarding the vulnerable , giving voice where needed , but always campaigning and supporting world wide initiatives

Do you host Social World Podcast alone, or have guest hosts/partners?

I host alone.

Do you edit Social World Podcast or have someone who does it for you?

Shared with friend who does audio fine tuning

Do you script Social World Podcast, or just chat as you go?

Read up before and chat as we go on imaginary sofas.

How has Social World Podcast changed or developed since you began?

Yes, at its peak it was getting what seemed a modest few thousand downloads and into 110 countries. Even when I took a break, it has maintained  a decent level with the back catalogue. Now well on from that I’ve decided to mainly focus on what are global challenges. Human Trafficking, slave free trade , missing children to name a few.

What are you biggest challenges with Social World Podcast?

Finding time and skill to publicise the podcast more widely as it’s not monetized.

What are your favourite podcasts to listen to?

Old BBC humour

How and where do you promote Social World Podcast?

Twitter, Linked In mainly

Do you earn money from podcasting, or is it a hobby?

For now unpaid

What’s something you never expected about podcasting? What have you learned that surprised you?

In a nice way , no-one , when asked if they would like to come on the programme and talk about themselves , said no !

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start podcasting?

Apart from get the right tech advice– modestly ok mike etc—but be clear what is your niche market, who are the people worth talking to in it-the people who will help to build your audience.

And, finally, are your proud of what you’re accomplishing with your podcast? Is it worth the effort?

Absolutely, I have a lot more passion to use up.

Pop all your work, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

www.socialworldpodcast.com or Google ‘thoughts on the social world’

e-mail media@socialworldpodcast.com

Twitter  @daveniven

Linked In   David Niven

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