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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed podcaster Stephanie O’Quigley about her career, what inspires her, and the work that goes into her podcast, The Wall.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a PR manager and social media influencer based in New York City but originally from Ireland. I also have a podcast, The Wall, which is about human health and behavior. I love running and the color pink!
How and why did you start podcasting?
I started my podcast, The Wall, because I was always so curious about people’s stories, what they do and why they do it. Often people who are deemed ‘successful’ in health, entrepreneurship, financially, etc, have had a long road full of ups and downs.
I am constantly inspired by people around me, I’m definitely a people’s person who always got in trouble for talking too much at school. Conversations flow easy for me, and I believe that everyone has a story to tell and we can all learn from each other.
I thought about starting a podcast for a year before I bought the equipment and just went for it; I always believe you should start before you’re ready!
What is your current podcast called, and how did you come up with the name?
My podcast is called The Wall and it was actually my Dad’s idea to call it that. I wanted to capture all the times people who were considered ‘successful’ had broken down ‘the wall’ in order to get where they are or overcome challenging times.
What platforms can we find The Wall on?
It’s available anywhere you get your podcasts, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.
What is The Wall about?
My podcast, The Wall, is focused on curious conversations about human health and behavior.
Do you host The Wall alone, or have guest hosts/partners?
I host alone! I do have guests on the show but everything is created, hosted, and produced by me.
Do you edit The Wall or have someone who does it for you?
I do the editing as well, I am self taught and it’s definitely a learning curve.
Do you script The Wall, or just chat as you go?
I typically share questions with my guests to guide the conversation but it’s definitely not a structured podcast. I usually like to let the conversation flow naturally, as it tends to do, and always find myself asking questions out of curiosity which feels more authentic and genuine.
How has The Wall changed or developed since you began?
My focus has become a little more niche since I started. I was always interested in people and their journey’s but after the first two years, I felt as though my interest in human health and behavior was stronger so I decided to narrow in on that niche which is much more exciting to me and, hopefully, for my audience too!
What are your biggest challenges with The Wall?
Editing in a way that feels professional is a huge challenge. I am not a producer so my skills are limited but that said, I do believe my audience appreciates something more authentic.
Another challenge, which I am sure most podcasters face, is growing my audience. I am lucky to have a decent social media audience but it’s almost another full time job in itself trying to promote and grow the podcast itself.
What are your favourite podcasts to listen to?
I love Ethan Klein’s H3 podcast and most definitely, The Basement Yard with Joe Santagato – I’ve been listening to it since day one!
How and where do you promote The Wall?
I typically share across all my social media platforms, including a dedicated Instagram page that I started specifically for the podcast itself.
Do you earn money from podcasting, or is it a hobby?
I earn a small amount of money from podcasting but nothing crazy. I mainly do it because I love it and it’s a great way to meet new people and explore new opportunities!
What’s something you never expected about podcasting? What have you learned that surprised you?
I think that you could have a really good guest, but if they’re not media trained or at least used to speaking on a podcast or on video, it can be a real struggle to communicate correctly. I aim to keep my podcasts as short as possible, but this can be tricky!
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start podcasting?
Start before you’re ready and don’t worry about fancy equipment, I bought it and never use it!
And, finally, are your proud of what you’re accomplishing with your podcast? Is it worth the effort?
Hosting and producing your own podcast takes an insane amount of skill and time! Not only do you have to be a great host, but you have to be able to do all the editing work behind the scenes, and then be your own spokesperson too. Thankfully, there are so many apps and platforms now that you can utilize to help you on your way and if all else fails, there’s always a YouTube tutorial on it.
Pop all your work, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Instagram: @StephanieOQuigley // @TheWallbyStephanieOQuigley
TikTok: @Stephanieoq
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