2023 Podcast Stats (Buzzsprout Backtrack)
2023 Backtrack
The Unexpected Journey of Flower in the River Podcast
When I kicked off the Flower in the River podcast in March 2023, I thought it'd be a once-in-a-while gig. Well, surprise! Plans are just fictional tales we tell ourselves. I ended up practically living in my recording booth every weekend. Talk about a plot twist!
Audiobook and Podcast: A Dynamic Duo
Here's the cool part: while recording my audiobook, the podcast became my sidekick. Tired of the audiobook grind? Time for a podcast episode! Each chapter sparked a new podcast idea, rejuvenating me for more audiobook recording. It was like a creative tag team - audiobook tags in, podcast tags out.
The Marathon of Creation: Stamina Required
Yes, it was an epic saga of work, energy, and intense research. Not to mention the stamina of a marathon runner. Fast forward to late summer - audiobook published, check! No more chapter-by-chapter breakdowns needed for the podcast. Why? Well, because hey, now you can just listen to the whole thing via the audiobook.
Audiobook Adventures: More Than Just Reading Aloud
Creating an audiobook isn't a walk in the park. RMS, Noise Floor, Peak Level – the technical trio of nightmares. Picture this: Me in a makeshift studio in a garage, with construction noise as my unwanted soundtrack from across the alley. But hey, now it's a funny story! A heartfelt nod to my friends, the talented actors-turned-voiceover artists, and the audio engineering gurus in LA and the UK. Their genuine support and straightforward feedback were invaluable. They were more than just a team; they were my navigators in this journey. Thanks to their guidance and my dedication to incorporating their advice, I achieved first-time approval for my audiobook – a testament to the power of collaboration and action.
The Eastland Chronicles: A Podcast Detour
But here's the thing: My book was all about tracing my family's journey through immigration to the Eastland Disaster to more modern times. Yet, I found myself time-traveling back to Chicago, 1915. What about the other 844 souls lost in the disaster? So many untold and neglected stories that needed to be heard. Enter The Eastland Chronicles - my podcast's new chapter, unraveling tales from before and after the tragedy. Thought I'd be done by now? Guess again. This show's got legs!
Global Ears: Buzzsprout Blows My Mind
And here's a quirky twist: My podcast stats from Buzzsprout reveal a fanbase beyond the U.S., with a surprise Finnish following! Who knew? Thanks, Finland?