When I set out to create this podcast, I wanted to capture something deeply personal: the way New York City changed me. I knew the episodes had to be more than just a travelogue; they had to be a reflection of my journey—both physical and emotional. Through storytelling, I explored how the city deepened my family connections, inspired my creative passions, and ultimately solidified my dream of becoming a storyteller.
Choosing the content for the podcast was the easiest part. New York has been a transformative place for me, and the words came naturally. I structured my episodes around my two trips, focusing on the emotions they evoked, the challenges I faced, and the unforgettable moments that shaped my perspective. I wanted to make the audience feel like they were walking beside me—experiencing the bustling streets, savoring the food, and getting lost in the magic of Broadway. What was really the challenge was recording the podcasts.
Creating the podcast came with its own set of challenges. On the good side, writing the script was incredibly fulfilling. I loved reliving my experiences and finding the right words to convey them. Recording, however, was another story. I quickly realized that speaking a script out loud is very different from writing it. What looked great on paper sometimes felt awkward when spoken, and I had to adjust my pacing and tone to make it sound natural. There were moments where I stumbled over words, struggled with the sound or had to re-record entire sections because they didn’t sound right. The perfectionist in me wanted to get everything just right, which made the editing process longer than expected.
Then there was the technical side of things. Editing audio was both frustrating and rewarding. Learning to balance sound effects, adjust volume levels, and cut out awkward pauses was a trial-and-error process. Using GarageBand was also a struggle, having only used it a few times before, but after a while, I got the hang of it. By the end, I felt like I had developed a new skill set—one that will definitely help me in future creative projects.
This podcast taught me a lot, not just about production, but about storytelling in a new medium. One of the biggest lessons I learned from this project is the importance of authenticity. The best moments in my podcast happened when I let go of perfection and spoke naturally, making the story feel more personal and engaging. Moving forward, I’ll focus more on finding a way to smoothly integrate my sounds better. Some of the effects were a bit abruptly placed, but it added a more authentic sound to my podcast. Most importantly, I learned that perfection isn’t the goal—emotion is. The small imperfections, the pauses, the unpolished moments—they add personality and make a story feel real. This podcast was just the beginning of my journey as a storyteller, and with every new project, I’ll carry these lessons with me, ready to create something even more meaningful next time.