About the Host
Jody-Ann is the host of Mango Tea Podcast. Originally from Jamaica, she currently lives in New York city. Outside of podcasting, Jody-Ann is also is in advertising.
Why did you decide to get started in podcasting?
Ever since I discovered podcasts I always had a desire to start one, especially about current events in the Caribbean diaspora.
About the Show
New episodes are available on Mondays.
What is the show about?
News and Culture in the Caribbean and throughout the diaspora.
Why did you choose this topic(s) & format?
Growing up my mother forced me to watch the news and current events programs, such as Hill and Gully Ride and Profile in Jamaica. I LOVE learning and talking about the culture as well, so this is fun!
What has been the reception since you’ve launched the show?
We got a modest but great reception. Our friends and family really helped us push our content and they always loved our content.
Have there been changes to the show’s host(s) since you’ve launched? What is a major lesson learned from this change?
Yes, so many. I initially wanted to do a weekly podcast but quickly realized how much work it took to develop content, edit, promote and repeat on a weekly basis. I also had a co-host when the show started and now I am solo, with recurring guests and co-hosts. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is setting up boundaries for your physical and mental health and to relax. Tea and Mango can get you so far, you have to give yourself grace as well.
Now that you’ve launched your show, what are you hoping to accomplish?
Increase our audience size, in terms of more downloads etc. Expand to Youtube, launch our website with a section for upcoming and coming writers.
Who is your dream guest for the podcast?
Definitely a three-way tie between Mia Mottley, Lisa Hanna, and Rihanna
Which episodes do you recommend a first time listen start with?
These are a few fan favorite episodes:
- Episode 13 Tek Mang o- Vybz Kartel Appeal Decision.
- Episode 48- Tea with Tea Professor Cecile Accilien
- Episode 55- Tea with UN Women Caribbean
- Episode 49- Tea with Patricia Rodney
- Episode 61- Its a Safe Mango
Podcast Experience
What impact has podcasting had on your personal brand/business?
It has positioned me as a defender.
What’s one tip you learned before you started podcasting that was really helpful?
Don’t strive for absolute perfection, strive for consistency, and quality content for the audience.
What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting your podcast?
You don’t have to be perfect to start and you don’t necessarily need complicated audio tools. You can start with an app and your cell phone.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself or your audience since you started?
I’ve learnt that my audience values honesty and integrity. There was an episode that we recorded that didn’t go over well and we did a response episode where we went through our feelings and thought processes. It’s one of our top-rated episodes.
What could enhance the podcasting experience etc.
I wish there was an automatic editor. If it’s one thing I’ve learnt is that I hate editing my own audio, but there are options out there where you can hire a professional to edit your audio and video.
Who or what has influenced/inspired you the most to start a podcast?
I’ve been noodling with the idea for a podcast since 2016 and didn’t start till 2020. It was really my friends who were tired of me talking about it and pushed me to start recording.
What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?
Other than your show, what are some of your favorite podcasts?
Growning up Krenglish, Black Girl Seoul, The Read, Bodega Boys
What do you enjoy most about podcasting?
Telling stories and learning more about our culture. There is a vast amount of events that have happened that we weren’t necessarily taught in school or told by our relatives.
What do you enjoy least about podcasting?
EDITING!
The podcast recently went from 2 hosts to 1. What’s challenging about doing a podcast with a co-host? How do you move ahead when one person no longer wants to or is not available to?
We are polar opposites which added value to the podcast and made it more entertaining. We were also having a lot of logistical issues with recording and scheduling. Now that it’s just me, the format will be tweaked where there will be recurring guest co-hosts from all around the diaspora. My old co-host will be back for future episodes but not as a permanent co-host. I didn’t want to stop podcasting because I loved it so much, so I decided to believe in myself more and step out in faith to keep the movement going.
What advice would you give to other aspiring Caribbean podcasters?
Start today! It’s easier to do it now than ever before and stay consistent.
Fun Questions
What is the 1 thing from your Caribbean culture that you cannot do without?
The FOOD! It’s what helps differentiate us from the rest of the world, and it tells of our rich diversity.
Share a fun fact about you.
I once traveled to countries on 4 continents in a 2 week period.
Conclusion
Where do you see yourself in the next 3 months?
Continuing to put out great content, expanding our YouTube audience, and hopefully an interview with Mia Mottley for Women’s Month.
Where can the listeners find you?
@Mangoteapodcast on all social media platforms
Youtube: Mango Tea Podcast
Website: mangoteapodcast.com
