How I Podcast: In conversation with Yasmin Shahmir of "Trippin"
July 31, 2020
We’re talking with podcasters from all walks of life about their creative process and why audio is one of the coolest ways to tell a story.
Traveling is more than the pictures we take — it’s the stories we come back with. That’s the inspiration behind The Trippin Podcast, where host Yasmin Shahmir invites guests to share stories and advice about what it means to be a traveler today. Yasmin is DJ and recording artist based in the UK, and she’s also the co-founder of Trippin, an independent travel platform powered by an international network of guides and creators. Trippin aims to highlight unique places and experiences that are usually reserved for locals, while facilitating positive cultural change in the process. For Yasmin, traveling (and podcasting about it) is a way to explore the growth and insight that comes when you experience a world outside your own.
Photo by Chris Nechodom
The Trippin Podcast features interviews with a range of guests whose eclectic stories reflect the vast and varied experiences of traveling throughout the world. Episodes include a chef recalling his most memorable chili encounters, a ballroom legend giving a history of the voguing scene, and an activist raising her voice to fight the global refugee crisis. The podcast’s evolving format is tied together by snippets of conversation, behind-the-scenes context, and lively interludes that lend the show a bustling, dynamic feel. This is just one of the ways that The Trippin Podcast captures the essence of traveling, giving listeners an authentic and exciting sense of different cultures, right from the comfort of their headphones.
We talked with Yasmin about her podcasting process and what she’s learned along the way:
Jaz O’Hara, founder of @theworldwidetribe
What motivated you to start a podcast?
The most animated and engaged conversations I’ve had with people always seem to revolve around traveling. People literally light up when you ask them about life-changing trips or travel memories. Culture, heritage and identity are also big topics that I would find myself discussing with people, so bringing all these conversations together under The Trippin Podcast made perfect sense. Also, I’m a huge fan of podcasts in general as a medium. Their intimate nature and open format really allows for deeper connections, learnings, and more space for things to resonate.
What’s your show’s format and how did you decide on it?
The format of The Trippin Podcast is evolving as we go. The first few conversations were recorded in person sitting across from the guest. Then afterwards I would add the intro, outro and the jingle (produced by the legendary Bay Area producer Ruckazoid). Our third episode was more interesting as we pieced it together with voice note recordings that my Trippin co-founder, Sam, had taken with our guest Derek Ebony on the end of Christopher Street Pier in NYC. This episode included a polished(-ish) intro and outro, a recorded telephone conversation between me and Sam on Anchor, and Sam’s voice notes from Derek. It was a challenge! But it’s one of my favorite episodes. The Trippin style is very collage-y by nature when it comes to our imagery or video content, so I’m excited to develop that aurally on the podcast too.
What’s your recording setup?
I’m using a Yeti Bluetooth Mic, and I record into Garageband on my Mac. When recording remotely, I’ve used Anchor for guests that don’t have access to a proper mic. I recently made a make-shift vocal booth in my wardrobe to record some links. It’s all about being resourceful, especially these days.
How do you promote your podcast?
We promote the podcast on our Instagram and our website, alongside the standard podcast platforms. We’re also pushing the show on more DJ / music focused platforms such as Mixcloud, so we can hopefully introduce some new ears to our show. Also good old fashioned word of mouth. I send it to all my friends who might enjoy the conversation, and I’ve even roped my mum into doing a bit of PR too.
What’s one thing you wish you knew about podcasting before you started?
I wish I had a deeper knowledge of sound quality and recording. It’s shameful really, as I spent the best part of a decade in recording studios around top engineers, but hey, I’m learning now, and I enjoy having to figure things out.
Why did you choose audio to tell your story?
In a world that’s oversaturated with images and screens, listening to stories instead of watching them or reading about them resonates more deeply for me.
Be prepared. Familiarise yourself with your guest or the story. Know the areas you want to discuss, but always listen to their answers and be confident to let the conversation take a turn or a tangent. That's usually where the magic happens.
Do you have a favorite Anchor feature?
My favorite Anchor feature is Record With Friends. It’s easy to use and super convenient if you need to catch someone on-the-go,
What’s your best podcasting advice?
Only talk about things or interview people that you have a genuine interest in. You can’t fake it when it’s coming through audio, and it’s contagious to hear people talk about topics that excite them. Be prepared. Familiarize yourself with your guest or the story. Know the areas you want to discuss, but always listen to their answers and be confident to let the conversation take a turn or a tangent. That’s usually where the magic happens.
What’s your favorite thing about your podcast?
The best thing about The Trippin Podcast is being able to take part in and guide conversations with such a diverse range of people and to find those universal themes that connect us all.
How do you podcast? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. If you’re looking for more tips, check out the previous edition of How I Podcast, and if you want to start your own, try making something awesome with Anchor.
