Simplecast Team Spotlight: Zeynep

Where do you live?

New York, New York! I also spend time in Istanbul where my family lives.

How long have you been working for Simplecast?

At the time of this writing, I’m the newest member of Team Simplecast at about two months in. I’ve been at SiriusXM for much longer though — over 6 years.

If you remember, what was the first podcast you listened to?

How can I forget?? It was a This American Life episode about a car dealership trying to make its monthly quota. I was hooked at first listen!

What's the last podcast you listened to? Why were you listening to it?

Nothing Much Happens — my favorite sleep podcast. I rarely finish an episode, that’s how good it is!

What’s your favorite part of your job at Simplecast?

I am obsessed with the team culture at Simplecast. It’s one of genuine compassion, curiosity, and honestly, fun. I work with some of the smartest and most hilarious people I know, for which I feel very grateful.

What's one tip you wish you could give all podcasters?

Sometimes I’ll listen to something really powerful on a podcast, and before I have time to sit with it for a second, an ad will come in. So just from a listener perspective, some breathing room before ad breaks would be nice!

What blog post/newsletter/youtube video/conference/etc has been the most inspiring or helpful to you?

Years ago when I was trying to break into podcasting, I went to a ‘Future of Audio’ panel hosted by WNYC, where by chance I met a woman — now a good friend — working on a podcast team at SiriusXM. We got coffee a few days later and she graciously offered to pass along my resume to her manager — ultimately helping me land a job on her team. I share that to say, if you’re looking to break into this field, or any field, showing up and being curious… it works! (Having wonderful people appear along your path also helps.)

Why did you start working in podcasting?

I was amazed by how captivating this medium could be. In the screen-heavy, short-attention-span-y era we’re living in, it’s such a nice break to just lose yourself in a story, get to know people you’d otherwise never meet, and dive deep into a topic and feel inspired and connected. I wanted everyone to experience that magic.

What do you most want to see happen within the podcasting world in the next year?

I want podcast listening to grow worldwide. The U.S. has seen podcasting go from niche to mainstream in the last five years, and I would love to see the same happen all around the world.

Where’s your next vacation spot?

I’ve never been to a national park, so that’s definitely high up on the list. Maybe Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. Somewhere far away from a city, where I can marvel at some natural sights.

What do you do on your off-hours?

I love to bring people together, so I’m always planning for my next dinner party or game night. I sometimes host the New York chapter of Podcast Brunch Club — drop a note if that sounds like something you might want to join!