Team Simplecast Spotlight: Madeline

Get to know our newest account manager, Madeline Wright!

Where are you based?

I’m based in Los Angeles, California.

How long have you been in podcasting? What brought you into podcasting?

I’ll start with the second question. I’ve been consuming podcasts for almost two decades now. In 2014 I attended my first in-person Podcasters Meetup and considered doing a podcast of my own. I enjoyed being part of the community and exploring ideas and topics to where I could potentially contribute a unique voice. I launched A Mad Vox in 2018 and continued to grow my podcaster network.

What were you doing before you started at Simplecast?

My passion project since last May has been partnering with podcast companies, audio-forward organizations, and writers, as the Managing Editor for Women of Color Podcasters. It has been an amazing experience working with this dynamic and vibrant community with a shared goal to increase the representation of underrepresented voices in all areas and levels of the podcast industry. Last year I also did a few fun projects with Pod People. Prior to that, I worked in a technical project management capacity for some well-known media and tech companies.

When people ask you for podcast recommendations, what do you tell them?

In general, I would try to tailor it to the person asking, by learning a bit about their tastes. I do have some personal favorites that I’d recommend to anyone interested in the following topics: productivity, the great outdoors, personal development and financial growth, creativity, and cultural topics of the day. Many of these are shows led by people whose voices are typically underrepresented in audio.

What's most exciting to you in podcasting as a whole?

I feel like we’re in a space now where it’s important to continually try new things. No one is saying ‘this is how it must be done’ yet. We are all figuring things out as we go. The exciting part is that today’s podcasters are the ones with the best opportunity to experiment, to take the big swings and push boundaries, and to set a new bar.

If there's one piece of advice you could give to new podcasters, what would it be?

You may be a new podcaster where starting a show may feel daunting. If you understand why you’re starting a podcast and you trust the process and the timing that goes along with your ‘why’ then you’ll greatly improve your odds of success. There are also groups on social media (Facebook) that can help you out if you ever feel stuck. Ask me how I know!

What do you like (or find challenging) about your specific role at Simplecast?

I joined Simplecast at the end of July so I’m challenged every day to learn as much as I can, even as things are rapidly changing. I like seeing how everyone here works together so well to address questions and to move ideas forward. I’m part of an organization that works like a well-oiled machine and I feel like an integral part of my team.

Who in the podcasting industry inspires you?

The OG podcasters who took that leap of faith that what they had to say would reach the ears of someone who needed to hear them, without regard to monetizing their show right away. Many of whom have continued to share their voices and learnings for years, even more than a decade later.  I heard you, and appreciate you, and I am inspired.

What's your favorite (or newest favorite!) podcast?

I enjoy the ‘life advice’ podcasts from lifestyle entrepreneurs. Lisa Nicole Bell (behindthebrillance.com) Myleik Teele’s Podcast (MyTaughtYou.com) has been a long-time favorite. I also enjoy Monique Malcolm’s show (PimpYourBrilliance.com).

What do you do on your off-hours?

Prior to this year, I enjoyed planning group hikes around SoCal and monthly group dinners in LA but that’s all on hold for the time being. These days I listen to audiobooks, a lot of podcasts and music, and work on my own creative ideas.

Anything else you'd like us to know?

Dark chocolate is amazing and so are all of the podcasters I know.