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This week's featured Therapy Marketer is a rising star.

​Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a licensed psychologist, speaker, media contributor, and podcast host based in Atlanta, GA. She’s the founder of Therapy for Black Girls, an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.

I spoke to Dr. Joy about how she built the popular Therapy for Black Girls Podcast, a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Please enjoy.

Why did you decide to start the podcast?
​I started the podcast after falling in love with the medium. The thing I like most about podcasts is the intimacy they engender with the hosts. I was already blogging on the Therapy for Black Girls site, but it felt like podcasting was an avenue that could reach lots more people in a way that was impactful in a different way.

What tools did you need to get started?
I needed a microphone, editing software (I use Adobe Audition), and a hosting platform (I used Libsyn) so that the files could be pushed out to all of the places people listen to the podcast.

If I were giving suggestions to others who are interested in getting started, I would encourage them to record a few episodes on their phones to get started so that they can test out whether it’s something they’ll really stick with.

Podcasting looks really easy when you’re listening, I know I was fooled, but it actually takes about 5-7 hours to produce one 30-45 minute episode of the podcast. So before you invest in equipment and software, make sure it’s something you actually have the bandwidth to take on.

Do you have help or do you do it all yourself?
I have help! My husband has a background in radio production so he has always served as the Executive Producer and he takes care of editing. I also have a Producer who helps me with crafting and scripting episodes as well as scouting and booking guests. I’m also in the process of hiring an Assistant Producer to help with brainstorming ideas and recording as well.

If you had to start a podcast today, what would you do differently?
I would hire someone else to help with production sooner. I significantly underestimated the time that would be necessary to make good content while also managing other parts of my business as well as my role as a wife and mom.

What are the keys to growing a podcast?
The keys to growing a podcast are 1) really good content and 2) having a connection with your listeners. A large part of why Therapy for Black Girls has grown the way that it has is because our community knows that we will be responsive to their needs and make content centered on the issues and topics most relevant to them.
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You also have to be consistent as a podcaster. Podcast listeners craft their routines around their favorite shows and so if Therapy for Black Girls is not available for their morning run on Wednesday mornings, we will get some Tweets and DMs asking “where is the show?” An important part of building the community is trust. They trust us to show up and we aim to deliver.

Any last advice about podcasting? ​
The other thing I would say about podcasting is that you shouldn’t get into it strictly with the hopes of making money. Podcasting is a slow game and it takes time to build up your audience so if you expect things to hit big quickly, you’ll likely be disappointed and lose interest in doing it.
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I’d encourage people to share through podcasting because they feel like they have a message to share and want to make an impact. In terms of choosing a topic, I’d also encourage them to be super specific. The more a listener thinks you’re talking directly to them, the more likely they are to stick around. In that way, it can also be a great way of filling your practice with your target clients.
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Thank you to Dr. Joy for sharing with us. Be sure to check out her website, follow her on social media, sign up for the Therapy for Black Girls directory, and subscribe to the Therapy for Black Girls Podcast.

​Do you know a therapist doing great marketing? Nominate them (or yourself) to be a featured Therapy Marketer by replying to this email. I’d love to hear from you.

Until next week,
Michael