In this bonus episode, Krista teams up with Payal Nayar, Founder and Director of *Voices And More*, for an enlightening conversation that bridges cultures, experiences and podcasting journeys.
Both Asian women podcasters dive into the art of storytelling and creating platforms for diverse voices.
In this remarkably honest and down-to-earth exchange, Payal and Krista come together to discuss their journeys, cultural identities and the essence of amplifying diverse voices in the podcasting landscape. Both women have carved unique paths in the podcasting space, showcasing their dedication to storytelling and community building.
Payal Nayar, a global citizen and experienced traveler, brings her rich cultural background into her podcasts *Melting Pot* and *Now Boarding*. She says, “Over the course of my career, I’ve successfully established offices for airlines and, at the height of my journey, chose to pivot, founding two successful podcasts and becoming a professional voice artist.”
With a career that spans across industries and continents, Payal has built her podcasting platform with a mission: to amplify voices that inspire change and build bridges across borders.
Her favorite quote, “Empower voices, inspire change, and build bridges that transcend borders,” perfectly encapsulates her vision.
Payal believes her love for travel, reading and exploration continues to shape her life. She draws inspiration from Michelle Obama, Priyanka Chopra and Lee Kuan Yew and says that Michelle Obama’s Becoming is one of her favourite books!
She says, “I take the most pride in my resilience and unwavering determination to never give up.”
Podcasting from the Asian Perspective
Payal, who is based in Singapore, kicks off the discussion by highlighting the significance of this episode, one that diverges from their traditional interview format. Recognizing the special nature of their conversation, both Payal and Krista delve into their backgrounds and the passions that drive their podcasting endeavors.
Krista reflects on her early days, sharing how she initiated her podcasting journey by reaching out to fellow Asian women entrepreneurs. This outreach led her to Payal, marking the beginning of a beautiful collaboration in the form of this bonus episode.
Payal’s introduction to the podcasting world began in 2020, rapidly evolving into a full-fledged passion, embodied in her shows “Melting Pot” and “Now Boarding.”
Fun fact: both women started their podcasts in 2020.
Creating Impactful Narratives Through Audio
Krista observes the rarity of finding female podcasters in Asia, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive community. Payal agrees wholeheartedly, stressing that their mutual connection transcends mere acquaintanceship; it symbolizes a shared mission to create impactful narratives. This bond is evident as they discuss the similarities and differences in their podcasting approaches.
The conversation shifts to the challenges faced by podcasters. As Krista points out, the journey is not just about hitting the record button. There’s a profound responsibility to ensure that their guests align with the show’s message, necessitating meticulous research, preliminary calls, documentation, crafting questions and other forms of preparation that listeners normally do not know about.
Celebrating Cultural Identities
Payal shares her unique perspective, shaped by her global upbringing, and Krista relates her pivotal experience at a women’s leadership program in Hawaii, which crystallized her podcasting vision. Both hosts underscore the importance of understanding and embracing cultural identities, a theme that resonates strongly throughout their discussion.
Krista recounts how her initial focus on interviewing Malaysian women in business expanded to encompass the broader Asian region, driven by a desire to capture diverse stories. This expansion aligns with her mission to document and celebrate the journeys of women entrepreneurs in Asia.
Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change
Both Payal and Krista believe tremendously in the transformative power of storytelling. Payal explains her love for travel and connections which fuels her passion. Her shows are platforms for diverse voices, male and female, Asian or non-Asian – whether discussing sustainability, art or culture, each episode aims to educate and inspire.
The hosts discuss the meticulous process behind creating a podcast episode, from research and guest selection to recording and post-production. Krista emphasizes that the real work begins after the recording, particularly in marketing the podcast to ensure it reaches its intended audience.
More Than Just Content Creation
For both hosts, the impact of their work extends beyond mere content creation. Payal reflects on her role as an enabler, fostering conversations that provoke thought and inspire action. The feedback from guests and listeners alike underscores the meaningful impact of these discussions.
Krista shares similar sentiments, highlighting how her interviews often feel like therapy sessions for her guests, uncovering insights they hadn’t realized. Both hosts agree that podcasting offers a unique form of intimacy and connection, allowing listeners to engage deeply with the content.
Staying True To Their Mission
Both Payal and Krista contemplate their future visions for podcasting. Payal’s aim is to continue creating a global community, whether through additional shows or fostering connections among podcasters. She relishes the importance of staying true to her mission and letting the journey evolve naturally.
Krista remains committed to showcasing the stories of Asian women entrepreneurs. She acknowledges the potential for expanding her focus in the future but stays grounded in her current mission. Both hosts agree that the journey of podcasting is one of continuous yet fascinating growth, learning and adaptation.
Stay Tuned For More
In the wrap-up, Payal and Krista celebrate their unique partnership and the organic progression of their conversation. They reiterate the importance of trying new things, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success and continually learning and adapting.
They hint at future collaborations and the potential for even greater impact together as Asian women podcasters. Payal and Krista resonate deeply with the notion of community-building and the transformative power of shared stories.