Ayo Oti is a champion of content that can create change. With her newsletter, Sounds Like Impact, Ayo has become the go-to person in podcasting for amplifying content that focuses on societal issues. Since 2023, she has published The Best of Impactful Podcasts annual list. This year she launched #AudioForAction Live, a conversation series with creators, marketers, entrepreneurs, and strategists. Ayo is also a documentary film director and producer.
How many years have you worked in podcasting or audio?
3–5 years
What is your current role, in your own words?
I am the publisher of Sounds Like Impact, and I work in media partnerships for a nonprofit.
What types of projects do you typically work on?
Social Impact
How many years have you been a Signal Awards judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about joining the Signal Awards Judging Academy?
I’ve been an Anthem Awards judge for three years now, and while I love the diverse array of content I get to judge—including podcasts sometimes—I’m excited to focus on audio and discover more shows!
What is one recent podcast you’ve loved and would recommend?
The Corridor, the latest season from Threshold Podcast
What separates good audio storytelling from great audio storytelling?
Great stories can evoke a feeling, whether laughter, sadness, rage, or some other emotional response. If you feel compelled to act or react in some way, a story has captured your attention, and likely, it will also be something you don’t forget.
What project are you most proud of and why?
Supporting the season 6 development of “Degrees: Real talk about planet-saving careers”. I worked with the story editor and showrunner to develop the season themes, produced two episodes, and helped book most of the season’s guests. Our biggest get was climate scientist Dr. Katharine Hayhoe!
What podcasting trend, challenge, or opportunity has your attention these days?
People are craving IRL experiences, so I’m glad to see podcasts back touring and hosting events. Also podcasts popping up at other events is really cool. Rebecca Nagle, host of First America and This Land, had an audio installation at Reclamation Day by the BLIS Collective this past June.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to emerging creators?
Think about impact from the beginning, and I don’t necessarily mean impact as in policy change (although it could!). A former colleague of mine said when we were planning a panel session, “what do you want people thinking, feeling, and doing.” I think that’s a great way to think about impact and if you can answer this question, it will be your North Star when you are developing your show, booking your guests or experts, and strategizing around audience engagement.
What are you currently listening to? (podcasts, music, anything)
To be honest, I’m watching True Blood for the first time, haha. There are 7 seasons to get through!