Stephanie Hind on Building a Community from Inside the Show

Signal Awards: What’s a podcast you’ve been recommending to everyone lately — and why?

Stephanie Hind: Ohhh, you really want a look inside my brain? Okay… let’s do a fun one.
Shagged. Married. Annoyed. by Rosie and Chris Ramsey.
They’re from my hometown in the UK, and I’ve loved watching what they’ve built. They started with a podcast, turned it into sold-out arena tours, and recently launched a YouTube channel and more shows within the “universe”…that has completely sent me down a rabbit hole.
It’s totally unhinged in the best possible way. It’s hilarious, chaotic, and somehow feels like you’re hanging out with two friends rather than listening to a show. In an industry that’s always talking about growth strategies and audience acquisition, they’re a great reminder that if people genuinely love spending time with you, and you are truly yourself, they’ll follow you anywhere.
It’s definitely one of my comfort podcasts, but not for the faint of heart!

Signal Awards: What will you be listening for in an award-winning podcast?

Stephanie: The best podcasts make it feel effortless. They ask the question you’re already thinking, they know when to jump in, know when to shut up, and somehow make a 60-minute conversation feel like 20. I’m also a sucker for podcasts that make me text someone halfway through and say, “You have to listen to this.” That’s usually a good sign.

Signal Awards: What’s a podcast project you love and helped to get off the ground?

Stephanie: Launching The Bitch Is Back! with Charisma Carpenter at Patreon was a highlight.

Charisma has one of those incredibly passionate fandoms that has stayed with her for decades, and it was so much fun figuring out how to tap into that nostalgia while giving fans something new to rally around. I’ve always loved working at the intersection of creators, community, and culture, and this was a perfect example of that. It wasn’t just about launching a podcast. It was about giving an incredibly engaged community a new way to connect with someone they’ve loved for years, and it helped that Charisma truly loves engaging with the community.

Signal Awards: When you’re about to speak before big groups or guest on podcasts, what helps you feel grounded and ready?

Stephanie: Honestly? I remind myself it’s just a conversation.
I try to over-prepare, but once I’m on stage I stop thinking about slides or talking points and start thinking about the people in the room. If I can say one thing that makes someone text a colleague afterwards, or see creators and community a little differently, that’s a win.
It also helps that I genuinely love to yap. Talking about internet culture, creators, and the weird little corners of the internet is kind of my happy place. So I try not to “perform” and instead just show up as myself.
And if I get to wear a fun outfit while doing it… even better.
(Oh, and Tea. Lots of tea.)

Signal Awards: As a creator expert, what’s one tactic or experiment you’d love to see more podcasters try, and why is it important?

Stephanie: I’d love it when podcasters build inside the show, not just around it.
The best creators make their audience feel like insiders. Give recurring listeners nicknames. Let them influence future episodes. Hide little easter eggs. Reward the people who’ve been there since episode one.
People talk a lot about “building community,” but community isn’t a Discord server. It’s giving people a reason to feel like they’re part of something. That’s when podcasts stop being something you listen to… and start becoming something you belong to.

Photo by Carol Lee Rose/Getty Images for Patreon

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