Southwestern University Alumni Launch Gals & Goblins Podcast, Capturing Global Audiences

Why a Podcast Can Amplify Your Creative Voice

Podcasting has become a powerful medium for storytellers, educators, and entertainers to reach listeners worldwide. In the United States, the industry has grown to over 2.5 million active podcasts, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. For alumni of Southwestern University’s Theatre Department, the transition from stage to audio was a natural evolution of the skills they honed in the classroom and on campus.

Leveraging Theatre Training for Podcast Production

Campbell Duffy ’22, Olivia McCain ’22, and Lilly Percifield ’22 illustrate how a solid foundation in theatre can translate into a polished podcast. Their training taught them:

• Storytelling structure: Crafting a narrative arc that keeps listeners engaged.
• Character voice work: Using vocal variety to differentiate personalities.
• Live audience awareness: Reading and responding to audience reactions in real time.
• Technical production: Understanding lighting, sound, and stage management principles that apply to audio editing and mixing.

These competencies allowed the trio to produce a weekly episode that feels like a live performance, even though it is recorded in a studio.

Building a Loyal Audience: Marketing and Community

Growing from a handful of listeners to an average of 25,000 downloads per month required intentional marketing. Key tactics included:

• Consistent release schedule: Episodes drop every other week, with “Study Break” bonus content in between.
• Unified social media presence: Coordinated branding across Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to attract new listeners.
• Community platforms: A Discord server where fans discuss theories, share fan art, and interact directly with the hosts.
• Collaborations: Guest appearances from other podcasters and local theatre artists broadened reach.

These efforts demonstrate that a podcast can thrive when the creators treat the audience as co‑creators rather than passive listeners.

Explore the Gals & Goblins podcast and see how a theatre background can shape a successful audio brand.

Monetizing Your Podcast Without Compromising Quality

Financial sustainability is a common concern for new podcasters. The Gals & Goblins team approached monetization strategically:

• Patreon tiers: Offer exclusive content such as “Gabbin’ with the Gals” and “Goblin Mode” episodes for supporters.
• Merchandise sales: Branded stickers, t‑shirts, and tote bags provide an additional revenue stream.
• Sponsorships: Partner with brands that align with the podcast’s tone and audience demographics.
• Live events: Ticketed live tapings at venues like The VORTEX create a new income source while deepening community ties.

By focusing first on content quality and community, the hosts were able to attract sponsors organically, rather than forcing ads into the listening experience.

Taking the Show Live: From Studio to Stage

Transitioning from a recorded podcast to a live performance required additional planning:

• Venue selection: The VORTEX theatre offered a familiar environment for the hosts, thanks to their previous work with the venue.
• Audience interaction: Live shows blended scripted scenes with improvisational moments, allowing attendees to influence the story.
• Streaming strategy: A simultaneous live stream expanded the audience to international listeners in Australia, Poland, and South Korea.
• Ticketing logistics: Early‑bird pricing and limited seating created urgency and helped manage demand.

These live events reinforced the podcast’s mission of making listeners feel as if they are sitting around a table with friends.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Podcasters

1. Leverage your existing skill set: Whether you come from theatre, writing, or another creative field, identify transferable skills that can enhance your podcast.

2. Plan before you launch: Develop a mission statement, marketing plan, and production workflow to avoid last‑minute scrambling.

3. Build community early: Use platforms like Discord or a dedicated forum to create a space where listeners can engage with you and each other.

4. Monetize thoughtfully: Offer value‑added content and merchandise before seeking sponsorships to maintain authenticity.

5. Consider live formats: Live tapings can deepen audience connection and open new revenue streams.

By following these steps, you can turn a passion project into a sustainable, engaging podcast that resonates with listeners worldwide.

Want to start your own podcast? Learn more about podcasting resources and join a community of creators who are turning ideas into audio experiences.

Share your own podcasting journey in the comments below and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

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