Jane Postlethwaite’s Podcast Spectacular!

Kate Stone

Kate Stone

I have started a podcast. I have wanted to for months, if not years. On my holidays in June, I sat on a Spanish beach working out how I would launch my podcast and what I would call it. I felt timid. Who would want to listen to me? Who am I to start a podcast?

Podcasts are already very popular in America. It feels like everyone who is anyone has a podcast – and why shouldn’t they? Obviously there are comedy podcasts that excel, like the Marc Maron’s WTF? Podcast and here in the UK the Stuart Goldsmith’s, Comedians Comedian podcast. Both of which I really love.

Am I trying to reinvent the wheel? No. I just wanted a platform to create content and put it out into the world. My content, presented the way I want. I wanted to capture a little bit of the comedy and creative conversations that I regularly have with my friends. I find them interesting and you might find them interesting.

In finding a name for my podcast I decided on a positive ‘power word’. Everyone, listen up. You have got to use more power words in your everyday life. They are empowering and show you mean business in a unapologetic way. So my podcast is the ‘Spectacular Podcast’ and why bloody not?!
I bought a Zoom recorder and started off by recording my Bad Book Project nights at the Marwood coffee shop and studios in Brighton featuring comedians reading from bad books. You can listen to them here. But I realised I needed to put my podcast plans into fruition and actually interview creative people; I needed to just get going. What was I waiting for?
Then I read Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic and started listening to her podcast, Magic Lessons. I strongly recommend that you read the book and listen to the podcasts. Magic Lessons is all about getting people started with their creative projects. In this day and age this is more important than ever. People should go after what they want and not be afraid to make a noise – especially women.
I realised I just needed to make the leap and just make the podcast! Not doing my podcast was making me feel ill. I am not being dramatic here. Not doing the podcast was making me feel low on energy, not good enough and anxious. So I made the leap. I started by interviewing my friend who is a comedian. We talked about comedy and I asked him questions. It was that simple. And guess what? The world didn’t implode because I did a podcast and put it live!
In terms of expectations, I want my podcast to get an audience who likes to listen to creative people talk about their work, maybe get some tips and just enjoy listening to interesting interviews. All I know at this point is I love talking to my creative comedy friends and recording what they have to say. I have some more exciting people lined up to talk to – including some of my favourite funny women.
Podcasts are great for train journeys, walking, and general background ambience. If you fancy giving my podcast a whirl the Spectacular Podcast is now on iTunes and on Mixcloud.

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Comedy Shorts Award Entry Requirements

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

Funny Women NextUp…Comedy Shorts Award

Are you a budding Director? Producer? Screenwriter? Are you collaborating with friends to make a funny video? Then we are looking for YOU!

If you have a short film or sketch that you think is hilarious, then enter your work for our Comedy Shorts Award to be in with a chance of winning some life-changing support and mentoring from comedy professionals.

WHAT KIND OF FILM ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

A 1- 6 minute film that can take the form of anything comical. It’s a great opportunity to show us your creative flair and have fun!

WHO CAN ENTER?

This award is open to all women filmmakers and content developers. The film must be an original narrative created, produced and devised by a woman, or women, although male cast and crew members are allowed.

ARE THERE ANY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR MY FILM?

Yes – we require all films to be 6 minutes or under, to be entirely original dialogue, to not feature brand logos and most importantly, to only use music with the written consent of the performer and/or publisher either personally or via the PRS system https://www.prsformusic.com/ .

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH MY FILM?

We will broadcast selected entries on our Funny Women YouTube channel and social media (so keep an eye out) and the top 10 finalists’ films will also hosted on a dedicated Funny Women Comedy Shorts Awards page on our website. We will also broadcast the final 3 entries as part of the grand final night.

HOW IS IT JUDGED?

Films are judged for production, concept, delivery/performance, creativity, writing and overall funniness. The top 10 films are then viewed by an independent judging panel of top television and film industry professionals who will choose one overall winner and two runners up. The final three will be invited to attend the grand final in London on the 23rd September.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

2021 Funny Women Awards Prizes

The deadline for registration for the Comedy Shorts Award has passed.

If you need further information please contact us here