Beyond Content – My Sony Music Podcast Academy Experience

I’ve always believed that luck is what happens when preparedness meets opportunity, and after completing the Sony Music Podcast Academy, that quote feels more real than ever. Being selected as one of just twelve participants in this year’s cohort is something I don’t take lightly.

Over the years, I’ve been building my career as a broadcast journalist, working across radio and TV, and appearing on a few podcasts along the way including the BBC’s What in the World. I’m grateful for those experiences, but being part of the Sony Music Podcast Academy gave me something different: a deeper sense of confidence that I belong in the UK media space, even as someone who came from abroad and is still finding their footing in the industry.

If I’m being honest, the journey hasn’t been without doubt. Like many creatives, I’ve received more rejection emails than I can count, and like anyone else, these rejections made me question myself. I remember applying for this programme with a lot of self-doubt, even while moving through the selection stages. The imposter syndrome was very real.

That’s why the first core session on Imposter Syndrome, led by Almass Badat and Fran Plowright spoke to me deeply. It was exactly what I needed before fully immersing myself in the programme. It was also a powerful reassurance that I am right where I am meant to be We made pledges to ourselves as reminders to focus on our wins, own our worth, speak up, just do it, and remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Those words have stayed with me till date.

I could tell you all about the masterclasses, workshops, and sessions, but that would be giving everything away. Instead, I’ll explain why I titled this piece Beyond Content. The Sony Music Podcasting Academy consistently reinforced that podcasting goes far beyond creating audio or audiovisual content. It’s about understanding audiences, building communities, protecting intellectual property, shaping ideas, knowing the business behind it all and more.

At one point, I caught myself thinking, “People actually pay for this knowledge and yet here I’m getting to learn it for free.” The experience was truly transformational and invaluable. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and proud to be part of the first cohort. I look forward to seeing future cohorts’ step boldly into their own journeys, equipped with everything they’ve learned.