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“Great communication begins with connection.” —Oprah Winfrey
September 30 is International Podcast Day, the global observance that celebrates podcasting. The organization who created the observance, originally known as National Podcast Day in 2014, soon christened themselves as International Podcast Day to highlight the far-reaching sociological impacts of podcasting worldwide. Anyone with an internet connection or at least a smartphone should be familiar with the term “podcast” and of their basic functions. But what are podcasts, exactly? Oxford Languages defines them as “A Digital Audio File made available on the internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.”
And, according to The Social Shepard, there are over 4.19 million podcasts registered worldwide (17 Essential Podcast Statistics You Need to Know in 2024). Generally speaking, podcasts are digital listening shows hosted by individuals who are well-endowed on certain topics that appeal to millions of listeners and enthusiasts regularly.
Topics for podcasting are staggeringly countless. Anyone can podcast about anything, anywhere. It is through this vast niche medium that offers opportunities to cover any topic or category with little restrictions, thanks to the easy digital accessibility via the internet and listening devices. With this type of accessibility, certain individuals are granted the freedom to educate and spread awareness towards special causes to not just their target audiences, but anyone in the mainstream that are open minded enough to listen. Through the marvel of podcasting, whistleblowers are especially enabled to give voice to their causes, to expand greater promotion to what truths and social injustices they yearn to unveil than ever before.
In celebration of International Podcast Day, Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival extends its gratitude towards our many podcasting supporters who helped promote our organization’s events and numerous campaigns, and the podcasting world in general. Over the years, WSFF has been featured in a number of podcasts. Michael McCray, one of our co-founders and managing directors, was invited to speak in various podcasts to shed light about our organization. In addition, WSFF promoted our annual film festival event through podcasts to help gain more mainstream attention to the event’s film screenings and panels.
Michael had twice appeared in two discussions with The Make It Podcast, a cinema-based podcast that explores filmmakers and the journeys they take to complete their projects. His first discussion with The Make It Podcast was released in 2022, where they covered such topics as the film industry’s role in podcasting, whistleblower protection laws, and Julian Assange, among others (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5dHX2hJMPQ). Their next discussion occurred this year as they discussed the 2024 film festival event (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMjAgkcI2rw). More information about The Make It Podcast can be found on their website at https://beacons.ai/themakeitpodcast.
In addition, WSFF had the privilege of being featured on the nonprofit organization Haydenfilms Institute’s podcast, Haydenfilms Talks, in 2022. On that podcast episode, Haydenfilms Talks spoke with Terra Renee, Founder/President of African-American Women in Cinema (AAWIC), and Marsha Warfield, veteran comedienne and actress, who were greatly honored to have special guest speakers at the 2022 WSFF event. Their full discussion can be found via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrcVdP9i-Bw&t=1171s.
Without podcasts, it would have been relatively difficult to further inform the masses of our organization, as well as promoting the efforts of whistleblowers everywhere. WSFF would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the podcasters who invited us onto their shows to shine a spotlight on our cause and all whistleblowers.
With all the podcast inspiration, it gives us the idea to explore the possibility of hosting our very own podcast program! Please stay tuned for all developments into this new venture.
You can help give more power and voice to whistleblowers by supporting the Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival. You will be helping to highlight civil and human rights violations across the globe. Call us at (870) 543-0024 or email us at mccray.michael@gmail.com.
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