Activism Without the Performance: 10 intentional ways to use your podcast
Many podcasters care deeply about what’s happening in the world and still hesitate to speak up. They worry about being tone-deaf, unsafe, or just adding more noise to an already loud internet. That hesitation shows up even more for women, minorities, and multilingual creators - especially when your voice has already been questioned, policed, or misunderstood. And it’s not that they don’t care, it’s about wanting to contribute in a way that feels honest, sustainable, and aligned with who you are.
The good news is: contribution doesn’t have to look one specific way. You don’t need a perfectly worded statement, big donations, or a full episode overhaul to make an impact. There are endless, more intentional ways to use your podcast: some public, some behind the scenes, some that cost money, and others that cost nothing but time. The suggestions below aren’t meant to be done all at once, they’re options you can choose from depending on your capacity, safety, and values. Because doing something - even small, thoughtful things - still can have an impact.
10 Intentional Ways To Use Your Podcast
1. Think: Body, Mind, Voice, and Wallet.
Everyone can contribute differently. Never underestimate how your talents and skills can make a difference.
2. Afraid of being tone deaf?
That’s a common podcaster fear - and that’s understandable. Instead of reinventing the wheel, consider recording a 30-second dynamic ad (pre-roll) promoting a cause/podcast relevant to the audience, sharing how you’ll get involved yourself. Finally, give a heads-up to the audience that you’re going to play an episode that had been scheduled for release before [insert whatever incident happened].
Only change the episode if the content in the episode goes against something you expressed in the intro.
3. Simplicity wins.
Instead of creating a new episode, consider going back into your catalog and replaying episodes (or add CTAs on new episodes to listen back) to any previous episodes featuring community initiatives.
Local charities and community nonprofits need the visibility more than nationwide ones. Even sharing one episode can drive donations, volunteers, or positively influence their reach.
4. Think like a publicly-run radio station.
Plan a donation drive for your favorite nonprofit by doing a campaign: send a series of fundraising emails, livestream for 24 hours, or accept ads and donate the proceeds. (I share how I guided my client Hetal on this strategy in this podcast episode of The Podcast Space)
Here it’s important to plan more than 24 hours if you want maximum impact - especially if you have a smaller audience.
5. Sign up to Podcasthon.org.
While the global event only takes place in March, you can start sign up today (it’s free) and give your audience an episode preview. (Learn about how to maximize your podcasthon episode here.)
6. Increase listener donations by pledging a percentage to charity.
Don’t do it alone! Get your listeners involved by telling them you’ll use a percentage of that month’s listener donations to a nonprofit. It’s been documented that when people are more likely to donate when they know what causes their money will support so don’t be vague.
7. Use your storytelling skills.
Put your talents to a good use - record a multi-part series bringing awareness to a cause you care about - afterall, podcasters are phenomenal storytellers.
Visibility and donations are the two biggest nonprofit struggles so if you can’t afford to donate, consider creating a digital trail of their mission instead.
8. Burned out or overwhelmed? Be a contributor instead.
Don’t reinvent the wheel - feature the work of other creators. There is already a lot of content being created and that’s ok if you feel like you can’t create at the moment. Amplifying the actionable work created to date is equally as good as creating from scratch. Mention other creative’s initiatives in the podcast episode and include links in the show notes for easy access.
9. Even tiny actions matter:
Never underestimate the power of ratings, reviews and shares. Ask listeners to rate and review podcasts that are sharing great community initiatives or doing life-changing work on the ground.
10. If it’s not safe for you to speak out online:
Check in with other podcasters, send a message or email of appreciation to those who can do the work publicly. Even messages of support can go a long way.
How podcasts can help you become an agent for change
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Ana Xavier, a multilingual award-winning podcast marketing and content strategist specialized in generating online visibility for women, multilingual, and minority impact-driven business owners.