Podcast Producer, Juliette

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As part of our Job Dreams series, we speak to professionals from different careers and share their advice with you. Last time, we learned what it's like to be a Clinical Psychologist, and now it's time for something completely different. Meet Podcast Producer Juliette!

What do you do?

I run my own podcast production company, Pineapple Audio Production. I mostly create podcasts for companies who are looking to use them for marketing. I get to travel all over the country to record interviews! Then I edit them, make them sound great and upload them to platforms like Apple Podcasts.  

Are there different types of Audio Producers? 

Yes! All kinds. There are Radio Producers (who look after the content and presenters for radio shows), Imaging Producers (who make the bits that go on the radio between songs), Audiobook Producers, Podcast Producers and more. They all tend to use the same kinds of skills though. 

Can you tell us what your day-to-day is like?

It’s very varied! I could be pitching to a new client and letting them know all about podcasting, sitting in a coffee shop with my headphones on editing up the latest episode of a podcast, or I might be in a studio recording with presenters. I love the variety my job gives me! 

What do you love most about your job?

I love that I can pick and choose the projects I work on – and therefore, where I work, and when. It’s a remote business on many levels and I really value the flexibility it gives my life. 

What do you find most challenging?

The most challenging thing at the moment is fitting everything in – so many people want a podcast! I am often juggling having conversations with potential clients, recording podcasts and getting them out there for people to listen to on a daily basis. Finding time for myself can be tricky. 

What did you see yourself doing when you were a kid?

I always wanted to do something creative. I couldn’t decide if that would be choreography, dancing or something in audio. I danced a lot and did all kinds of competitions and shows. But I always used to set up little radio shows in my bedroom and pretend I was ‘on air’.

When I was 18, I got an internship with an audio producer at a radio station and I knew it was the job for me. I count myself as very lucky that I can be creative every day and get paid for it. 

What challenges did you face in reaching where you are today?

It takes a lot of time to build the skills you need – whether that’s by shadowing another Audio Producer, taking a formalised course or just watching and copying YouTube! I’ve been doing this job for 10 years now and there’s still so much to learn. 

If you weren’t an Audio Producer, what do you think you’d be?

Most likely I’d be a choreographer!

Where do you see yourself going next?

I’d like to continue building my business and make wonderful, creative podcasts for some really exciting clients – and I’d like to involve Audio Producers who I’ve championed and trained to help me with that. 

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first left school?

I’d say relax! Things work out just the way they should when you work hard. And I’d also remind my younger self that life isn’t all about money. Work should be as much about the lifestyle it enables you to have as the money you earn – because ultimately, it’s what you do every day. The people you work with and the experience that brings are as important as anything else. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in joining your industry?

Connect with everyone! The audio world is a small and friendly one. Reach out to people on social, over email and in person at networking events – and be persistent. People are busy but generally, want to see young people get into and succeed in audio. 

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given?

Treat everyone how you’d want to be treated – from the cleaner to the CEO. You never know where someone will end up!

What quote do you live by?

I live by two: “Life isn’t a rehearsal, every day counts.” and “Collect memories, not things.”