Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Autumn Hawkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Autumn, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

My podcast, Beyond The Record, was something that was in the works for two years prior to starting. In March 2024, I launched my podcast, which focuses on telling the stories of different artists, entertainers, and creatives in their own way. The main step for me was just starting because after working in the music industry as a journalist for a couple of years, as well as occupying several roles in media in general for even longer, I knew what I wanted to accomplish and the impact I wanted to make.

There were a lot of questions that I had in order to create the podcast, for example, how do I get the episodes onto major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts? But that’s where being a journalist came into play because I used a lot of my research skills to figure out every problem or question I had. Once those were answered, all I had to do was press record.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Autumn Hawkins or also known as Autumn Rayne in creative endeavors. I am a journalist, editor, podcaster, producer, radio host, and creative. I began my career in media in Rhode Island, working in the promotions department for The CW Providence/WPRI/FOX Providence in 2017. During my time there, I edited commercials and promotional spots that would air on television and digitally, as well as directing the Hot in Hollywood segment. I also assisted on The Rhode Show as a production assistant, where I got experience in live television production.

After I left Rhode Island in 2020, I focused on building my career as a journalist. I became a writer and was later promoted to editor at Compulsive Magazine, where I have had the opportunity to interview Meagan Good, Paige Hurd, Erica Hubbard, and several other talented people in the entertainment industry. I also took on the role of editor-in-chief at Lowkey R&B and was the Hip-Hop and R&B digital content editor for radio stations across the nation for Beasley Media. From there, I got deeper ingrained in the music industry by working with A-Level Entertainment as their media and publicity manager.

In addition to my love for music also get to share my love for sports as an associate editor at ClutchPoints, where I recently got the opportunity to interview iconic sports broadcaster, Erin Andrews.

As I mentioned before, I started my podcast, Beyond The Record, in 2024, and I have been able to interview several up-and-coming as well as veteran professionals in the music industry.

It’s hard to narrow down my most proud moment as I just feel beyond blessed to have this as my career, something that I have been working towards for years, and to have it come into fruition is beyond my wildest imagination. I am just so happy for the journey, and I know only the best is yet to come!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, I was hired to be a full-time staff member at The CW Providence. I knew when I got the call that I got the role, I was ecstatic, but later realized what that would mean for me — being away from my friends and family in New Jersey. It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass on, and it was the first time I really did something for myself without the input of others. I was proud of myself for making it this far, but to say the journey was easy just wouldn’t be true.

I had to get an apartment, live on my own for the first time, as my friends were moving back to their respective hometowns. It was definitely lonely despite being familiar with the area. I had to really sacrifice a lot of familiarity, but I wouldn’t change that decision. It prepared me to take risks and center myself for the first time — oldest daughter things lol. I was able to prove to myself that yes, I can do hard things, and I am just so proud of 20-year-old me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is that I am able to make a living from my own thoughts and skill set. It’s really crazy the position we have, and it’s such an honor.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.byautumnrayne.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__autumnrayne/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumnrhawkins/
• Twitter: https://x.com/byautumnrayne
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@byautumnrayne