We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lanie Hobbs a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Taking the plunge into podcasting and co-founding a festival centered around the True Crime and Paranormal Community has been one wild ride. When I started this journey, I had no clue what to expect. It’s been a rollercoaster of excitement, challenges, and unexpected turns, but boy, has it been worth it.
For me, the decision to dive headfirst into the unknown wasn’t just about creating entertainment—it was about crafting an experience that goes beyond the surface. We wanted to build a space that not only delves into the mysterious and thrilling aspects but also places a heavy emphasis on ethics and advocacy. Sounds like a crazy mix, right? Well, that’s what makes it so darn exciting.
Testing yourself in uncharted territories is where the real growth happens. It’s like navigating through unexplored terrain—daunting, but the discoveries are priceless. Creating a festival that marries the intrigue of True Crime and Paranormal tales with a commitment to ethical storytelling is my way of pushing the boundaries.
Why take the risk? Because it’s in those moments of uncertainty you discover what you’re truly made of. It’s about challenging the status quo, questioning norms, and, in my case, building a platform that provides families with a safe and engaging experience. The importance of carving out a space that feels secure for everyone involved cannot be overstated, especially in an industry that often forgets the human side of the stories we tell.
So, taking risks is not just important; it’s essential. It’s about evolving, learning, and creating something meaningful. The journey may be unpredictable, but the rewards are immeasurable. Here’s to embracing the unknown, pushing those boundaries, and creating a festival that’s not just an event but an experience.
Lanie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Lanie Hobbs, the voice behind some of the best true crime podcasts out there, including True Crime Cases with Lanie, Crimes of Passion, and Tracing Darkness. My journey into podcasting began in 2016 when I found myself creatively unfulfilled in my career. At the time, my boss suggested I find a hobby, and little did I know, that “hobby” would evolve into a passion that opened up countless opportunities and lifelong friendships.
Podcasting became my creative outlet, and it eventually led me to create the True Crime and Paranormal Podcast Festival. The festival is my way of fostering the same sense of community and connection that I found when I first started podcasting. I wear many hats—I’m a voice actor, UGC creator, and content strategist, all while juggling the responsibilities of being a full-time employee, mom, wife, and caretaker to my elderly grandmother.
In terms of my craft, I provide a unique blend of storytelling through my podcasts, bringing true crime and paranormal tales to life. As a content strategist, I navigate the intricate world of UGC creation, ensuring that the content resonates with the audience while maintaining ethical storytelling standards.
What sets me apart is the stories I tell and the community I’ve built around them. The True Crime and Paranormal Podcast Festival is a testament to my commitment to creating spaces where enthusiasts can come together, share their passion, and build lasting connections.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve cultivated and the opportunities I’ve created for like-minded individuals. I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my work is not just about true crime stories; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and shared fascination. Whether you’re a podcast listener, a content consumer, or someone looking for a unique voice, I bring authenticity, passion, and a genuine commitment to community building to everything I do.
Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my story, and I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with all those who share a love for true crime and the paranormal.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, my creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission to pay forward the guidance and opportunities I received early in my career. I believe in amplifying underrepresented voices, particularly those of people of color and Latinx female creatives, to ensure a more diverse and inclusive podcasting landscape.
One of my primary goals is to break down the barriers that may hold indie podcast creatives back. I want to showcase that success doesn’t necessarily require a big network behind you. Through my work, I aim to make indie podcasting more mainstream, proving that passion, authenticity, and a compelling story can resonate with audiences without the need for extensive corporate backing.
Furthermore, I’m committed to challenging the status quo, especially in the realm of network engagements. I want to empower talented individuals to question the traditional model of being courted by networks. It’s crucial to ensure that the unique talents of indie podcast creators, including their diverse perspectives, are not only recognized but also protected from exploitation. I believe in fostering an environment where creativity thrives and creators retain control over their narratives and contributions.
In essence, my mission is to contribute to a podcasting landscape that celebrates diversity, uplifts marginalized voices, and champions the idea that success is attainable for anyone with a compelling story to share, regardless of their background or network affiliations.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Certainly, I’ve experienced a pivotal moment in my career that reshaped my perspective on professional stability. I landed a dream job with a prominent network, and everything seemed to be going exceptionally well. However, one day, I discovered through the Hollywood Reporter that my show had been canceled—no call, no text, just radio silence.
The sudden cancellation, without any communication from the network, was the most devastating moment of my career. The income that had significantly improved my life was gone in an instant, leaving me in the cold and wondering about the future. It was a stark reminder of how vulnerable one can be when their income is tied to a single source, especially in the unpredictable landscape of the entertainment industry.
This experience prompted a profound realization—I needed to diversify my income streams to regain control over my professional life. Relying on a single platform or network for financial stability meant putting my career at the mercy of external decisions. I decided to pivot towards creating multiple revenue streams, exploring avenues such as partnerships, sponsorships, and additional content creation.
This shift provided a more secure financial foundation and opened up new opportunities for creative expression and collaboration. It was a challenging lesson, but it ultimately empowered me to take charge of my career trajectory and reduce the impact of external factors on my livelihood.
In essence, this pivotal moment taught me the importance of diversification and resilience in the face of unexpected challenges, and it has since become a guiding principle in my approach to both business and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laniehobbsvo.com
- Instagram: @LanieHobbsvo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093430466084
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanie-hobbs-48b4b4193/
- Twitter: Lanie_VO
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAyxbnLBmM2J7chx0C1NFmg
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/LanieHobbs
Image Credits
Byron, Murder She Told Podcast