Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Missy Araujo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Missy, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The Houston Element Podcast was formed to give a platform to local artist and professionals from Houston, TX to share and promote their art and/or profession. The reason why I chose to start this podcast is to make a stage for those who did not have one. I am an underdog. I have always been an underdog. It does not bother me to be an underdog, but it does bother me when I see people I respect getting treated poorly and their hard work being dismissed because of personal opinions. I wanted to build a stage that does not look at people as a commodity for others or as a warm body to fill a void. My podcast is meant to shine a light on all creatives equally. You hear about celebrities and fortune 500 companies, but you hardly ever hear about the locals who help make the city what it is. Houston is full of countless talented individuals who serve us in anonymity or small platforms. I hope to make my podcast a catapult that brings the local legend’s legacy forward in the media and preserve a piece of it in our history for years to come.
Missy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Missy Araujo and I am the host of my own podcast called, The Houston Element Podcast. In 2021 , I graduated from San Jacinto College with a certificate in Music/Audio Engineering Technology. Knowing how competitive the industry is and how some graduates struggle with finding work in their field right away, I decided to create my own opportunities to learn and grow. Most people when they think of an audio engineer think of working with musicians in the studio or in live sound. Since I did not have enough experience after graduation on paper yet, I decided to create an opportunity for myself where I can utilizing my available resources to sharpen my skills as an engineer. While I was attending school, I volunteered at different churches running sound for Sunday services and worked as a stagehand with different production companies. I believed this would give me the opportunity to learn, network, and start working in audio/production. In October 2021, The Houston Element Podcast was formed. I started by creating an idea of how I wanted to be presented (online and in person), what kind of content would be featured, who would be the audience, and how could I make it a professional and memorable experience for all. I created everything from scratch to the podcast logo, questionnaires for guest, advertisements, social media pages, recruitment tactics, and more. Since I have experienced being overlooked and misrepresented, it was important for me to give a voice to the many talented Houstonians who have not received enough acknowledgment for their success and contributions. As I started doing sessions, I learned that not all sessions, regardless of how prepared I was, would be done the same way. I have had mixes that took longer because I had to remove ground noise from malfunctioning equipment, remove the A/C sound in the background, routing errors, ect. Each time I had to troubleshoot an issue, I learned something new about audio/production techniques and workflow. Each session I do, I find ways to elevate the experience from promotion on social media, incorporating live stream/video, and most importantly, developing better communication skills. The thing I take most pride in my podcast is my communication and professional demeanor. The three most important thing to remember when working in audio/production is 1) there is no such thing as a small gig, 2) attitude and communication are essential for success, and 3) everyone wants to be treated with respect. Whether I’m interviewing someone who’s been active in their field for years or they’re just starting out, I make sure I give them a stage, a mic, and the recognition they rightfully deserve.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
When I first started out, I was using a 2 channel Focusrite interface, JBL BT monitor speakers, an AKG condenser mic, and my laptop. I knew that in order to be successful, that I would have to make some necessary upgrades. So I upgraded my Focusrite interface for a Zoom Live Track 8 channel mixer with recording and live capabilities, upgraded my JBL BT monitors for Yamaha HS5 monitors, bought two Shure MV7 dynamic mics, and inherited a Mac desktop computer from a family member. Once I got the necessary gear I needed, I started developing a structure for my podcast; an agenda, content, expectations, and a platform. For forming the agenda, I created guidelines for recruiting guest, running sessions, recording/mixing audio, social media/email correspondence, publishing and promotion. First I created social media pages for my podcast and started following individuals working in the audio/production field and local business and artist from Houston. While I was building an online network, I spent time sharing local content and sharing updates about the podcast. When it came to creating my own content, I wanted to feature something I could be proud of. I wanted my content to be based on matters that I am willing to support and stand by. My earlier guest where people I knew personally from school and work whom I personally admired and felt deserved recognition for their hard work and achievements. I asked them questions about how they got started in their field, what they’ve been working on recently, and what their journey was been like thus far. When it came to creating expectations for the podcast, that was simple. It was important to me to make my podcast appropriate for all audiences. I was not trying to be the next foul mouth, vulgar topic speaking entertainer. I wanted to market myself as someone who you could shoot the dirt with like you’re talking to an old friend, but also offer the conciseness needed to make it a professional experience. As for choosing a platform, I wanted to make my podcast available everywhere. I learned how to record live and pre-recorded sessions, edit my content to be accessible across all mediums, and publish my content on audio and video streaming platforms.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
After graduation, I like most graduates was contemplating my next step. Not long after, I was thinking of starting my own podcast, but I was nervous because I did not know how to get started. I was invited by some individuals to collaborate and build a podcast about Houston pop culture. I was excited to be invited to collaborate and I was relieved to think I would not have to start the project alone. Unfortunately, shortly after recording our third episode, the individuals whom invited me to collaborate decided to leave the project. While I respected their decision, I was also disheartened by the news. Although the news took me by surprise, I was not about to quit. That was out of the question. Instead, I spent the next few months thinking of how I could restructure the podcast to fit my narrative and as a single host. Using the little experience I gained from the first time starting up and relying on my literary and communication skills, I succeeded in revitalizing the podcast into the platform it is today. Now looking back, I’d say those individuals did me a favor. They helped me realize not only that I can do it on my own, but that I can do anything as long as I refuse to quit. The proof is in the pudding and it is rich.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/TheHoustonElementPodcast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepodcasthtx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEPodcastHTX
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thepodcasthtx
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzzRP9dwYw8HkVgHVsHoAmA
Image Credits
Head shot/full body photos by Brian Woodchek