We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Taylor Friedel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Taylor below.
Taylor, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
I’ve always been a huge podcast fan, and I rarely use my Spotify account for music anymore—it’s almost always podcasts. They’re so versatile! Some offer comfort, others provide motivation, and of course, I can’t resist a good true crime podcast, especially on road trips. I know a lot of people complain about how many podcasts have popped up these days, but honestly, I think the podcasts we choose to listen to are so personal. There can never be too many!
I’ve had a creative side since I was a kid. I’d make up skits and dances with my friends, use my mom’s old Canon camera to film myself showing off my jewelry box, and just loved being imaginative. But as I got older, I lost touch with that side of myself. I noticed I wasn’t as “me” as I used to be. Then, one day in 2023, I decided to just dive into something I’d always wanted to do—start a podcast. Normally, I overthink everything, but for some reason, this time there were no doubts. I bought the equipment and jumped right in.
Now, after over a year of podcasting, I love it more each day. I enjoy researching stories about celebrities and current events, and I even find the editing process fun. It’s been so fulfilling to have something that’s all mine, and to know that people actually want to listen and enjoy what I have to say.
When I started, success wasn’t my goal. I didn’t have aspirations of climbing the charts or gaining a massive following. I just wanted to do something I genuinely love. If even one person looks forward to my episodes every week, it’s worth it to me. Podcasting has helped me reconnect with my creativity, and I’m excited to continue this journey for a long, long time!
Taylor, 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?
I launched my podcast Literally What?! in 2023, where we dive into the hottest gossip, bold takes, stories, and advice that leave people saying, “Literally, what?!” New episodes drop every Saturday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Each week, I round up the top stories—some are about celebrities, others cover what’s happening in the world, and sometimes we share feel-good stories that just put a smile on your face. It’s the perfect way for people to take a break from life’s stresses and immerse themselves in the latest happenings for about an hour.
What I love about my podcast is that because I’m doing it purely for the fun of it, there’s no pressure to be perfect or chase big numbers. I’m always just myself, and I truly enjoy hearing feedback from my listeners. I have a blast with it, and I hope my audience can feel that energy every time they tune in!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of podcasting is seeing people respond positively. As a listener myself, I know how much I appreciate the hosts of the podcasts I follow. I admire the hard work they put into their shows, and I’m grateful for the escape they provide from the everyday stresses of life. I hope that, through my podcast, I can offer that same sense of comfort and a safe space for my listeners..
How did you build your audience on social media?
When I first started, it was really important for me to connect with other like-minded podcasters. I followed a lot of accounts of people just starting out, and I’m still in touch with many of them today! It’s been so rewarding to watch those early connections grow and see them continue to build their own audiences. For anyone just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent. Even if your content isn’t performing as well as you’d hoped, don’t get discouraged—just keep posting and stay committed!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/literallyywhattt
- Instagram: @literallyywhattt
- Facebook: Literally What
- Youtube: @literallyywhattt
Image Credits
No credits needed!