My podcast, “The Bottom Line” was created to discuss race, politics, and progress, but after my first episode, I realized I was a mic hog.

Episode 2 - “How do we balance current events and class content?” 7 seconds of silence pass, so I answer my own question. I stole 37 minutes, leaving my guest with only 23. How did I manage to dominate the conversation again?

Episode 5 - After listening back to my conversation with Albert, a Ghanian American, it was clear that my anxiety to ensure my ideas and insights were heard prevented me from being an effective podcast host and producing work I felt proud of. I cringed when I realized how often I answered my own questions and cut my guests off before they could finish. 

Episode 8 - EJ, a water polo player, discusses sports activism when I noticed a notch on my mic to adjust the volume. I turn it down. The next time I tried to chime in, he didn’t notice–my audio was so low EJ continued. “Finally!” Only 25 minutes.  

As a podcast host, listening is crucial. I plan to listen twice as much as I speak and never become a mic hog again.