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I have just released the 5th episode of my podcast “Madge Unmuted”. Yes thank you, it is going well. But I realize I’ve neglected to come out and explain what it’s all about and why it came about.
First, the why. The last 2 or 3 years have been a real turning point for me. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that the changes in me started right after my youngest child graduated high school and went off to college like my other 2 did. I raised 3 kids mostly by myself as after we divorced in 2001 their dad lived out of state and was MIA for a while. Anyway, my life’s purpose and passion became my kids from the minute the first was born in 1994. I always had “jobs” never a career, and I mostly picked things that would allow me to be around when the kids got off the bus.
So all of a sudden I can do what I want. What that was, I had no idea. For three years, no idea. Well plenty of ideas, just none that really set my soul on fire. I was tired of doing what everyone else wanted me to do. I was tired of just surviving. I was tired of failing at things I hated, why not try something I loved?
My friend who has been a legend in local radio for like 30 years invited me to be his co-host on-air a few times when his partner was out. We first worked together at a radio station 25 years ago. In my HS yearbook profile, I stated I wanted to be the next Jessica Savitch, who was a rising star news anchor when I wrote that in 1983. (Unfortunately, she died in Oct. 83 at 36 in a car accident. I hope that wasn’t a sign.) I have a degree in broadcasting and that was going to be my career, but then I became disillusioned with corporate radio and TV and became a mom and that was the end of that. I’d filled in on-air a few times before, but something clicked in like February 2020, I thought “This feels so damn natural and people tell me I’m really good at it. Maybe I could do this after all?” To be honest, it kinda’ set my soul on fire. My childhood dream came back to life. And coincidentally I lost the retail job I had in March due to COVID, so why not try to get back in the radio game?
Long story short… no one is hiring. In fact, all radio stations are cutting staff. I had a feeling for a long time that doing my own podcast/video series/whatever was going to be the answer. Around July I happened upon someone who had the means to help me record and give me advice. I’d tried a half-assed podcast 3-4 years ago all by myself recording on a laptop, it was abysmal and disheartening. So, I decided to go for it again. It’s now or never. Go big or go home.
Now, the what. Every day I get asked, “What’s your podcast about?” I’ve struggled a while to explain it. I’d ramble about it being funny and having guests on and I could immediately tell that my description swiftly brought disinterest. But I think I’ve got it now. “Madge Unmuted” is purely for mindless entertainment. It’s like sitting at the bar or kitchen table with your mates and having a laugh. We’re not solving the world’s problems or debating or talking about any of the disastrous soul-sucking stuff going on in 2020… it’s a diversion. And it’s filled with pop-culture references and witty banter. That’s it. Does that sound appealing to you?
I really want to make this dream come true. I want to provide a little oasis of joy for people in these dark times. And I really really want to stop being unemployed, so I would love it if you could lend your support and get some perks while doing so. I would be so grateful if you could go to my PATREON page and find the ways to support “Madge Unmuted”. Click on the above link or go to https://www.patreon.com/madgemadigan.
You can find the audio podcast on the Podcast or Home page of my website or Apple Podcasts, Spotify, SoundCloud, Spreaker, almost any podcast platform. Or check out the video version below. Thank you so much!
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