<\/span>Provide Your Audience with Trigger Warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you will be discussing something that could be triggering, let the audience know that you will be talking about sensitive subject matter. It\u2019s also a good idea to give a preview of what that entails as early in the episode as possible. If you\u2019re covering topics of race, social injustice, violence, terrorism, politics, or any other hot button issues on your podcast, your audience should be warned in the episode description and in the first few minutes of your show<\/strong>. This way if they don\u2019t want to hear what you are covering in that episode, they can skip it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Have the Facts Straight Before You Begin Recording<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if your podcast is an opinion show, when addressing sensitive topics, it\u2019s best not to assume, guess, or speculate about the subject matter. For example, if you are discussing a sexual assault case, learn all the facts that you can about the case before discussing it. And, avoid rendering an opinion about guilt or innocence when there is no way you could know that from the information that has been made public about the case.
Where can you get the facts on sensitive subjects? Depending on the subject, we recommend using verified sources such as academic and medical journals, government agencies, and objective news sources. In other words, opinion pieces and skewed media coverage may not be the best source to get the facts on some of the topics you are trying to learn about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Don\u2019t Make Jokes about Delicate Subjects<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSomething that is funny to you and your friends can be highly insensitive to your listeners. To be completely honest, there are some things that shouldn\u2019t be joked about whether it\u2019s in public or private. Though you might sometimes feel like you\u2019re walking on a tightrope, it\u2019s better to err on the side of caution and watch what you say when recording your episodes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Have Talking Points Ready Before You Record<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if you normally record episodes raw and unscripted, when you\u2019re addressing sensitive topics on your show, it\u2019s a good idea to have talking points in mind<\/a>. This will help you avoid stating things that are inaccurate, or making biased points that are rooted in your own personal background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Continuously Educate Yourself on the Issues<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn an age where unlimited information is at our fingertips, ignorance is no excuse for saying the wrong things when addressing sensitive topics on your podcast. For example, \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was racist,\u201d or \u201cI didn\u2019t know that I was being homophobic,\u201d is not going to fly when your listeners are offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case in point – how many actors and YouTube influencers are losing brand deals, opportunities, and income due to racist statements<\/a> and inappropriate actions<\/a>, as well as homophobic comments<\/a>? Influencers and celebrities also come under fire for political commentary when they don\u2019t get the facts before speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t want that to happen to you!<\/b> Educate yourself on the issues so that you can avoid inappropriate statements and stereotyping individuals and groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Don\u2019t Post Your Episode Without Vetting It First<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt might be a good idea to have a diverse group of trusted friends or colleagues listen to your episode before you post it online. Sometimes having a second, third, or even fourth set of ears can be all you need to catch something that may be misunderstood<\/b> or deemed insensitive. Think of it like having a proofreader look over a blog post before you hit publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a comment made about the terrorists who attacked a landmark may seem innocent to you, but could be blatantly inappropriate to others. A different perspective can help give you an idea of how your listeners might respond to the things you\u2019re discussing, and the way you are presenting the materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Give Resources to Your Audience for Further Education<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSharing where you got your information, as well as giving your audience resources to learn more about your subject matter can go a long way in helping others to be more sensitive, and empathetic. For example, if you are talking about systemic racism, you could provide resources in your show notes related to what systemic racism is, and how we can change things for the better.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Remain Open to Change<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow we are raised and our cultural norms dictate many of the opinions we have, but that doesn\u2019t mean these things are set in stone. Be open to change and be more accepting of others for who they are. Of course, just because you are accepting others for who they are doesn\u2019t mean you have to change who you are. It just means that you are opening yourself up to the belief that regardless of one\u2019s sexual orientation, political affiliations, race, religion, socioeconomic status, etc \u2026 we all have the right to be on this planet and live out our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Be Prepared for Tense Reactions and Angry Comments Regardless of Your Good Intentions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo matter what you do, you may upset some people in your podcasting career even when every effort is made to be open and honest. Unfortunately, this can be a hard pill to swallow for some podcasters. However, it\u2019s important to remember that just because you have educated yourself on an issue, doesn\u2019t mean your listeners have done the same. It\u2019s important to understand that there may be tense and awkward responses to your subject matter as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can show up as negative feedback on your social media pages and in your reviews. While you can try to prevent this from happening, the larger your show gets, the harder it will be to stop ignorant comments and reactions to your material. If you have used all the tips in this post for addressing sensitive topics on your show, that\u2019s really all you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Have the Facts Straight Before You Begin Recording<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if your podcast is an opinion show, when addressing sensitive topics, it\u2019s best not to assume, guess, or speculate about the subject matter. For example, if you are discussing a sexual assault case, learn all the facts that you can about the case before discussing it. And, avoid rendering an opinion about guilt or innocence when there is no way you could know that from the information that has been made public about the case.
Where can you get the facts on sensitive subjects? Depending on the subject, we recommend using verified sources such as academic and medical journals, government agencies, and objective news sources. In other words, opinion pieces and skewed media coverage may not be the best source to get the facts on some of the topics you are trying to learn about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Don\u2019t Make Jokes about Delicate Subjects<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSomething that is funny to you and your friends can be highly insensitive to your listeners. To be completely honest, there are some things that shouldn\u2019t be joked about whether it\u2019s in public or private. Though you might sometimes feel like you\u2019re walking on a tightrope, it\u2019s better to err on the side of caution and watch what you say when recording your episodes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Have Talking Points Ready Before You Record<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nEven if you normally record episodes raw and unscripted, when you\u2019re addressing sensitive topics on your show, it\u2019s a good idea to have talking points in mind<\/a>. This will help you avoid stating things that are inaccurate, or making biased points that are rooted in your own personal background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Continuously Educate Yourself on the Issues<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn an age where unlimited information is at our fingertips, ignorance is no excuse for saying the wrong things when addressing sensitive topics on your podcast. For example, \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was racist,\u201d or \u201cI didn\u2019t know that I was being homophobic,\u201d is not going to fly when your listeners are offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Case in point – how many actors and YouTube influencers are losing brand deals, opportunities, and income due to racist statements<\/a> and inappropriate actions<\/a>, as well as homophobic comments<\/a>? Influencers and celebrities also come under fire for political commentary when they don\u2019t get the facts before speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWe don\u2019t want that to happen to you!<\/b> Educate yourself on the issues so that you can avoid inappropriate statements and stereotyping individuals and groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Don\u2019t Post Your Episode Without Vetting It First<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt might be a good idea to have a diverse group of trusted friends or colleagues listen to your episode before you post it online. Sometimes having a second, third, or even fourth set of ears can be all you need to catch something that may be misunderstood<\/b> or deemed insensitive. Think of it like having a proofreader look over a blog post before you hit publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a comment made about the terrorists who attacked a landmark may seem innocent to you, but could be blatantly inappropriate to others. A different perspective can help give you an idea of how your listeners might respond to the things you\u2019re discussing, and the way you are presenting the materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Give Resources to Your Audience for Further Education<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSharing where you got your information, as well as giving your audience resources to learn more about your subject matter can go a long way in helping others to be more sensitive, and empathetic. For example, if you are talking about systemic racism, you could provide resources in your show notes related to what systemic racism is, and how we can change things for the better.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Remain Open to Change<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow we are raised and our cultural norms dictate many of the opinions we have, but that doesn\u2019t mean these things are set in stone. Be open to change and be more accepting of others for who they are. Of course, just because you are accepting others for who they are doesn\u2019t mean you have to change who you are. It just means that you are opening yourself up to the belief that regardless of one\u2019s sexual orientation, political affiliations, race, religion, socioeconomic status, etc \u2026 we all have the right to be on this planet and live out our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Be Prepared for Tense Reactions and Angry Comments Regardless of Your Good Intentions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNo matter what you do, you may upset some people in your podcasting career even when every effort is made to be open and honest. Unfortunately, this can be a hard pill to swallow for some podcasters. However, it\u2019s important to remember that just because you have educated yourself on an issue, doesn\u2019t mean your listeners have done the same. It\u2019s important to understand that there may be tense and awkward responses to your subject matter as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This can show up as negative feedback on your social media pages and in your reviews. While you can try to prevent this from happening, the larger your show gets, the harder it will be to stop ignorant comments and reactions to your material. If you have used all the tips in this post for addressing sensitive topics on your show, that\u2019s really all you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where can you get the facts on sensitive subjects? Depending on the subject, we recommend using verified sources such as academic and medical journals, government agencies, and objective news sources. In other words, opinion pieces and skewed media coverage may not be the best source to get the facts on some of the topics you are trying to learn about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Something that is funny to you and your friends can be highly insensitive to your listeners. To be completely honest, there are some things that shouldn\u2019t be joked about whether it\u2019s in public or private. Though you might sometimes feel like you\u2019re walking on a tightrope, it\u2019s better to err on the side of caution and watch what you say when recording your episodes.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you normally record episodes raw and unscripted, when you\u2019re addressing sensitive topics on your show, it\u2019s a good idea to have talking points in mind<\/a>. This will help you avoid stating things that are inaccurate, or making biased points that are rooted in your own personal background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In an age where unlimited information is at our fingertips, ignorance is no excuse for saying the wrong things when addressing sensitive topics on your podcast. For example, \u201cI didn\u2019t know that was racist,\u201d or \u201cI didn\u2019t know that I was being homophobic,\u201d is not going to fly when your listeners are offended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Case in point – how many actors and YouTube influencers are losing brand deals, opportunities, and income due to racist statements<\/a> and inappropriate actions<\/a>, as well as homophobic comments<\/a>? Influencers and celebrities also come under fire for political commentary when they don\u2019t get the facts before speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We don\u2019t want that to happen to you!<\/b> Educate yourself on the issues so that you can avoid inappropriate statements and stereotyping individuals and groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It might be a good idea to have a diverse group of trusted friends or colleagues listen to your episode before you post it online. Sometimes having a second, third, or even fourth set of ears can be all you need to catch something that may be misunderstood<\/b> or deemed insensitive. Think of it like having a proofreader look over a blog post before you hit publish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a comment made about the terrorists who attacked a landmark may seem innocent to you, but could be blatantly inappropriate to others. A different perspective can help give you an idea of how your listeners might respond to the things you\u2019re discussing, and the way you are presenting the materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharing where you got your information, as well as giving your audience resources to learn more about your subject matter can go a long way in helping others to be more sensitive, and empathetic. For example, if you are talking about systemic racism, you could provide resources in your show notes related to what systemic racism is, and how we can change things for the better. How we are raised and our cultural norms dictate many of the opinions we have, but that doesn\u2019t mean these things are set in stone. Be open to change and be more accepting of others for who they are. Of course, just because you are accepting others for who they are doesn\u2019t mean you have to change who you are. It just means that you are opening yourself up to the belief that regardless of one\u2019s sexual orientation, political affiliations, race, religion, socioeconomic status, etc \u2026 we all have the right to be on this planet and live out our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter what you do, you may upset some people in your podcasting career even when every effort is made to be open and honest. Unfortunately, this can be a hard pill to swallow for some podcasters. However, it\u2019s important to remember that just because you have educated yourself on an issue, doesn\u2019t mean your listeners have done the same. It\u2019s important to understand that there may be tense and awkward responses to your subject matter as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can show up as negative feedback on your social media pages and in your reviews. While you can try to prevent this from happening, the larger your show gets, the harder it will be to stop ignorant comments and reactions to your material. If you have used all the tips in this post for addressing sensitive topics on your show, that\u2019s really all you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"man](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/addressing-sensitive-topics-walking-tightrope.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Have Talking Points Ready Before You Record<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Continuously Educate Yourself on the Issues<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"man](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/how-to-choose-a-podcast-host-man-using-laptop.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Don\u2019t Post Your Episode Without Vetting It First<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Give Resources to Your Audience for Further Education<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Definitive](\"https:\/\/rss.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/podcast-directories.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Remain Open to Change<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Be Prepared for Tense Reactions and Angry Comments Regardless of Your Good Intentions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n