Rising Stars: Meet Ena Esco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ena Esco. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Ena Esco has been in the radio business for over two decades and has worked in various roles such as producer, voice-over talent, morning show co-host, mid-day and weekend talent. She has graced the microphone for media powerhouses such as Cumulus, Citadel and iHeartMedia. In October of 2020, Ena added a little R&B spice to the programming at Crosstown Concourse’s new radio station WYXR 91.7FM on Sundays from 5-7p with “Musically Effective.”

In January of 2018, Ena started Verbally Effective which is a topical interview-style podcast that intersects art, culture, politics and entertainment. Each week she is joined by a featured artist, entertainer, elected official or young professional with roots in Memphis. Verbally Effective delves into each guest’s personal journey to uncover the incredible stories fueling their purpose, the highs and lows of their pursuits, and how through their passion, they are moving the culture forward.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been easy as a podcaster. There were quite a few technical hurdles I had to work through initially such as determining the right equipment, establishing a social media presence and finding a good team. In addition, Memphis is an extremely hard market to break. The Bluff City definitely has a grit and grind mentality therefore it takes quite a bit of networking and consistency to build your brand. Understanding that “no” does not always mean “no” has helped my mindset. Having the abiltiy and foresight to turn what one may think is a negative into a positive has occured while building this foundation.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Ena Esco is the host of the Verbally Effective podcast. She has interviewed an array of Memphians in the areas of art, culture, politics and entertainment. Ena’s gift of communication sets her apart from others as her guests are at ease as they share some of their biggest triumphs and tribulations throughout life. The Verbally Effective podcast has recorded in studio on location and has had several live shows.

Ena wanted to take the podcast game a step further by sharing her experience as a podcaster with other interested parties. She’s held a few Podcasting 101 trainings that breaks down the basics of podcasting in the areas of structure, production, distribution and marketing. Ena also began a quarterly networking event called PodBox where local podcasters come together and share best practices. Ena has been invited to speak professionally on the podcasting industry on numerous occasions.

The Verbally Effective Podcast received a huge honor in 2020 by being invited the 2020 South by Southwest Festival in Austin, TX. Verbally Effective was also voted as one of the top three podcasts for Memphis Flyer’s Best Local Podcast in 2020.

At the start of the pandemic, Ena launched her Ivy Multimedia merch line that includes hoodies, sweaters, tees and Henry masks.

In 2022, Ena will serve as the Innovator in Residence with the opening of the newly renovated Cossitt Library in downtown Memphis. She will facilitate multimedia programming that will assist the Memphis community in learning the craft of podcasting.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality of being able to effectively communicate and being consistent with content has been most important to my success. I say this because launching a successful podcast involves a continuous creation and distribution of content. The internet has changed the game with how we digest information therefore being able to turn informative and heartfelt content on a weekly basis has helped. I believe the podcast has been successful as a result of the experiences created surrounding the actual podcast. Also, leveraging relationships that I’ve made over the years in the radio and media business has been extremely beneficial. Lastly, the ability to shine the light on the people who are making a positive impact in the Memphis community is extremely important. Memphis receives enough negative press. I wanted to change the narrative and create content through the lens of storytelling and highlighting the phenomenal work of the creatives, entrepreneurs, politicians and gate keepers in the city and surrounding areas. I want people to feel inspired and understand that everyone has a story consisting of peaks and valleys after listening to the Verbally Effective Podcast.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: verballyeffective.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verballyeffective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerballyEffectivePodcast
• Twitter: twitter.com/enaesco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EnaEsco
• Other: ivymultemediashop.bigcartel.com

Image Credits:
Shamika Blocker Jeteye Digital