Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanine Hubbard.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeanine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Well, it all started in 2017 when I moved to Columbia, SC. That period of time was pretty lonely even though I had my then boyfriend (now fiance) with me. So I was trying to start something for myself that would fulfill me. I did not want to start a blog or YouTube channel, so a podcast was pretty much the only thing I was set on. But that was just it. It was an idea, and I let it go. It wasn’t until I moved back to Charlotte, NC the next year (2018), that I really took my idea and made it happen. I started listening to different podcasts of different genres at work, noting what I liked and did not like. Then I created my target audience, which is the millennial population of course, and I wanted my topics to focus on things that we as millennials deal with. I wanted to create a relatable outlet for not just millennials, but also for others who aren’t millennials to understand us better.
And that was how Real Talk with Nene was born. I literally recorded my first episode using the Voice Memos app on my phone and I took it from there. And once I started, I did not stop. I did not have fancy equipment at the beginning or paid for studio time, I just worked with what I had. Today, I have a podcast mic that I use to record my shows if I am recording an episode alone, and then I use the Anchor app (podcasting service) to record with guests. Pretty much everything I do is virtual and that has been so convenient for me. My first episode dropped on October 26, 2018 and I was nervous as hell because I was worried about the feedback I would receive but I did not care. This was my baby and I was ready to show the world, no matter what. My podcast is now available on every major platform, including but not limited to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Anchor, Stitcher, and more.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been smooth all the time, but it has not been too rough either. The main thing I struggled with was consistency with my episodes, simply because I am SO BUSY. I work full time at a law firm, along with being a full-time grad student, having a very active social life, and now planning for my fiance and I’s wedding. So balancing my podcast with everything else I have going on has been the main struggle but I have managed. Regardless of my busy lifestyle, I have managed to put out 11 full-length episodes (and two small bonus episodes) on my podcast. And that is amazing to me because I did not think I would get that far, but God always makes a way when it comes to something you are passionate about. Over time, I have learned to balance everything in my life, and I have picked a consistent day of the week for my episodes to launch, which are Thursdays when I do post an episode.
Another thing I have struggled with is the editing process with my episodes. Especially when you have to piece certain things together and make sure it sounds amazing to a listener’s ear. I usually spend a couple of hours recording and editing an episode if I have to. But I would not really say it is a struggle, but more of a learning process for me because now I have learned to make my episodes sound better and better. Trust me, if you listen to the very first episode I did versus Episode 11, you will hear a MAJOR difference!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Real Talk with Nene – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Real Talk with Nene is a millennial lifestyle podcast on topics that require discussion. The topics are ones that maybe many of my peers discuss among themselves and their friend groups, and my podcast just publicizes these conversations. I am known for keeping it REAL and not holding anything back, and I tell my guests to do the same thing. Certain topics I have done include Situationships, Dealbreakers in Friendships/Relationships, and even the Surviving R.Kelly biopic. I have even had previous VoyageATL features on my episodes such as Jasmine Hubbard (my twin sister), Ahmad B, and Essence Sylvia Smith. I am the most proud of how far I have come and all the interesting things I have learned about the podcasting world. What sets me apart is – ME! Nobody can bring to the table what I can bring or do what I am capable of. God created me for a reason and as I am going through this life, I am seeing my purpose more and more and in different ways.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I loveeeeee Atlanta because there are so many things to do and places to go. The way the city caters to millennials like myself is amazing. From the brunch spots and nightlife to the history and museums, it is honestly a great city. The one thing I dislike is the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Email: realtalkwithnene@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtalkwithnenepodcast
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtalkwithnenepodcast
Image Credit:
Taylon Moorer
Abigale Godwin
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