Bet you like podcasts! Yeah? If you like podcasts and are also of Haitian descent, you should really check out The Zoette’s View Podcast, a cultural podcast created by Haitian-American content creator Marie-Anne. On the podcast episodes, the host and creator addresses a great many concerns and topics especially relatable to women of Haitian descent.
Kreyolicious: What was your Haitian-American experience like?
Marie-Anne: My Haitian American experience didn’t have anything American about it since I was raised by grandma (an old-school Haitian). Even though I was [United States of] America born-and-raised, living with my grandma, I felt like I was in Haiti. From washing my underwear by hand to reciting my multiplication tables out loud on the porch, my grandma pretty much raised me like a child growing up in Haiti. Not going to lie, growing up I hated it, but now I thank her for raising me the way she did. Not being born in Haiti but having Haiti-born parents, I felt obligated to learn about my culture, history and I thank my grandmother and my HSO (Haitian Student Organization) family for teaching me all that. But to answer your question my Haitian– American experience has been rewarding because to be bilingual…so I can interpret and/or be an advocate for my fellow Haitians, is enlightening.
Kreyolicious: What made you start your podcast?
Marie-Anne: Well, it all started in a group chat. I met a guy name Boe who is also a Haitian on the group chat who loved podcasts as much as I did and wanted to start one. So Boe and I ended up teaming up together and we created the Zoe View Podcast. [On the] Zoe View Podcast, we talk a lot about what’s going in the world and speak about our logic on different topics and situations. As with Zoette’s View Podcast, it’s more of a personal podcast talking about being black and more about the Haitian culture along with this new generation of Haitians.
Kreyolicious: What’s it like having your own podcast?
Marie-Anne: Having my own podcast is great because you get to choose what you want to talk about. Plus, there is no filter and no wrong or right my favorite part of having a podcast. When I choose a topic its something that I am passionate about or even interested to learn more about. My co-host Boe is the bomb and we make a great team. We always come together with high energy to record a show.
Kreyolicious: Did you have trouble or doubts about getting things off the ground?
Marie-Anne: Well the trouble was me because I battled with anxiety and depression I had trouble with being consistent in recording a podcast every week. Also, people judging me in the comments always made me want to quit the podcast because I use to care what people thought of me. Lastly, sometimes I got discouraged because no one was really listening to the shows.
Kreyolicious: Do your friends and family know about it?
Marie-Anne: All my friends and family know about it and most of them are great supporters. Some of my friends have been guest on the Zoette’s View Podcast. My grandma has been begging to me to be on a podcast show so be on the lookout for that.
Kreyolicious: You’ve been to Haiti?
Marie-Anne: Yes, I have been to Haiti numerous times for vacation, to visit family, mission trips and health clinic trips.
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a podcast?
Marie-Anne: Audio is key! Please make sure your sound is clear, so your audience can enjoy your show. Have an outline of what you are going to talk about in what order you going to talk about it. Make sure you have fun and you are enjoying recording each of your podcast shows. Just be authentic. Lastly, interact with your audience through social media through comments, hashtags and tweets.
CLICK HERE to listen to episodes of the Zoette’s View podcast!| Blog |
CLICK HERE to read interviews with other creators of podcasts of Haitian descent.
