Friday Newsflow: The Emotional Labor of Building Community

Some weeks, the work feels heavier than usual. Not because there’s more of it—but because you start to feel the weight of how often it goes unseen.

That’s where I was this week.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been running the backend of WOC Podcasters and Atabey & Co.—organizing workshops, sending emails, chasing RSVPs, scheduling hosts, trying to promote our guest matching program and podcast directory, answering questions, promoting events, writing newsletters, drafting social posts…

And for a moment, I wondered: Does anyone see any of this?
Does it matter?
Is it landing?

That’s not to say I don’t love this work—I do. But loving the mission doesn’t make it any less exhausting. It doesn’t shield you from feeling invisible when the DMs are quiet, the feedback is minimal, and the community feels one-sided.

And when you’re building for a community that’s been historically excluded, you’re often doing that work without institutional support, big budgets, or even acknowledgment.

I’m tired. But I’m still here.
And I know I’m not the only one feeling this way.

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What’s Happening

I want to be honest about the toll this can take—not just on me, but on anyone doing the invisible labor of community care.

Right now, we’re actively:

• Coordinating monthly workshops with aligned guest speakers

• Managing WOC Sisterhood Connect (our guest matching program)

• Collecting submissions for the WOC Podcasters Directory

• Planning the Secure the Bag challenge launching May 12

• Supporting our podcast network and community with limited capacity

All of this was built for us. For those who rarely see themselves reflected in podcasting spaces.

And it can be lonely work when the response is silence.

Why It Matters

When we talk about emotional labor in podcasting, we usually think about content—sharing hard stories, holding space for guests, navigating identity in a public way.

But there’s another layer.

The emotional labor of:

• Showing up when you're tired

• Creating value with little feedback

• Holding space for others while carrying your own weight

• Keeping a vision alive when you're not sure if it's being received

This is the labor that doesn’t show up in analytics or engagement stats.
It’s the labor of leadership.
The labor of care.
The labor of Black and brown women keeping communities alive.

Your Move

If this resonates with you, you’re probably someone who carries a lot.
So this week, here’s what I hope you’ll do:

✅ Reach out to someone who’s been holding it down behind the scenes and simply say “I see you.”
✅ Share the resources being built in this space—a challenge, a workshop, a directory—even if you’re not participating.
✅ Check in with your own capacity: What’s one thing you can let go of this month?
✅ Reflect on the ways you hold community, and what support would look like for you.

Bottom Line

The work we’re doing here matters.
And even when it’s quiet, even when it’s exhausting, even when it feels invisible—it’s worth it.

But it doesn’t have to be lonely.

Let’s keep building together.
Let’s keep naming the labor.
Let’s make care and recognition part of the structure—not just the sentiment.

💬 Who’s someone in your podcasting (or creative) life who deserves to be seen for their behind-the-scenes labor? Tag them. Thank them. Uplift them.

Help Us Grow WOC Voices in Podcasting

Our growth fuels access, equity, and sustainability.

Right now, less than 3% of our Substack audience are paid subscribers. But even a small shift would mean a lot:

🟣 At 5% paid, we could offer free memberships to Black and brown women who can’t afford to join the community
🟣 At 10%, we could fund monthly workshops, templates, and resources for indie creators
🟣 At 20%, we could offer microgrants, bring on contributors, and expand the directory

We’re building something community-driven, creator-led, and deeply intentional.

If you believe in this work, support it.

$5/month or $50/year. Subscribe here.

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Catch up on our shows

The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee share affirmations that celebrate, uplift, and honor the incredible strength of mothers everywhere. From sleepless nights to daily sacrifices, they acknowledge the real challenges of motherhood.

The search for a runaway teen leads investigators down a path filled with trauma and tragedy. What happened to Ka'Niyah? Find out on Bite-Sized Crime.

On Grad School Femtoring, Yvette addresses the common struggles many of us face with starting and ending our workday effectively. She discusses the importance of transitions to move from work mode to rest mode and vice versa. Drawing from a recent coaching session, she shares practical opening and closing rituals that can enhance your productivity and work-life balance.

On The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana is joined by award-winning Producer, Director, and Writer Nasir Kenneth Ferebee. They explore Nasir's transition from the East Coast to the bustling world of Los Angeles, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and the empowering decision to pivot towards creating his own content, because he always knew independent film making was in his path but didn’t know how.

On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the fantastic Adriana Shuman. Founder of Your Wellness Made Simple Nutritionist, Functional Medicine Expert, Health and Wellness Strategist, Pharmacist, Author, and Entrepreneur. Adriana holds a degree from Comenius University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Glowing ovaries, persistent boxers, and showtune shame on Wining About Herstory! First, Kelley explains the difference between pool and billiards (yes there is a difference) as she covers Masako 'Katsy' Katsura, a champion billiards player who broke the green felt ceiling and became an international star! Then, Emily tells the tale of Hangaku Gozen, a fierce warrior who was determined to defend her homelands against invaders, even if she had to do it by herself.

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Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events

*Inside the Circle: A WOC Podcasters Open House - May 20th at 3:30pm ET

Your invited inside WOC Podcasters! Experience what makes WOC Podcasters so powerful: the support, the resources, the real talk—and each other.

✨ What to Expect: A behind-the-scenes look at our workshops, events, and community perks; A chance for guests to ask questions, share their podcast dreams, and connect; Honest stories from members about how the community has helped them grow; Space to celebrate our wins and support each other’s next chapter {Add this to you calendar here}

• Sizzle & Sustain: Summer Content Strategies to Keep Your Podcast Hot - May 15th at 4pm ET: Summer doesn't have to mean silence on your podcast feed. Whether you're taking a seasonal break or want to keep the mic hot, this session will help you plan smart, engaging content that keeps listeners tuning in—even when they’re poolside. Leave with a content plan that works for your summer schedule—and keeps your audience coming back for more. {This is a WOC Podcasters Member event. Join WOC Podcasters to attend this event and many more!}

• The Podcast Show 2025 - May 21st - May 22nd, London, UK: The Podcast Show at London Islington’s Business Design Centre is the biggest International festival for the business of podcasting. [Paid tickets]

• Launch, Host & Grow: Podcast Success Training for Online Service Providers - May 22nd at 11am CT: Are you…Tired of chasing leads and struggling to grow your audience? Frustrated with social media algorithms limiting your reach? Want a proven system to attract high-quality leads without burnout? This is for you!

  In this comprehensive masterclass series, we’ll cover everything you need to know to launch and grow a successful podcast for your coaching, consulting or service based business. [Free]

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Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!

WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 30-day free trial here.

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