TDG Podcast Fellowship
Creative Strategy | Project Management | Learning Experience Design
Project Overview
Company Context
The Democracy Group is a network of podcasts and organizations that create educational content about democracy, civic engagement, and civil discourse. They aim to provide informative, educational content that can increase curiosity and empathy among their listeners and use their platform to share the good work of organizations that are taking action to strengthen democracy.
As part of that mission, we launched The Democracy Group Podcast Fellowship, a 12-week remote program for Gen Z leaders who want to start a podcast and build an audience to strengthen democracy, engage diverse viewpoints, and bridge political divides.
Role + Responsibilities
As part of my responsibilities as Network Manager of The Democracy Group, I served as the Podcast Fellowship's Program Manager. I led the content development, learning experience design, and facilitation of the fellowships workshops.
I also worked cross-functionally with subject matter experts, our network hosts, featured guests to create the educational content, in addition to teaching and facilitating the learning experience for the participants.
Content Strategy
Goal
Our goal was to uplift Gen Z’s voice in the political space.
The strategy was to leverage our existing expertise in the network to educate fellows, then use our promotional channels to kickstart their podcast launch.
Learning Content
The learning experience for the fellowship includes pre-recorded lessons created with the help of podcast subject matter experts, live workshops to practice skills, mentor matching with podcast hosts in our network, and a package of podcasting equipment.
Developed overall program curriculum & structure
Designed curriculum and activities, working with podcast hosts and experts.
Production of video lessons, visual guides, and promotional materials
Designed and facilitated live 60 minute podcast workshops using active learning techniques
Coordinated mentors and guest speakers during program
Mentored fellows one on one for content production
Promotion
To promote the fellows podcasts, we featured them in our marketing channels including the network playlist, newsletter, and media partners. During the fellowship, I supported them in production of podcast episodes, cover art, and trailers to be used for promotional purposes.
Coordinating PR efforts with media partners
Maintaining content publishing calendar of fellows episodes in conjunction with networks publishing calendar
Mentoring fellows on content development and best practices
Results
Facilitated 4 fellowships over 2 years, successfully launching 11 fellow produced podcasts.