Why I'm Launching The Squeeze

(Mostly for the gossip.)

Hello and welcome to my first issue of The Squeeze!

This is a special edition wherein I will:

1/ refresh your memory on who I am;

2/ explain why I am writing this newsletter;

3/ reveal what I’ll be writing about;

4/ shed some light on how you can participate in this project (because The Squeeze is literally dependent on your participation!).

Let’s hit it:

1/ Who am I? 

I’m a publicist-turned-reporter who has been covering podcasts and the audio industry for almost four years. I love doing this work, so when my most recent gig at Hot Pod dried up, I decided to take things into my own hands. Enter The Squeeze. 

2/ Why am I writing this thing?

Like any good podcast journalist, I pay attention to the Big Players and their Big Moves (shouts to the hard-working reporters who cover them), but I’ve always been more interested in covering the human side of this business, the stuff that’s often overlooked by — dare I say squeezed out of?? — shiny, happy press releases. 

That’s why The Squeeze will report on what the people who work and create in this world are talking about — the creators, producers, editors, hosts, sound designers, etc. (heck, I’ll even talk to the interns!). I want to know what’s keeping you engaged (or not) in this work, what’s getting in the way of progress in this industry, what’s happening behind-the-scenes within our communities, what you’re talking about with colleagues and friends during after-work drinks.

3/ What will you get? 

• Original reporting on issues, trends, industry developments, and yes, gossip! (My most impactful reporting often starts with gossip. Gossip is crucial!);

• Interviews with creators, newsmakers, and other smart people;

• Revealing/news-making/entertaining tweets;

• Pictures that take you behind-the-scenes;

• Other stuff I think you’ll like.

4/ How can you support this project? 

Tell ten friends about it and then send me the following:

• Story ideas, gossip, tips;

• Questions, thoughts, and observations about the industry;

• Tweets or conversations on social media you think your peers might like to see;

• Pictures that take people behind-the-scenes of your work, your creative process, or your experiences in this world.

A few housekeeping notes: 

I fully expect you to let me know what you like and what you don’t. We’re in this together! 

You can always reach me by hitting reply on newsletter or sending me a DM on Twitter or any of the platforms, though I rarely check Facebook or Instagram. (I am also happy to chat with sources on Signal or WhatApp upon request.) I honor requests for anonymity and “off the record” discussions.

Finally, thanks to all of you for subscribing! Not only have the subscription numbers wildly exceeded my expectations but many of you have shared the news with friends, posted to social media, and promoted The Squeeze in your own newsletters and podcast communities. Thank you so much for the support and please continue to spread the word. 

Okay, let’s do this thing!

Skye