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Today, I want to share with you a very special moment in my life.
Recently, I had the incredible honor of winning my first Ambie for my Queer News podcast. It was a moment that took me completely by surprise, but it was one that I will never forget.
For those who may not be familiar with my podcast, Queer News is a platform that provides a voice for the LGBTQ+ community and specifically Black and Brown queer folks. I tackle topics ranging from politics to pop culture with a unique and refreshing perspective. I bring a level of insight and understanding to these issues that is often missing in mainstream media. That's what makes my podcast so special.
Now, let me tell you about the Ambies. They are awarded by the Podcast Academy, which is the preeminent professional organization for podcasting. They honor excellence in audio with the goal of elevating the awareness and status of podcasts as a unique and personal medium for entertainment, information, storytelling, and expression.
When I landed in Vegas, where the award ceremony took place, I took some time to ground myself in gratitude. Alone time with my affirmation journal, a candle and quiet is how I center myself especially in these moments. Then the time came to get dressed and make my way to the red carpet. This was my first red carpet so I really didn’t know what to expect. You watch them on television but what does it look like for podcasting.
Well, it was pretty cool and any nerves I had washed away as soon as I saw my pod family in the place; Damona Hoffman of the Dates & Mates podcast, Jay Ray & Sir Daniel of the Queue Points podcast, and the Black Love Podcast Network family which included Krystal Hill, Karega, Felicia, and Codie. We took pictures, enjoyed the cash bar, and really took it all in.
Then it was time to walk into the ceremony and I was really taken aback; the three giant screens that read “The Ambies”, the production, the cameras, everything was on point. I found a spot near the front and ended up talking with fellow nominees. We chatted and shared our passion for audio and podcasting. The vibes were so good and the entire production team deserves mad kudos for creating such a flawless in-person event.
When the DIY podcast category came up on the screen, I was completely calm and balanced because, honestly, the nomination was already enough. The honor had already been cemented and I had no expectations. I was in a category with people I really admired, respected, and just being nominated was an incredible feeling. So, when they announced the winner, Queer News, I sat there for a moment, taking it all in. It was unexpected and I didn't have a speech prepared at all but I got up, high-fived my fam from Queue Points and headed to the stage.
I spoke from my heart and shared why Queer News is so important today. I had thirty seconds to give this speech and the timer was the biggest monitor I've ever seen in my life. I went a little over time but they didn't play the walk-off music, so I think I was all right. If you’re interested you can watch my acceptance speech here.
So many people came up to me after I won and told me how much that speech meant to them which means a lot to me.
When I walked off stage, my wife called me, and I completely lost it. The tears just fell, overwhelmed with joy. The Ambie team then escorted us downstairs for media interviews and there was another trophy for us to hold and take pictures with to cement the moment. They were quick to ask for it back too. I saw my friend Imran from Great Pods, and we celebrated the win together. This moment is something that I will never forget.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that there is so much you have to figure out along the way. Sometimes we stop ourselves from getting started but you just have to start. You can do all the research in the world, but when it gets down to it, there is so much you will figure out along the way. What makes me incredibly blessed is that I’ve been able to tap into a community like the Black Podcasters Association that said, "You don’t have to figure it out on your own."
Krystal Hill is part of this community and who has been an amazing source of knowledge for me on my journey. When I was applying for the Ambies, I reached out to her for advice on which category I should apply for. She suggested the DIY category, I trusted her instinct and looked at what happened. Krystal, I thank you. I also want to note that I was able to apply because I received one of the Spotify scholarships for a free entry. I learned about that free entry from the Black Podcasters Association.
Winning this award is a validation of all the hard work and dedication that I have put into building my career in media. But more than that, it was a validation of the importance of the Indie movement and the power of podcasting to give a voice to underrepresented communities.
Winning an Ambie was not on my list of goals; it has just become part of my journey. I am so proud of my team for all their hard work. I want to give a shout out to Dae of Birden Mack Creative Studios who started this journey with us & our current editor & sound designer Xperience J of Shhh! Jus' Listen Media Production. We are small but mighty. I also want to acknowledge that we could not have achieved this without our loyal audience, who have supported us since the beginning. Your listenership proves that Queer News matters and I am committed to continuing to bring you important news and stories from the queer community.
Thank you all for reading and sharing this moment with me. I hope that you can take this as a reminder that anything is possible if you keep working hard and believe in yourself. Remember to celebrate every milestone, big or small, because it's those moments that make life worth living.
You can listen to my most recent episode of the Queer News podcast where I share an unscripted take on my experience winning an Ambie.