Welcome to the next in our series of Podcast Showcases, where we share podcasts with you in the words of the podcasters themselves. This time, we talk to The Struggle Bus.
Sum up your podcast in three sentences
We are two friends who started an advice show because we wanted a place to talk about mental health and where and how it intersects with topics we care about (social justice, cats, Sex and the City, etc.).
Who is your ideal listener? Who loves your show?
People who love our show tend to be other progressive folks who are really interested in talking about mental health and, I think, living in a world where mental health and mental illness are talked about more openly and freely. I think our audience also skews a bit queer and gender nonconforming.
What made you start this podcast?
Before we met, we already followed each other on Twitter and had become big fans of one another. When we finally met through mutual friends, we clicked hard and quickly and bonded over, you know, life being hard, and wanting to help ourselves and each other through that. The Struggle Bus was almost just a natural evolution of our new friendship.
What have you learned about your subject thanks to this podcast?
That literally everyone has trauma in their past (and sometimes in their present). And also that a ton of people are working really hard day after day to be OK. Also that people are incredibly resilient and kind.
What has your experience of podcasting been? What do you love / hate about the process?
It’s been a blast—we literally just picked up mics and recorded our friendship happening. There’s something really special about making a thing with your friend—a thing that feels really important and special to you—and putting it out there for other people to hear and to maybe enjoy or get something out of. What I hate about the process is what I hate about every process—scheduling is a nightmare. Down with scheduling.
If someone wants to start listening to your podcast, which episode would you recommend they start with? Why?
Jump in by listening to an ep where the title indicates that we’re ranting about something. Those are fun ones.
Which other podcasts do you love listening to?
See Something Say Something, Total Party Thrill, Radio Dispatch, and various TV recap shows
If people want to find you online, where can they do so? Drop all your links here (social media, podcast subscription, etc.)