Audrey Kearns is the founder and editor of Geek Girl Authority. Her podcasts include: 5 Truths and a Lie, Kneel Before Aud, and Poll Cats. You can follow Geek Girl Authority on Twitter @GeekGirlAuth.

When did you start podcasting? What’s your experience in podcasting from then to now?

I started podcasting in 2011 with a podcast called 5 Truths and a Lie. I had co-created 5 Truths and a Lie as live storytelling show in 2010. The show became wildly popular in Los Angeles and the stories were very good so we decided to record each of the live shows. We started taking the recordings and creating a podcast around them.

The biggest difference between podcasting in 2011 and now in 2015 is that now it’s a very noisy medium. There are a lot of podcasts out there to compete with but also to enjoy.

Another MAJOR difference is that now I know how to actually record a podcast! I had relied on friends to help record and produce (these are folks, I still work with today). I now have 3 podcasts out in the aether so it just wasn’t feasible or logical anymore to constantly rely on other folks to set up equipment, record and edit especially when we are all doing this out of love and not money. So, I started looking at YouTube videos and tutorials, had my sound producer buddy give me a few quick editing lessons and now I’m pretty self sufficient. I can even bring my equipment with me if I need to travel and record.

What inspired you to become a podcaster?

I’ve always loved listening to podcasts. Especially storytelling and interview podcasts. That love led me to start podcasting 5 Truths and a Lie and eventually my interview-based podcast, Kneel Before Aud. Aside from the technical aspects of podcasting, it wasn’t hard to create the podcast or even do them since I’ve been an actor/writer for the last twenty years. I enjoy the creative process and have really enjoyed crafting my podcasts into well done shows. I’m constantly learning as I go!

How did you come up with the name of your podcast? What kinds of topics do you cover?

Kneel Before Aud – I’m the co-founder and editor of a geek culture and pop culture website called Geek Girl Authority. I’m such a fan of science fiction, fantasy and pop culture. I found myself just wanting to chat with people in the nerd world about what they do. So I came up with the name “Kneel Before Aud” for my interview show. If you’re a geek, you’ll get the reference, if not, it’s a reference from the 1980’s film Superman II. There’s a villain from Superman’s planet named Zod. He comes to Earth and tells the President to “Kneel Before Zod!” So, I’m Kneel Before Aud……get it?

I thought Kneel Before Aud was a pretty good name and it would let the listeners know that the interviews are in the geekscape and that I cover the spectrum: fun, laid back, smart and silly. I’m really proud of this one.

Poll Cats – This title is a really silly play on ‘pole cat.’ This is another podcast that Geek Girl Authority produces and hosts. I wanted a show where I and my two other co founders, Claudia Dolph and Jenny Flack, can talk about a geeky topic for 45 minutes and then release the podcast with an accompanying poll. For example, on one show, we talked about our favorite Sci-Fi Universes and we must have covered around 20 different universes. We took the 5 most popular Sci Fi Universes and posted that poll along with the podcast. It’s a super fun way to get listeners involved.

5 Truths and a Lie – My storytelling show that I created with my husband. The reason for this title is quite simple. We ask six storytellers to tell a story based on a theme that we give them. The twist is one of the storytellers is lying. It’s up to the listener to figure out which storyteller is the liar. Hence the name.

What words of wisdom do you have for women who are thinking of starting their own podcast?

Here’s what I think. I’m all for following your dreams but here’s the thing. Following your dreams also comes with hard work. Listen to as many podcasts as you can. Listen not only to ones you like but ones you don’t like. All this research will help you create a podcast/brand that screams who you are. If you think you suck when you hear yourself in your first podcast remember this: You probably do not suck and take notes on how to improve for the next one. It’s an ever-evolving process. You could be on your 100th podcast and realize, “oh, that’s just not working” or you could be listening to your 5th podcast and be very happy with it and know, “I really knocked that one out of the park.” That’s the joy of the creative process.

As far as being a female podcaster, one of the greatest pieces of wisdom I can impart is that other women podcasters are awesome and very helpful. There’s a horrible misconception that’s always been in the zeitgeist about women, you know the one: we’re all backstabbers and jealous of each other but the wonderful truth is that this community is here to help and is happy to help. So network, ask for favors, return favors and most of all have fun!