Masterclass on Podcasting: Encouraging Journalists to Find Their Own Voice
The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), Bengal Chapter, organised a Masterclass on Podcasting on 12 August 2026, featuring Vasanthi Hariprakash, NWMI member, award-winning radio anchor, TV journalist, TEDx speaker, podcast host and Founder of Pickle Jar Media, and Barsha Nandy, Producer and Communications Manager at Pickle Jar.
Vasanthi spoke about podcasting as an independent editorial space for journalists, allowing them to choose their subjects, explore niche and intimate stories and build a body of work of their own. She encouraged women journalists to recognise that their existing skills—curiosity, interviewing, editorial judgement and the ability to make people speak—are valuable podcasting tools. She also highlighted the importance of unhurried conversations, where pauses, emotions and vulnerability can enrich storytelling.
Barsha focused on the practical aspects of podcast production, explaining that recording is only one part of the process, with research, planning, structuring and editing requiring significant effort. She discussed choosing themes, formats, episode lengths and guests, and recommended pre-interview calls to prepare guests. Beginners, she said, could start with a phone and earphones, while platforms such as Riverside, SquadCast and Zencastr offer more advanced recording options.
The Q&A covered equipment, recording platforms, technical skills and monetisation. Both speakers stressed that beginners should focus first on building a community and credibility rather than immediate earnings. Sponsorships, memberships, ticketed events and branded podcasts were discussed as possible revenue streams. Vasanthi also noted that a strong podcast can create opportunities for speaking engagements and other professional work.
