DIDIHOOD ~ Issue 88

Welcome to September Didis!

This month we are kicking off the seventh year of our mentorship program. We’ve been reviewing all the applications for mentors and mentees and making the pairs who will be meeting each other soon! We are still looking for some mentors in the photography/videography industry, so if you or someone you know fit that description, send us an email!

Meet the Didi

This month we speak with Bhavna Sharma, co-creator of the Bloody Broads podcast.

Tell us more about Bloody Broads pod, how did this start?

It all started on the social media artist formerly known as Twitter. Jamie, my now cohost, had tweeted about how the villain in THE SHINING was actually alcoholism and not ghosts, and that I replied with something like, ‘Same!’. From there, we decided to create the Bloody Broads pod. We dive deep into media in the horror genre, and how it relates to mental health, representation, inclusivity, and so many other things.

What drew you to the horror podcasting genre?

Horror is the inevitable. I’ve always loved horror. It’s one of the things all my cousins and I have in common, so we grew up with horror movie sleepovers. We loved horror, but we never really saw ourselves in them. So when I saw there was a lack of South Asian voices in the horror podcasting community, and the opportunity came up, I went for it.

What was it like starting a podcast? What did you learn along the way?

I learned quickly that it was a real community project. We had some friends with horror podcasts of their own, so we had people we could go to with questions on what to do. They were more than happy to help. We knew someone that was great with art and hired her. My brother has been our editor, which is as lucky as it is convenient. He’s a sound engineer by day, and definitely gave me the friends and family discount. We wouldn’t be where we are without the community.

As a brown woman in podcasting, have you faced any barriers in the space? If so, how did you overcome them?

Thankfully, the horror podcasting community that Bloody Broads is in is pretty intersectional and very welcoming, and didn’t have any issues from them. What I have faced is the minimal coverage of South Asian horror media being covered. It has gotten better, and I am committed to having Bloody Broads pod amplify more South Asian content.

What's your advice for Didis who are interested in launching a podcast? How do you start?

No idea is too small. If you want to start a podcast on any subject, your voice as a South Asian, as a Didi matters and should be heard. Community is important. Bloody Broads podcast wouldn’t be here without it. If anyone is interested or has any questions, they can always contact me. I would be happy and honoured to help in any way I can.

What we’re reading:

What we’re watching / listening to:

Lilly Singh’s latest project, Doin’ It is out this month.

Govinda Nights by Londrelle feat. Willow Smith

Sid Sriram’s SOL with choreography by Usha Jey

— Arti Patel

Issue 88
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