More about the award-winning narrative podcast training program intensive: course curriculum, time commitment, expectations, communication, team culture, graduates, and more.
Kasama Collective // narrative podcasting curriculum
Module 1: why create?
Module 2: great story
Module 3: your creative personality
Module 4: great sound
Module 5: tell me more
Module 6: Finding your voice(over)
Module 7: let’s get personal
Module 8: how not to podfade
Module 9: great structure
Module 10: the messy middle
Module 11: befriending the beast
Module 12: sonic storytelling
Module 13: pitch perfect
Module 14: creative living
Module 15: beyond networking
Module 16: why keep creating?
Want the award-winning curriculum, without the intensive? Sign up for Labs Weekender, the self-paced version of the course launching June 1.
We don’t just mentor and train.
We launch creators into careers.
Program goals
Kasama Collective exists first to launch women and non-binary narrative podcasters into their careers. But we aim not simply to teach skills and provide production credits, but to mentor and equip our graduates with the habits and practices of an integrated, fulfilling life. We go above and beyond to build lifelong relationships with people that we see as the future of our shared vocation.
Kasama Collective includes:
Weekly training modules covering both the technical skills of narrative podcasting, and life skills like avoiding burnout and overcoming imposter syndrome.
One-on-one coaching through podcast episode production, from idea to post-production.
Production credits on episodes, with intensive training and guidance on pitching, interviewing, scriptwriting, audio editing, scoring, and mixing.
Resume, interview, and negotiation coaching.
A personalized behind-the-scenes dive into podcasting, from project management to promotions.
A selective, supportive community of kindred spirits.
Why mentorship matters
We are teaching, training, and mentoring women and non-binary creatives to thrive not just in their creative work, but to be part of changing work culture for the better. We believe our graduates are the future of our profession, and we aim to provide a springboard into their careers so they can get to the work that matters to them better and faster.
A key part of the mentorship are teaching modules, the kind of instruction and training you would normally need to take a class or enroll in an MFA program to get access to.
The work that our trainees complete throughout the course of the program is designed to give them real hands on experience and knowledge that will help them secure jobs.
Our graduates have gone on to get associate producer jobs at the ACLU, Headspace, Stitcher, and elsewhere. Many of them came to us with no audio experience, and were hired after just a couple of months with us. Even those who had prior experience tell us that before they came to Shelter in Place, they felt shut out of the audio job market. Once they joined Shelter in Place’s program, they not only started getting interviews and job offers, but saw themselves as thoughtful creators in a vibrant, supportive community of fellow graduates and mentors.
“Laura was really invested in our personal and professional growth development. She wasn't just genius about podcasting, but giving us the tools to survive as a creative person.”
— Elen Tekle, spring 2021 cohort
Kasama Collective // a typical week
Communications and expectations:
Over the course of the program, you’ll learn how to write and edit episode scripts, edit audio, score episodes with music and sound effects, conduct interviews, pitch to radio stations, podcasts, and newsletters, create social media posts, and manage production schedules. We (and your teammates) will provide guidance, instruction, coaching, and feedback along the way.
Often the weekly objectives include working with other program participants, which our past graduates have told us was one of the best parts of the program.
Our program is remote; we meet twice a week as a team, but most of our interaction happens over the voice memo app Voxer. It’s our version of the water cooler conversations that would happen in an office setting, and a key way to build trust and connection virtually.
Requirements include:
Attend team project meetings (one hour, once a week).
Attend module meetings (90 minutes, once a week), exploring both technical skills and vocational and creative questions like work/life balance, storytelling ethics, avoiding burnout, and motivation.
Monthly call with Laura; we encourage you to get outside and walk while you talk during these meetings.
Complete a short weekly check-in form.
Individual and collaborative project work.
Time tracking.
Daily communication via email, Notion, and Voxer.
Finally: be open to changing, sharing, and growing!
“I haven't encountered such a supportive and artistically fruitful workplace in my decade of professional experience.”
— Michele O’Brien, spring 2021 graduate
Kasama Collective // training program FAQs
What previous experience do I need to be accepted to this program?
The short answer? None.
We are less interested in past experience and more interested in how you approach your work. We’re looking for people who are teachable, eager to learn and grow, willing to try new things, and able to communicate when they need help.
We believe that most things can be taught. Our past graduates came from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Some of them were brand new to audio and early in their careers, but others were mid-career and looking to transition to a career in audio.
What is the expected time commitment?
We believe that the best way to learn is by doing, and we want our graduates to come away with production credits impressive enough to get them great jobs, so we ask program participants to commit 10 hours per week Kasama Collective. Much of that time is similar to what they would get from a paid audio course, an MFA program, and leadership coaching sessions. We invite our participants into the creative process from pitch to publishing, and many of our graduates helped produce episodes that began as their own pitch ideas.
What are traits of successful applicants?
First, they do their homework: they read the site, they listen to episodes, and they show those things in their cover letters and interviews. And they’re passionate this opportunity! See two examples of successful cover letters here and here.
What does working here feel like?
We try to be the bosses we always wish we’d had: emotionally supportive and understanding, yet also inspiring and challenging. We believe that creating a safe space is a precondition for personal and creative growth, and we bring our full selves to the team.
We prioritize teaching and coaching, and so program participants rotate through all areas of the team so they can see the process of creating podcasts from start to finish.
For participants who are specifically interested in learning about project management, we provide the opportunity to shape our systems, which are continually evolving.
All participants track their hours and are encouraged let us know when they’re approaching ten hours—even if it means they don’t finish their objectives for that week. We encourage participants to take time away from work to rest each week.
How much does the training program cost?
Kasama Collective costs $4,000, but diversity of candidates and backgrounds is crucial to us, so we offer scholarship assistance on a case-by-case basis.
Can I get the training modules even if I can’t participate in the program?
Yes! Labs Weekender is the new self-paced version of the same award-winning curriculum. It’s designed to enable creative podcast learning and experiments for people who already have jobs and commitments.
What are the key qualities you look for in applicants?
#1 is openness to learning and growth. #2 is a commitment to communicating. #3 is a collaborative spirit. #4 is passion for doing great work. #5 is a desire to contribute.
We prioritize relationships and grapple with hard issues and personal struggles. Honesty, heart, communication, and commitment are huge here.
What will I be expected to contribute?
We expect each trainee to give their authentic selves, their best ideas, and their hard work, and we will do the same. Equally important is helping peers improve, and making the program better for the future.
What can I hope to gain?
If you work hard, you’ll get the production credits, industry knowledge, and team skills that will get you interviews for creative, podcasting, or radio jobs.
When requested, participants may choose to take on more responsibility with episodes and earn associate producer credit.
What self-awareness or life skills are involved?
Every person on the team evaluates weekly what they’re working on that is life-giving, and what’s draining. Our goal is to help each person find their way to the work that is life-giving, where they can thrive and have the skills and confidence to pursue that area beyond our program.
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“It was a life-changing and career-changing experience for me.”
— Shweta Watwe, spring 2021 cohort
Intensive training program // additional FAQ’s
What do graduates go on to do next?
Our graduates go on to start their own businesses, create podcasts, and work for premiere news organizations and publications (e.g. the ACLU, Headspace, Stitcher, etc.).
When our program participants get interviews or are asked to provide work samples, we advise them to stop whatever they’re doing with Shelter in Place so we can coach them through practice interviews, provide feedback on their work samples, and help them feel confident as they talk to potential future employers.
Our graduates also have the option to stay in touch via our monthly Shelter in Place alumnae writing group.
What if I’m not sure I want to go into podcasting?
Podcasting and audio storytelling are the focus of the mentorship, but the skills we teach are intended to be more broadly applicable to living a life of health and intention, and many kinds of creative expression. Our past graduates have also come to us from finance, science, theater, comedy, and film.
Are there any deal-breakers for potential applicants?
If you simply want a line on your resume, dislike collaboration, or don’t like want to be emotionally open with colleagues, this isn’t for you.
Attending our two weekly team meetings, communicating regularly during the work week, developing lifelong relationships, and contributing to the betterment of your teammates and the program are essential —and are the things our past graduates say they loved most!
Does it matter where I live? Do I have to be in the U.S.?
No, our program is fully remote, so as long as you have reliable phone and internet and can attend our weekly meetings, you can be wherever you want. (Some of our NYC-based trainees have gotten together in person, but that’s a bonus, not a requirement.)
“I really felt seen and appreciated. I have never felt so affirmed.”
— Samantha Skinner, spring 2021
(Or, if an intensive isn’t right for you, but you’d appreciate a self-paced version of the award-winning narrative podcasting curriculum, check out Labs Weekender!)