Two local women felt there is a need to hear from community women and showcase the impact they are having on Owensboro. Rebecca McQueen-Ruark and Jackie Smith have created “The Broad Pod” podcast to do just that.
McQueen-Ruark, vice president of student affairs at Kentucky Wesleyan College, already has a podcast where she interviews students. She feels fortunate that the two women are able to use the WKWC podcast studio for their bi-monthly shows.
Smith, owner of Jackie Blue Handmade, has been a guest on several podcasts sharing her family’s unique journey to parenthood and said sharing their story was the beginning.
“In the past, it occasionally crossed my mind to start a podcast on the topic of infertility,” Smith said. “As someone who had quite the journey to parenthood, I have a passion for loving on couples who are in the thick of their infertility journey. It was never more than a fleeting thought, but my husband Zach has always said I should consider doing a podcast.”
Navigating life with two kids while working from home with her jewelry design company has been fulfilling and draining at times, she said.
“I realized that it was time for me to do something outside of the home that interests me so that my cup can be full for those who are most important to me – my husband and kids,” Smith said.
McQueen-Ruark said that her dream job was always to be on the radio and creating podcasts is a way to accomplish that without changing careers.
“We are both at a point in our lives where we have accomplished things both personally and professionally but want to learn and grow more,” McQueen-Ruark said.
Both stressed that there are many local women doing incredible work, and creating “The Broad Pod” podcasts allows those women and their accomplishments to be shared with the community.
“Meeting local women who are dominating in their fields really encourages me to want to continue to show up in whatever ways I am able,” Smith said. “Although a lot of women do things without the intention of recognition, we want to show these women how important they are to our community. As much as I know listeners will be inspired, I’m most excited about the impact it will have on the women we interview. I want them to feel proud of who they are and what they are doing. I hope they feel special and appreciated for their work and commitment to their community.”
McQueen-Ruark also believes that while some of the women they are interviewing are known but a big portion of the community, many are doing behind-the-scenes work and activities that need to be shared.
“Selfishly, we really just really want to get to know these women more, but also know that others can benefit from them as well,” she said.
With an initial set of questions created by Smith, they also tailor the interview for each guest. Smith said that laughing with her partner is one of the best things to come from the podcasts.
“In my opinion, Becca is one of the best parts about the podcast,” she said. “Her sense of humor keeps me giggling and brings me joy.”
McQueen-Ruark said that the opportunity to connect with the women and learn about their contributions to their professions, families, and community is important to her since she is not from Owensboro.
“I laugh and learn a lot every time we record one,” she said.
Both women use social media to communicate with listeners for new podcasts and they rely on the guests to share with their friends and families, too.
While McQueen-Ruark joked they plan to go “big time” and rival Ryan Seacrest and Brene Brown, she really hopes that listeners are inspired by the women they interview.
The podcasts are available here as well as on most podcast streaming services. More information is available on their Facebook Page.
