So this is a potentially sticky subject, but I wanted to discuss it. I'm going to frame it around the .NET Core podcast that I produce
I'll only l...
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Totally reach out to people! That's how I've been approached for all the podcasts I've been on -- people have just DM'ed me on Twitter or Emailed me.
I super agree that having a diverse guest list is super important in tech, just to show that there are successful people from underrepresented groups already in tech shows newcomers that it is possible and builds respect from all listeners.
Maybe the best example of a diverse guestlist for a tech podcast is the CodeNewbie podcast! It's diverse from all angles too -- from super experts to newbies, from all walks of life and backgrounds.
This is where I'd like my show to be. Heck, I'd love all shows to be like this.
This is one of the aims of my podcast. I want to hear from everyone (although that's not going to be feasible) in the .NET Core community about what they're building and their experiences with it. And to provide a place where people can come and hear about the folks in the community, and their backgrounds - regardless of who they are.
Maybe we should all take a pro-active approach and actively look around for and ask folks from underrepresented groups. I guess what worries me about that is how I (specifically) would come across.
Maybe I should make it a call to action on the show, and have a contact page where folks can reach out, arrange to be on the show, and get their voice heard.
Oh, that would be cool! I don't think you reach out to people based on demographics alone, but in general a "hey, you do cool stuff, would you want to talk on my podcast?" would be totally cool, and you could reach out to anybody and see if they go for it. I don't think I know any .NET women (I would actually guess .NET is less diverse than tech as a whole from speaking at .NET conferences), but I'm in some Women in Tech groups and could reach out to them if you're interested.
That makes a lot more sense. Rather than cherry picking folks or groups out, shouting up about wanting to hear from folks from all walks of life and backgrounds.
I did send out a tweet along those lines, but that was months ago. Time for a new one, I think.
Worked for me :3
Scott Hanselman does a great job at finding a wide variety of guests but your show has a much more narrow focus so I imagine it will be tougher. I think a post like this is a great way to approach the problem though.
How does one reach outside their echo chamber? Perhaps one way is to ask for help...which is exactly what you've done here!
Absolutely. I feel like I’ve met some great folks after first hearing them on Hanselminutes and then keeping up with them. Of course, the podcast is only one small part of @shanselman ’s positive impact on inclusion.