How can podcasting become therapy for depression and anxiety?

In this episode of Creators at Work, host Donald Dunn sits down with Noah May — journalism graduate, mental health advocate, and host of the rapidly growing podcast Lethal Venom — to talk about building a podcast from scratch, overcoming depression and anxiety, and turning personal pain into purpose.

Noah opens up about growing up feeling isolated, battling long-term mental health struggles, and how starting a podcast became a powerful form of self-expression and emotional release. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a paid opportunity and a growing platform that connects with listeners navigating similar struggles.

This conversation explores:

1. How podcasting can be therapeutic for mental health
2. The reality of starting a podcast with no experience
3. Lessons learned from launching multiple shows
4. The power of vulnerability in content creation
5. Depression, anxiety, and finding your voice
6. How platforms like Spotify and Apple impact podcast growth
7. Balancing creative burnout with consistency
8. The transition from hobby podcasting to monetization

Noah shares the origin story behind Lethal Venom, the meaning behind the name, and how “truth can be lethal” when it forces growth and confrontation. He also discusses building momentum on podcast platforms, handling guest interviews, and navigating the emotional side of content creation.

If you are:

1. A new podcaster looking for practical advice
2. A creator struggling with consistency or burnout
3. Someone battling depression or anxiety
4. Or someone searching for purpose through creative work

This episode delivers honest insight into what it means to build something meaningful while healing yourself in the process.

Website: https://noahspodcast.com

Podcast: Lethal Venom (Available on Spotify & Apple)

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Auburn University
2. Podmatch
3. Spotify
4. Apple
5. Anchor

In this episode of Creators at Work, Donald Dunn sits down with Maxwell Ivey, known worldwide as The Blind Blogger, to discuss why accessibility matters for podcasters and creators — and how improving accessibility can directly grow your audience. Maxwell shares his journey from teaching himself HTML in two thousand seven just to get online, to becoming a respected accessibility expert, speaker, consultant, and advisory board member for PodMatch.

Maxwell explains how most creators unintentionally limit their reach by ignoring accessibility standards on their websites, podcasts, and digital platforms. From proper website structure and alt text to audio clarity and inclusive content practices, he breaks down practical steps that can make your content more usable for everyone — not just people with disabilities.

This conversation goes beyond compliance. It’s about opportunity. When you make your content accessible, you’re not just doing the right thing — you’re expanding your visibility, strengthening your brand, and positioning yourself as a professional who understands audience growth.

If you’re a podcaster, blogger, business owner, or content creator looking to build authority and increase engagement, this episode will challenge you to rethink how accessible your platform truly is — and what you might be missing.

Listen now and discover how accessibility isn’t a limitation — it’s a competitive advantage.

Vicky Ann, a talented young adult paranormal author, dives into the enchanting world of spiritualism and the paranormal in our latest chat. With a knack for crafting gripping tales—like her award-winning Alex McKenna series featuring a transgender teen with extraordinary gifts—Vicky shares her journey of navigating the complexities of writing in the genre. We’ll explore how her sensitivity to the supernatural shapes her stories and the unique challenges she faces in both the writing and publishing processes. From the nitty-gritty of editing to the exhilarating highs of seeing her books in print, Vicky's insights will inspire and entertain aspiring authors and readers alike. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s uncover the mysteries behind her captivating narratives!

Takeaways:

1. Vicki Ann's journey into writing began in childhood, sparked by a murder mystery contest that captivated her imagination.
2. The passion for writing is essential to overcome the challenges of editing and marketing in the publishing process.
3. Exploring spirituality and the paranormal can profoundly influence an author's writing style and subject matter, as Vicki's works demonstrate.
4. Creating characters often feels like a collaborative process where they sometimes take the lead in shaping their own stories.
5. The editing phase can be a rollercoaster, as authors often relive their narratives multiple times, which reveals both the joy and the struggles of writing.
6. For aspiring authors, facing rejection is a part of the journey, and using those experiences as motivation can lead to success.

Links referenced in this episode:

1. vickiannebush.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Barnes and Noble
2. Creative James Media
3. Amazon