"You don't need to be a voice for the voiceless,

just pass the Mic."

            - Su'ad abdul khabeer

    

What do I mean by audio docs?

Audio documentaries are a medium - often radio or podcasts- that use sound design and interviews to tell real-world stories.  They are the audio version of documentary films!   

Why audio? 

Focusing on audio allows listeners to feel the subtle dimensions of emotions- a tremble in a voice, a hesitant pause, or a brassy cackling laugh that wheezes with pain.  

Learning to listen closely to emotions can lead to understanding of complex situations and make a better community.  

 

Image: Two members of the Women's Radio Listening Club in Seke Zimbabwe hold a large radio.  “DTR Clubs - Seke receive free radios from FES [Friedrich Ebert Stiftung] – Germany org.”]; Date 1990s The owner of the photo is Mavis Mayo and the photographer is Calvin Dondo.    

Image: Two members of the Women's Radio Listening Club in Seke Zimbabwe hold a large radio.  “DTR Clubs - Seke receive free radios from FES [Friedrich Ebert Stiftung] – Germany org.”]; Date 1990s

The owner of the photo is Mavis Mayo and the photographer is Calvin Dondo.  

 

stories can build community. 

Audio docs provide a rare opportunity for people to discuss experiences and feel heard on a larger platform. For many members of communities with voices and contributions that are historically and routinely erased- and those who stand in the intersections of these identities- asking them to tell their own story is new: it is revolutionary.

People tell their own stories best.  

As an audio documentarian, I ask questions, listen to responses and build bridges so listeners can connect in new ways to each other.

Broadcasting diverse voices builds a more inclusive community.

Audio documentaries can be significant in building  an inclusive community that values listening and showing up for each other for both struggles and celebrations.