How I Created, Funded and Launched My New Podcast (while the World Was in Meltdown)
Description
In this special episode, I share how the pandemic prompted me to create, fund and launch my new poetry podcast, A Mouthful of Air.
First, I reflect on my own journey through Covid disruptions – from coaching creatives to writing poetry – and then my friend Joanna Penn interviews me about the inspiration, funding and production behind the show.
UPDATE, 2025: A Mouthful of Air is still going, and has been selected by The Guardian in a list of ‘five of the best’ poetry podcasts, and by Podcast Review for three years running as one of the 11 best podcasts for poetry lovers. So it feels like it was worth the effort to get it started, back in the tense days of the pandemic. 
‘For me personally, poetry is the bedrock – it’s the foundation of who I am in everything that I do.’ – listen to my story and Joanna Penn’s interview about launching a podcast amid global upheaval.
Episode summary
Mark McGuinness
Mark McGuinness is an award-winning poet and creative coach whose podcast The 21st Century Creative has guided thousands of creatives. In this episode he unveils how he launched his new poetry show, A Mouthful of Air, against the backdrop of the pandemic.
Big ideas in this conversation
- Poetry as foundation – personal art can anchor and enrich professional work.
- ‘Throw them in the deep end, then give them a lifejacket’ – my approach to poetry podcasting.
- Diverse funding strategies – combine coaching revenue, grants and independence to support creative ventures.
Advice worth hearing in full
- Seize disruption – crises can spur new passion projects and opportunities.
- Play multiple games – pursue both traditional and independent routes to find the best platform for each project.
Where next?
Listen to A Mouthful of Air at amouthfulofair.fm to hear how classic and contemporary poems are made.
About The 21st Century Creative podcast
Hosted by creative coach and award-winning poet Mark McGuinness, The 21st Century Creative podcast helps you succeed as a creative professional amid the demands, distractions and opportunities of the 21st century.
Each episode features insights from Mark and interviews with outstanding creators – including artists, writers, performers, commercial creatives, directors, producers, entrepreneurs and other creative thought-leaders.
Make sure you receive every episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
Join the mailing list to have every episode delivered to your inbox, along with the free 21st Century Creative Foundation Course.
The post How I Created, Funded and Launched My New Podcast (while the World Was in Meltdown) appeared first on Creative Coach | Mark McGuinness.
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