Suchandrika Chakrabarti is the host of Freelance Pod, a show that chronicles the digital revolution of work. Suchandrika speaks with guests about how the internet has changed their lives, along with its role in the gig economy. Her guests reveal what freelancing has done for their career, lifestyle and beyond.
As a London based journalist and media specialist, Suchandrika is uniquely positioned to have a global view of the shifting media landscape of the last few decades. Her interview skills, professional relationships, and past work experience make her an expert in digital work.
Read more from Suchandrika Chakrabarti below and listen to Freelance Pod here (leave a review while you’re there!):
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Name:
Suchandrika Chakrabarti
Podcast Name:
Freelance Pod
Tell us what your podcast is about in 3 sentences or less!
How the internet has changed creative jobs.
Current hometown:
London
Originally From:
London
What’s a quote or piece of advice that you try to live by?
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Your Superpower:
Empathy
One thing on your bucket list:
Sail to the Antarctic
Any unusual hobbies?
It’s not unusual, but I dabble in a little stand-up comedy; as I haven’t yet had a paid gig, I guess I have to class it as a hobby for now!
What inspired you to start your podcast?
My life is divided into pre-and-post-internet. It’s changed everything, and 20 years into the digital age, I want to document how other people’s lives have changed. We start by talking about careers, but it always goes somewhere more personal. There’s always good advice too, for me and for the listeners.
Tell us more about your work/life outside of your podcast.
I am a journalist by trade, so i write articles; I also teach media skills, speak at events and perform a little stand-up comedy.
What is your show’s USP?
My interviewing and editing skills.
What is one of the greatest challenges you have personally faced with your podcast?
Learning how to interview over audio Skype calls when recording remotely – it’s a very different experience for the interviewee, and they can feel a bit adrift. I’ve had to come up with guidelines and a way of describing what the experience will feel like for them before recording.
What was one of your favorite episodes you’ve ever done? Why does it stand out?
“Content is one of the beautiful things about the internet” – Book editor Parul Bavishi on writing in a pandemic. Listen here!
Writing is my first love, and joining the online community that Parul Bavishi talks about on this episode helped me make a breakthrough that led to me writing a book proposal. It was lovely to talk about books and writing with someone from the publishing industry, and by sharing it, Parul has sent a lot of book editors to my social accounts, which makes me more immersed in the writing world.
What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast thus far that you are most proud of?
I’m about to hit 10,000 downloads 18 months in to making a podcast 100% by myself.
What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish through your podcast in the next year?
I would like to be invited to guest on other podcasts more often.
What is a trend or development in the podcast industry that you foresee happening in the next few years?
Much more audio fiction!
What is one of the best pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
Don’t interrupt! It’s rude and it makes editing more difficult!
What is one of the worst pieces of podcast-related advice you have ever received & why?
“This room will do” – no, it probably won’t!
What are some of your favorite women-hosted podcasts (besides your own)?
Thirst Aid Kit, How We Got Here, The Allusionist, Night Call, In Writing with Hattie Crisell, Cuddle Club with Lou Sanders, Growing up with gal-dem, You Must Remember This, Lingthusiasm, Sugar Calling
Can you tell us about a time when you took a huge risk/did something you were scared to do, and it totally paid off?
I went up to a stranger in a pub and asked him for a job. I got it!
Are there any great podcast-related resources you love that you would like to share?
Is there a charity or cause you care about that you would like to share?
How do you feel you’re making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
By creating a space where lots of non-white non-men (but white men can guest too) can talk about creativity without having to talk about gender, race etc. unless they want to. I am always guided by the guest’s interests in this respect.
Stay connected with Suchandrika Chakrabarti and Freelance Pod:
Website // Instagram // Twitter // LinkedIn // Youtube // Substack // Email