Coming together to start and build a family is hard work, and calls for utmost commitment from the couple. But opting to embark on a new creative endeavor just after getting married is an even greater undertaking which requires not just dedication and discipline but also unwavering faith and belief in the potential success of the project. And this is exactly what Wanjiru Njiru (pictured) chose to do when she started ‘The Joy Ride’ podcast series together with her spouse in 2022, just after the couple’s marriage. Below, she shares her podcasting journey, two years on, highlighting the lessons learnt, the challenges faced (and surmounted), as well as the successful milestones achieved along the way…
QUESTION: Can you tell us about your journey into podcasting and what inspired you to start your own show?
WANJIRU NJIRU: My podcasting journey started in 2022 when I just go married. We were looking for a platform that is just for the two of us, instead of him featuring on my channel. That’s when the idea of creating a podcast that was our own came in and that’s how the Joyride podcast was born.
Q: How would you describe your content creation style? What makes it unique and engaging for your audience?
WN: I don’t know if I have a specific title for my style but over the years I’ve come to realize that what makes me connect and engage with my community is by being authentic. People on the content are just looking for a relatable connection and by being authentic I’m able to give my audience a place to engage with.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you, juggling between being a wife and a content creator? How do you divide your time between content creation and other responsibilities?
WN: No day is the same for me. I’ve learnt to prioritise the different roles I have in my family and community.
Q: What are some challenges you face specifically with podcast production and editing?
WN: Trying to stay ahead of the curve by innovating new ways to engage our audience. We’ve had some great milestones on ‘The Joy Ride’ podcast this year like opening our own studio. Growth hasn’t been easy but we keep doing our best.
Q: How do you promote your podcast and reach new listeners?
WN: We are big on collaborating. We regularly host other content creators that we like and this allows us to reach their audience and new audiences. We also have newsletters to meet our audience at the point of their consumption.
Q: How did you get to work with Samsung?
WN: Samsung has been part of my journey and we go way back. The brand reached out to partner for the Galaxy S23FE campaign and I felt it was the right fit for me and my audience.
Q: What’s the most fun and also rewarding part of working with the brand outside of earning from it?
WN: Samsung will always have a soft spot in my heart. I actually did my undergraduate internship at Samsung. To be able to come back and work with the brand in my new found career is like going back home.
Q: What are some of your favorite podcasts, and why do you enjoy them?
WN: In Kenya, “So this is love by Jules” is a favourite, because I enjoy listening and reading love stories.
Q: What are your thoughts on the current state of the digital content creation and podcasting industry in Kenya?
WN: There’s so much potential and it’s great to see more people coming into the podcast industry. I think it has stopped being a niche industry and we are getting to hear more stories from across the country.
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