Beginnings of belonging: Analysing the introductory episodes of diasporic women’s podcasts

In an increasingly interconnected world, diasporic communities adapt to new cultures while seeking a sense of belonging. Women living in the diaspora express the complexity of their identities through various means, including podcasting, a prominent alternative medium of the twenty-first century. This study analyses the content of introductory episodes from sixteen podcasts independently produced and hosted by diasporic women representing diverse regions, races, sexual orientations, religious beliefs and age groups. The aim is to understand the topics, narratives, strategies and motivations behind these podcasts. Grounded primarily in the theories of diasporic media and intersectionality, this research employs qualitative content analysis. Findings reveal how these podcasts by diasporic women serve as channels for expression, offering podcasters a sense of a new home within the sonic realm of podcasting. Mainly, close-circle female friends and family members are given a voice in these podcasts. Without expecting monetary gain, the motivations for the podcasters largely involve creating a platform for fellow diasporic women, building community and sharing the diasporic experience. A range of topics, including personal stories, social taboos, mental health and identity politics, is covered in these podcasts.