In a world where stories have the power to heal, Jaska Jost is leading the way by offering a safe space for people to share their experiences, no matter how heavy or emotional. Through her podcast and YouTube channel, she’s creating a community rooted in authenticity, empathy, and hope. Jaska’s journey is a testament to staying true to oneself while navigating the challenges of finding the right audience and balancing personal well-being. Her mission is simple yet profound: to bring light during dark times, one story at a time.
1. How do you approach the challenge of marketing your podcast and finding the right audience?
It’s really been a process of trial and error. I even took a course that promised millions of views and followers on TikTok and Instagram. To be fair, I did pick up some useful tips—especially for someone like me who’s basically a social media dinosaur. For example, I initially couldn’t grasp the whole concept of Instagram (like, what even is a “story,” and why would I create something that vanishes after 24 hours?). Honestly, I still struggle with the idea of quick, disposable content. I guess it’s just not how my generation thinks. But I digress. The main takeaway for me was realizing that I don’t want to do things just for the sake of views. I want to attract my people—those who resonate with my values, humor, and emotions. People who trust me to bring hope and a little light during dark times (even if it sounds a bit “woo-woo” 😊). I’m still exploring the best ways to find them, but I’m focused on staying authentic throughout the process.
2. What strategies have you found effective in growing your listener base and community?
I share my content in relevant communities, mainly through Facebook groups, and occasionally use paid promotions. Beyond that, it’s a bit of a wild world out there, and finding the right audience is definitely a challenge.
3. How do you maintain your own mental health while managing a platform that deals with sensitive and emotional topics?
One of my strengths—or perhaps my gift—is making people feel comfortable enough to open up about tough subjects. Over the years, I’ve learned to manage these sometimes unexpected “emotional unloads.” I’m pretty grounded, and I have a strong support system—my family and friends are my soft and fluffy cushion. When a particularly emotional story gets to me, I have outlets like writing poetry or short stories. But honestly, solitude is my best way to reset and regroup.
4. What challenges have you faced in balancing your personal life with your podcast and YouTube projects?
Finding the right balance between work, family, and my creative projects is definitely tricky. But the time I spend on my projects actually recharges me, giving me more energy for everything else.
5. How do you prepare yourself emotionally before engaging with difficult or sensitive interviews?
I wouldn’t be able to do this if I weren’t confident in my ability to hold space for my guest’s emotions. In those moments, it’s all about them and what they’re going through. My own emotions are something I deal with later, as I mentioned earlier. It’s essential not to forget about that—taking care of myself afterward ensures that I’m balanced and rooted, which is the only way I can genuinely support others.
6. What advice would you give to other women who are looking to start a podcast or YouTube channel?
I can only speak from my own experience—what works for me may not work for everyone, and we all have different goals. It’s one thing if you have deep knowledge in a particular field that you want to share, and it’s another if you’re showcasing your art. But if your calling is anything like mine, you probably don’t have much choice but to follow it! My advice would be to first know who you are and stay true to that throughout the journey. Don’t lose yourself in the process—then go and do what you feel compelled to do.
7. How has your experience with your podcast changed your perspective on the power of storytelling?
Storytelling feels like a double-edged sword made of chocolate—everyone wins. For the guest, it’s often a relief to unburden themselves. Sometimes, just saying something out loud makes it feel less overwhelming. Even if you’re alone, try speaking your thoughts out loud—it usually makes things seem smaller inside your head. We women, especially, tend to do more for others than for ourselves (which isn’t the healthiest strategy, by the way). I recently saw a meme that said, “One day you’ll tell the story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” That’s the other sweet edge of the sword—listeners might find hope and guidance through those shared experiences. No one is truly alone; someone else has been through it too. Listening is just as important. There’s nothing worse than opening up to someone who doesn’t listen, dismisses your feelings, or offers advice you didn’t ask for. My goal is to truly listen and offer a virtual hug.
8. What do you hope listeners take away from the stories shared on your podcast?
I believe that in any struggle, the hardest part is feeling isolated—thinking no one else understands. But knowing that someone else has faced a similar situation, even if they experienced it differently, can be incredibly comforting. For example, the guests in my recent miniseries on infertility were so courageous and inspiring. I hope their stories spark hope and strength in listeners who might be feeling lost or too afraid to speak up about their own pain.
9. What future topics or stories are you most excited to explore on your platforms?
I’m very intuitive and follow my passions organically. Infertility was the most recent big topic, but I’m also interested in exploring adoption and coming to terms with being childfree. Single motherhood, divorce (from any perspective—the couple or the children), and other complex life transitions are also on my radar. But most of all, I want people to come to me with the topics that weigh heavy on their hearts, so they can finally release that burden. I’m always here, ready to listen.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaska6654
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1u7xC5mmZu0z7IYNmmsYXA?si=efd29458de38444b&nd=1&dlsi=7ae795024b3d46fd
Podcasting platforms: https://interview-with-you.castos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jostjaska
FB profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558653681862
Podcast’s FB page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558633312605
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaska.jost?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=p
