Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Thomas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been a reader, but when I moved to LA in 2012, my reading took a major hit. I couldn’t find the time to squeeze in reading, especially without the subway rides I used for designated reading time back in NYC. I started setting reading goals and posting about what I was reading on social media. The more I read and posted, the more people started talking to me about books in real life. I thought there must be an audience for casual and approachable conversations about books. Then in 2017, I read Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson and wanted to talk about it with someone, and no one I knew had read it. I looked online to see if there were any podcasts about the book, and there were only two. One was a legal podcast, which was out of my depth, and the other barely grazed the surface of the book. That’s when it all clicked, I’ll start a book podcast and talk about the books I love that don’t always get the attention and I’ll do it in an approachable way. Thus, The Stacks was born.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been smooth mostly if I’m being honest. Sure, I knew NOTHING about how to make a podcast, but I knew that going in. Which I think helped. I allowed myself to be patient and to ask for help. I also spent a TON of time on Youtube and Google looking for answers to questions, like how do I convert this file? Or how can I get good audio quality for a phone interview?
Please tell us about The Stacks.
The Stacks is a book podcast. Guests join me for two episodes of bookish conversations. In their first episode, guests will talk about their reading habits, likes and dislikes, and much more. In their second episode, they’ll discuss The Stacks Book Club (TSBC) pick.
I think what the show does best is talk about books in a way that other people aren’t doing. The show embraces diversity in books from the guests we have on to the books we cover and that is awesome. We don’t shy away from talking about tough topics, and we try to do it was a sense of compassion and humor. I am really proud of the range that this show has had and I’m honored to have had so many wonderful guests.
We’ve been able connect with so many amazing readers and that makes me beyond proud. It has been an honor to get to talk books with so many smart and thoughtful people. It really is the best part.
I think more than anything this show reflects the world we live in. Colorful. Challenging. Accessible. Joyful.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Oh, I know, I maybe would have had a plan longer than a few months. I didn’t make a business plan because I didn’t know this was going to be a business. I thought it was a hobby. Now a year later I’m trying to figure out what The Stacks is and could be.
I have to say, I’m proud of the journey the show has gone on naturally and for the moment, I don’t have a lot of regrets. It’s only been a year, so maybe that will change.
Contact Info:
- Website: thestackspodcast.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/thestackspod
- Facebook: facebook.com/thestackspodcast
- Twitter: twitter.com/thestackspod_
- Other: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-stacks/id1362164483?mt=2&app=podcast&at=1000lLiX, Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ANOw4YOd7suJrKkt1Xg2s
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Iv7rbpjc7gupbqgow6xrrfqvhym
Image Credit:
Claire Leahy
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
