The Art of Podcasting: You’ve Been Heard!

In my mid-40s, I embarked on an unexpected adventure: hosting a podcast. The topic was something I knew inside and out—divorce, separation, and all things family law. But I had no prior experience in podcasting, nor was I an avid podcast listener. Yet, much like my approach to many areas of life and work, I decided to take the plunge, buy a microphone, and figure it out as I went along.

The catalyst for this journey was Audrey, a divorce coach I had met during the pandemic through Facebook. Over the course of a year, we became close friends. One day, we wondered aloud, Why not start a podcast? We had nothing to lose and believed we had plenty of meaningful topics to cover. Little did we know that three years later, we’d still be going strong.

At the start, we kept things simple. We brainstormed a list of topics and guests to sustain us for a year and agreed on a division of labour. I focused on legal aspects and invited experts in the field, while Audrey tackled coaching and well-being topics. The balance worked perfectly, blending our respective expertise into engaging conversations.

Starting from Scratch

We did have a few obstacles to overcome to start with. Neither of us had any technical expertise, and I’ve always had a famously difficult relationship with technology. Thankfully, Audrey was slightly more tech-savvy, and we figured things out together. We began with professional sound technicians but soon decided to manage production ourselves, which added to the sense of accomplishment.

Podcasting has since grown into much more than a professional endeavour—it’s become a cherished hobby. Despite its roots in my work, it brings me joy and fulfillment, and funnily enough helps me relax. It’s a creative outlet that has enriched my life in unexpected ways. Through the podcast, I’ve met extraordinary individuals—lawyers, financial advisers, divorce coaches, and experts in wellness. It’s opened my eyes to the holistic needs of clients going through a divorce, from stress relief to self-care.

Broadening Horizons

When we first started, I understood the importance of stress relief for my clients, but I didn’t explore it much beyond recommending therapists and coaches. I have learnt so much about new areas like nutrition, exercise, personal style, and even alternative therapies like sound bowls and hypnotherapy. This summer, I tried sound bowl therapy in a yurt in the south of France—an experience I tested with my family to ensure it was podcast-worthy.

Every guest brings a new perspective, whether it’s a stylist helping individuals rediscover their confidence through fashion or a charity worker tackling child relocation and abduction cases. Each episode pushes me to explore topics outside my comfort zone, and I’ve grown personally and professionally as a result.

A Platform for Empowerment

What started as a way to promote our services as a lawyer and divorce coach has evolved into something far greater. Our podcast provides accessible information to listeners who may not yet be ready to take proactive steps in their own legal or emotional journeys. It allows us to help people without the constraints of billing hours, creating a sense of community and reducing the isolation often felt during divorce.

Co-hosting with Audrey adds an irreplaceable dynamic to the show. Our banter and genuine laughter are therapeutic for us both. We cover serious topics but believe in the healing power of humor and lighthearted moments. This balance makes our episodes informative yet enjoyable.

Some of my favourite episodes have been about areas that don’t naturally resonate with me, like fashion, food, and relaxation techniques. These conversations broaden my perspective and challenge me to embrace new ideas. I’ve also come to appreciate how the podcast has helped me promote my work in a way I never would have before. As a shy person, saying, I’m a podcast host fills me with a quiet sense of pride.

Three Years On

Podcasting hasn’t just enhanced my professional life—it’s given me balance. It’s a creative space where I can reflect, learn, and connect with fascinating people. It’s also a reminder that even as lawyers, we can approach our work in ways that are innovative, human, and deeply impactful.

For anyone considering a similar venture, I’d say this: just start. You never know where it might lead. For me, podcasting has become a source of pride, growth, and joy. And three years in, I love it more than ever.

This article was published in the February 2025 issue of Hong Kong Lawyer.