Into The Podverse: Podcasting In Africa and Around The World

 Let's start with what I didn't know about Africa when I began listening to Tony Doe's podcast about African podcasting. Africa is the second-largest continent at 30 million square kilometers or 11.7 million square miles. I didn't know that Africa is bigger than China, India, the continental U.S., and most of Europe combined. Amazingly, the Sahara alone is bigger than the continental USA.

Africa is the 'cradle of humankind'. Fossils found in Africa, show that human beings and their closest relatives, the gorilla and chimpanzees, were born and evolved in Africa.

Africa is the second most populated continent in the world. There are 1.3 billion people in Africa, 17% of the world population. The continent’s population is expected to more than double to 2.3 billion people by 2050. Africa has 54 countries and about 3000 tribes. There are over 3000 languages spoken in Africa. Amharic, Arabic, English, French, Hausa, Oromo, Swahili and Yoruba are among the languages widely spoken.

Other than Antarctica, Africa is the continent in which people know the least about. Thanks to Tony Doe (Tony Onwuchekw), I've learned much about Africa the continent, its people, its dynamic cultures and its thriving podcasting community.

Tony is the creator / host of Into The Podverse. Tony's marketing pitch is:  "the podcast explores the latest innovations, challenges and opportunities for podcasters from an African perspective. It also features exclusive interviews with Masters of the Podverse, all aimed at helping to elevate the voices and experiences of the podcasting community."

Who is Tony Doe? He is a Radio and Podcast Consultant, out of Lagos, Nigeria. He has years of experience as an Audio Content Strategist, in Production And in Management For Multi-Format Radio Stations. Most recently at Wazobia 93.7 FM, Onitsha, Tony led a team of on-air talents as Programs’ Manager to top three status in the region, growing the audience share by 75% in three months.

He currently curates, produces and hosts the informative hybrid newsletter-podcast, Into The Podverse, which explores challenges and opportunities for podcasters from an African perspective. Tony also has other shows as ‘The Tony Doe Podcast’, with radio broadcasters as guests, and Up Gunners! A weekly review and tribute to his favorite football team, Arsenal FC.

Tony says: "At Into The Podverse, we're more than just a newsletter and podcast – we're your gateway to the dynamic world of podcasts with a uniquely African perspective. Formerly known as "Podcast Related: This Week In The Podverse," we have rebranded to create a unified brand that encapsulates the essence of who we are and what we bring to your podcasting experience.

Into The Podverse is a subsidiary of Tony Doe Media, dedicated to providing unparalleled insights and trends within the podcasting industry. We’re passionate about podcasting, focusing on highlighting the vibrant and ever-growing African podcast scene

Into The Podverse with Tony Doe delves into the latest releases, industry news, and emerging trends, offering a comprehensive view that reflects the richness of the podcasting world from a Nigerian and African standpoint.

Doe notes: "Our mission is to be your go-to destination for podcasting insights. Whether you're a podcaster looking to stay ahead of trends, an industry professional seeking valuable perspective, or someone simply curious about the diverse and exciting African podcast landscape, Into The Podverse has you covered."

Here are some topics on Into The Podverse.

 "Recently on X, Big Cuz (@imohumoren) got everyone talking by calling out some podcasts for normalizing prostitution and transactional relationships. It's sparked concern about the impact on our values and culture. People are speaking up against it, saying these podcasts should focus on more meaningful stuff instead. It's not just about entertainment; it's about how these shows influence society. For indie African podcasters like us, it's a reminder to be mindful of the content we create. We've got to balance getting listeners with staying true to our values and keeping their trust. Our stories can shape cultural norms, so let's make sure they're positive and educational. This debate shows why ethical storytelling matters—it's our chance to stand out by inspiring our communities and being responsible creators."

"A new podcast featuring South African travel writer Philip Briggs and Charlotte Beauvoisin, also known as Nagawa, is helping to promote tourism in Uganda. The podcast showcases Uganda's beautiful places and rich culture, aiming to attract more visitors to the country."

"The South African Tourism Board has teamed up with the popular comedy podcast "Wuliaozhai" to attract more tourists. In a special segment called "See the World," hosts talk with comedians about their recent trips to South Africa. These funny stories aim to make South Africa sound like a great place to visit."

Recently, Tony was a guest on 5 Random Questions with Danny Brown.  On the show, Tony revealed a tech horror story, and shared his insights in culture and society in Nigeria.

Check out Into The Podverse for insights into podcasting in Africa, African culture, and podcasting industry updates.