Podcaster Profiles: Diana Krach -- Indie Podcaster, Businesswoman, Lifestyle Advocate

 Independent podcasters are a tough bunch. They have to be. They exist in an industry where corporations of massive size, political power, and legal advantages have pushed their way in with the intent of pushing everyone else out. It's the "last man standing" scenario.

Diana Krach is not a person to be messed with. She's a successful independent podcaster, businesswoman and lifestyle advocate. Diana and her husband, J.R. own and run three highly successful indie podcasts. And they do all that with an admirable goal of making the world a better place.

Diana says: "If big brands had a firmer grasp on the unique potential of podcast sponsorship, it wouldn’t be so difficult for independent shows to be profitable. Aside from that, I wish podcast guests were more involved in promoting a show after an appearance/interview. More than sharing or reposting, I would love to see more guests take an active part in reviewing and boosting the show."

To be clear, Diana dreams big, as all successful entrepreneurs do. When we asked her what would be your dream outcome for your podcasts, she answered: "To have more listeners! All joking aside, I would love to get to a point where we are regarded as a go-to hub for plant-y education and entertainment. I hope the momentum continues to grow, and that I continue to learn and share with an audience who appreciates the work."

Before we delve into Diana, let's tell me about her three successful indie podcasts. First,  Getting Personal With Plant Medicine (GPPM) is not a crunchy, granola, anti-science, fringe-y health podcast. In fact, the opposite is true. The science of using plants medicinally in our daily health regimen is rigorously researched by the co-hosts and accurately communicated on the show.

 In the (GPPM) podcast, creator/host Diana-Ashley Krach talks with her life and podcasting partner -- JR Krach -- about the inherent flaws in Western modern medicine. While there are copious flaws with our health care system, the Krach's rightfully focus on the indiscriminate prescribing of medications to solve every physical problem. Soon, the couple rightfully asserts, people's health suffers because of dangerous interactions between medications and medication side effects.

The show's elevator pitch is simple yet effective: "Whether you're just starting to explore the potential of plants or are a seasoned alternative healing expert, our show invites you to unwind, learn, and discover the remarkable healing power of earth and plant medicine."

While today's pharmaceutical industry appears lab-based and high-tech, thousands of prescription medications are plant-based. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 11 percent of prescription drugs are derived from flowering plants. The use of traditional Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years. 

For example, childhood Leukemia is treated with drugs derived from Madagascar periwinkle. Atropine, derived from belladonna, is an anticholinergic that can treat conditions from dizziness to psychosis.

Since November 2022, Krach has produced and hosted the podcast, advocating for plant medicine. 

 Krach explains: "I began GPPM because my other podcast only covered the cannabis industry (and the plant), and I wanted something that covered all types of plant and earth medicine. The plant medicine journey can be lonely, so I wanted to create something that would foster a community as well as provide some informative content."

Diana and JR also have a companion podcast called Your Highness, which examines the state of the cannabis industry, from every angle.

Diana's latest venture with husband J.R. is Must See R.I.P.

Tapping into that vein of barely contained fury, Must See R.I.P. is a podcast that revisits standout TV shows canceled after just one season. Each season, the co-hosts dive into a different series, exploring the cultural and real-world events that led to its untimely end.

Join them as they uncover the stories behind these forgotten gems and discuss how their context influenced their fate.

The podcast started with the 2007 crime drama The Black Donnellys, celebrating it as a one-season wonder that deserved more time in the spotlight.

These three podcasts exist under the umbrella of Your Highness Media is a collective of podcasts and content that feature people who fight the status quo and have a love (or strong curiosity) for plant medicine.

When we asked Diana about herself, she told us: "I was born in Portland, Maine, but have spent most of my life in Maryland. I lived in South Florida for about seven years, but moved back to Maryland, where I live with my husband and son. I’ve been a freelance journalist, writer, and editor for over a decade, with an extensive background in digital marketing. For over ten years, I've worked as a freelance journalist, writer, and editor. I also have an extensive background in digital marketing. I began podcasting in 2017 with Your Highness Podcast.

   Diana-Ashley Krach's work can be found on High Times, Civilized, Miss Grass, DAME, SheKnows, and more. She is also the creator and host of Your Highness Podcast. Krach has also contributed to Medium, Business Insider, MSN (US), Yahoo News, Yahoo, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, Paste, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Sacramento Bee.

 We asked Diana how she got into podcasting, and she responded: "About eight years ago, I was writing blogs and other marketing content for a non-profit organization aimed at helping women business owners in cannabis connect and network. With all the restrictions about what content you can create about the plant online, it quickly became a challenge to figure out what would work for visibility. I was really getting into podcasts, and so I had a bit of a lightbulb moment and suggested we create a podcast for women in the cannabis industry."

When we asked her how she balances podcasting with your role as a thought leader, speaker, spouse, and mother, Diana said: "Finding balance is a never-ending journey—as anyone with a tiny human and neurodivergent brain can attest—so I’m constantly tweaking my approach. I place a lot of emphasis on spending time with nature, so we go on a lot of trail walks as a family. It’s also essential to me to center joy and relaxation as much as possible, so even when it’s something serious, I try to find a way to have fun."

Speaking of her family, Diana's constant companion in this journey is her husband, J.R.

JR Krach, a Baltimore, Maryland native, is a multifaceted professional with a rich background in creative and business sectors. He is a father, writer, audio editor, podcast co-host, and co-founder of Your Highness Media. In addition to his creative pursuits, JR has significant experience in the wellness industry, having served as a general manager for kava bars and cannabis dispensaries.

 Of course, working with a spouse can be fraught with danger. Diana's take on it is this: "It’s a dream come true! He is my favorite adult person, and if it weren’t for him, none of this would be possible. I am not a tech-savvy individual, so there is no way for me to edit the audio or figure out recording issues. Plus, he’s a very collaborative person—we bounce ideas off each other constantly."

Diana adds: "Additionally, it’s really fantastic to have someone who knows you so well as an editor, because they can tune into times when you’re not as interested or involved in an interview. He gives me a lot of helpful feedback, and even though I’m not always receptive at first, it helps shape me into a better podcaster in the long run."

Diana and J.R. have a son, and to them, family is all-important.

As a host, Diana-Ashley Krach excels because of her encyclopedic knowledge of the topic, her no-nonsense interview skills, and the uniqueness of her laugh—unabashed and thunderous. Her ebullient and cascading laugh still pervades the show, and her conscientious yet carefree style creates a smooth, seamless flow to every episode. 

Diana also knows how to draw information from guests as efficiently and seamlessly as possible. Episodes, which are about 30 minutes long, always leave you wanting more, as they should.

You only have to hear her laugh on the show to realize that Diana Krach is having a helluva of a great time hosting it. I believe she wants her listeners to be entertained and informed. To have a great time and learn something is a unique combination in any medium. 

I urge you to check their three podcasts -- Getting Personal With Plant Medicine, Your Highness and Must See R.I.P.

When we asked Diana what keeps her engaged when she's not podcasting, she said, "Other people’s podcasts keep me engaged. I love to listen to my faves (and try out new ones) while I bake, garden, walk my dog, and make jewelry."

Finally, with her expertise in plants, we had to know: broccoli or Brussels sprouts?

Diana doesn't hesitate. "Broccoli!!"

 Creatively energetic, independent podcasters like Diana and JR Krach turbocharge podcasting. We need more people like them, and we need the podcasting industry to provide more support for these entrepreneurs. What can't we have a weekly Shark Tank show with indie podcasters? Mark Cuban buys an indie podcast. In fact, he buys a bunch of indie podcasts. And he starts with Getting Personal With Plant Medicine, Your Highness, and Must See R.I.P.