From BlogTalk Radio to PGC Media: Leo Ra’Chel on Authenticity, Culture & Long-Term Impact

Описание: In Episode 24 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Leo Ra’Chel, founder of PGC Media (Phat Girl Chronicles), a podcast network rooted in plus-size empowerment, Black culture, authenticity, and community care.

Leo began podcasting in 2011 on BlogTalk Radio before podcasting became mainstream. What started as an outlet to vent and find her voice evolved into a multi-show network that includes PGC Tuesdays, PGC After Dark, live experiences, merch, and digital products.

In this conversation, Leo shares:

• How early audio platforms shaped modern podcasting
• Why authenticity builds trust faster than trends
• What it means to protect culture while scaling a network
• The responsibility of media personalities in shaping community conversations
• How to build sustainable long-form content in a short-form world
• Why creators must know their “why” before they hit record

Leo speaks candidly about mental health, plus-size representation, Black storytelling, viral culture, integrity in content creation, and what she refuses to compromise as PGC Media grows.

If you are a podcaster, network builder, creative entrepreneur, or community-driven creator, this episode offers practical insight into building long-term trust beyond metrics.

Subscribe for more conversations on podcasting, independent media, and cultural storytelling.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Leo Ra’Chel & PGC Media
05:00 – Discovering BlogTalk Radio in 2011
10:00 – Finding Her Voice Through Audio
15:00 – When a Podcast Becomes a Network
20:00 – Building Community Through Authenticity
25:00 – The Responsibility of Media Personalities
30:00 – Creating “Tuesday Night Therapy” Energy
35:00 – Long-Form Trust vs Short-Form Clips
40:00 – Refusing Trend Culture & Protecting Integrity
45:00 – Knowing Your Why Before You Start
50:00 – Advice for Creators Building Community

To learn more about Leo Ra'Chel and PGC Media visit: Linktr.ee/pgcmedia

Follow on Social Media:
Leo Ra'Chel: @iamleorachel (on all platforms)
PGC Media: @pgcmediaco
Phat Girl Chronicles: @thephatgirlchronicles

This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes
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