DesignWhine Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Erin May and JH Forster, the hosts of the Awkward Silences podcast. When asked about the most unique name our of all podcasts out there, the hosts revealed that the name was chosen for its distinctiveness, memorability, and casual irreverence that signals an understanding of user researchers’ mindset. Interestingly, the hosts came up with the name while chatting on Slack in 2018.
Erin and JH’s success in securing high-quality guests for Awkward Silences podcast is the result of a combination of factors, including the show’s growing reputation, the hosts’ deep knowledge of the research field, and their strong network of contacts within the industry. The fact that the hosts are able to attract such a diverse range of guests, including respected industry professionals, research practitioners, and non-research professionals, is a testament to their ability to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of the research community. As a result, ‘Awkward Silences’ has become a highly respected and influential platform for discussions around research, and its popularity is only continuing to grow.
Erin and JH also shared that their podcast’s central theme is research, and they hope to cover various angles of research with every episode. They aim to make their content accessible to a wide audience, including senior level research ops professionals, product folks, marketers, or anyone who can benefit from research in their work.
With over 114 episodes, ‘Awkward Silences’ continues to be a must-listen for anyone interested in research. Erin and JH’s goal is to create a space where listeners can learn, be inspired, and connect with the research community through Awkward Silences.
