Talia Lapidus is the Director, Content at Audioboom, a platform for hosting, distributing and monetizing podcasts, where she works on talent management and development within podcasting across Audioboom’s network in both London and New York.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My career really began with presenting my own radio show for my university radio station, and this led to me doing a Masters degree in Radio Production and Journalism at Goldsmiths College, University of London.
Throughout my 20’s I worked as a radio producer in London for the BBC and Global Radio. Working for such a prestigious organization like the BBC was really a dream come true for me. It definitely opened a lot of doors. I made a small pivot from radio into podcasting in 2015 just as the industry was really starting in the UK.
I transferred out to New York in 2017 with the same podcasting company – Audioboom, and my current role is Director of Content Partnerships. To summarise my role, I discover new podcast talent, manage existing podcast relationships and execute content and marketing strategies to help grow those shows’ audiences, and generally provide advice and best practice to the podcasts that I manage.
I come up with ideas for new show concepts and I oversee these pilot productions. Some of the podcasts I manage include true crime shows ‘And That’s Why We Drink’ and ‘Small Town Dicks’. I totally love what I do.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I wake up around 7am and I try to start my day with either swimming or running. My boyfriend is a keen runner so he motivates me to get up and exercise even if I don’t feel like it some days! I’m very lucky to live in an apartment building that has a pool, so swimming is a really great way to start my day and get me energised.
At home, I eat a healthy breakfast like oatmeal and fruit, and a cup of tea like a typical Brit. I get the subway into work, and my day starts by responding to emails– I’ll often have emails already in my inbox from our UK office who we work closely with.
Every day I receive various podcast newsletters so I take a look through those to keep up to date with the hot industry topics. A daily routine is to look for new potential podcasters to reach out to- I’ll find these by looking on social media or seeing what’s new on the Apple podcast chart.
My day will consist of in-person internal meetings and external calls with current podcasters and prospective podcasters. It’s really important for me to take a walk during lunch and get a breather– a group of us will often go grab lunch together nearby.
I try not to leave work too late and in the evening, I see friends for dinner, go to a music show, or binge the latest Netflix series!
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I live in Brooklyn and the Audioboom office is situated in Midtown Manhattan so I get the subway into work Monday – Friday. It’s a 30-minute commute door to door which is super easy! I can work remotely if I need to, but generally I’m in the office 5 days a week, as are the rest of the Audioboom team.
A lot of my work involves emails and calls, but I do have in-person meetings too, so being in the office makes the most sense. I love the people I work with so that makes a world of difference. I exercise in the morning, spend the day at work and socialise in the evening, and this schedule works for me. I like a routine!
My workplace is flexible if I do need to work from home, and I think more companies are coming to the realisation that certain members of staff don’t physically need to be in the office all the time.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
To me, work-life balance means making sure that you value both your work and your social life in the right measures, and not letting one override the other. Once you let your work stress you out, it’s hard to then fully enjoy your time spent away from work as you still have work on the brain.
I have a very strong work ethic and I love what I do which means I want to do the best job I can. I put 100% into my work but I also make sure I enjoy my time outside of work; my friends and my boyfriend are very important to me and I crave that quality time if I don’t get it.
5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
Communication is so important! Both in the workplace and in relationships. So many issues or problems come down to poor communication, so I always strive to be top of my game in this area to ensure the best chance of success. I have learnt to have a positive attitude and believe that things will happen, and in my case, often they have.
The mind is a powerful thing. On a practical level, I’m kind of addicted to writing lists, so I’m always organised and I feel in control of my tasks. And trying to go to bed and wake up at a similar time every day. My dad has always told me ‘stick to a routine!’ and I think he’s right on that one.
6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
You Are A Badass Everyday by Jen Sincero is a great read – it’s really motivating and makes you feel like you can achieve anything you put your mind to!
Next on my list, which everyone keeps recommending is Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight.
I’m part of a book club which was started by my friend Hollie Fraser who runs the Instagram account ‘Books on the Subway’ which is a pretty awesome concept – you leave your favourite books on the subway for other people to pick up and read.
And a big shoutout for When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman just because it’s one of my favourite books – a whirlwind of sad, funny and beautiful emotions.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
The most important thing for me is getting a good night’s sleep – I aim for 8 hours. When I don’t get this, it has a real knock-on effect, so I don’t exercise and therefore feel lethargic and this often makes me eat more junk food.
Ariana Huffington says sleep is the key to success and she is a smart woman! I’ve also recently got into meditating before I go to sleep, and I absolutely love it – I just completed the 30 day meditation guide on the Calm app, which I highly recommend.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Great question, I’m very nosey so there’s a lot of people I’d like to hear about! I’m in awe of Phoebe Waller-Bridge right now, so I’d choose her. Fleabag is the absolute greatest show.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m very ambitious and I’m proud of where I’m currently at – working in New York for one of the biggest independent podcast companies. One of the most important things is to be passionate about what you do. But always make sure that this doesn’t become your everything and ensure that you place focus on your social life too. Life is there to be enjoyed!
If you’d like to have a conversation with us about how you balance the grind, get in touch with us!
