Announcing AIR's 2025 New Voices AMPLIFY Fellows

The Association of Independents in Radio (AIR) proudly introduces the 16 fellows selected for the 2025 New Voices AMPLIFY program, an initiative designed to accelerate the growth of independent podcasts. 

Launched in 2024, AMPLIFY provides independent podcast creators with marketing strategies, audience development techniques, and community engagement skills to expand their show’s reach, impact and nurture a community among existing listeners. From February 25 to April 24th, fellows will participate in twice-weekly interactive sessions featuring industry experts. These hands-on workshops provide marketing strategies and tips that participants can immediately apply to their shows with guidance from experienced mentors. 

Each fellow will receive a $1,000 stipend, one-on-one mentorship from top industry professionals, a one-year AIR professional membership, access to AIR’s SoundPath video library, and networking opportunities within the broader AIR community, ensuring continued support beyond the program. 

This year, AMPLIFY webinars will be open to all AIR members, broadening access to expert-led sessions and insights. Those interested in following the program’s full schedule can sign up here.

The 2025 program is led by program captain Keisha "TK" Dutes (New Voices ‘16) and Lynn Casper, AIR’s Program Manager, with support from established industry mentors: Sheeba Joseph, Faybeon Mickens, Meggan Ellingboe, and Wil Williams.

Meet the 2025 AMPLIFY Fellows

Alana Baumann - She Well Read

She Well Read is a podcast hosted by two best friends in their late 20s, rediscovering their love for books and inviting listeners to join the journey. With a mix of humor, heart, and relatable conversations, we break down books chapter by chapter, making reading fun, accessible, and manageable for adults with busy lives. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just getting back into it, She Well Read is your go-to companion for stories, laughs, and meaningful connections.

Alison Brown - Keep the Flame Alive

Two weeks every two years not enough for you? Same! Keep the Flame Alive is the podcast for fans of the Olympics and Paralympics. Each week, we share inside stories from athletes, coaches, historians, and gamesmakers you won’t hear anywhere else. We keep you up-to-date on everything that makes the Olympics and Paralympics the greatest sports festivals in the world. New episodes every Thursday and daily during the Games!

Anita Williams - Bayou’s Wrath

Bayou’s Wrath is a gripping serialized audio drama set in Natchez, Mississippi, that blends suspense, mystery, and Southern Gothic elements. As secrets from the past resurface, two sisters are thrust into a web of danger, betrayal, and supernatural forces. With every twist, listeners are drawn deeper into a haunting tale of revenge and survival.

Cassandre Dunbar - Be Well, Sis

Be Well, Sis is a transformative wellness podcast where medical expertise meets cultural understanding, delivering evidence-based health information through authentic, kitchen-table conversations. Created by physician Dr. Cassandre Dunbar, the podcast provides Black women with the resources and community they need to prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

Emily Reno - The Transcendent Farmer

The Transcendent Farmer podcast is designed to inspire and empower farmers and future farmers with the latest information and resources related to human design, manifestation, high-value market channels, intergenerational healing, and more. A proud Jayhawk, host Emily Reno has taken her mic with her everywhere from Minnesota to India to Australia to Costa Rica and beyond, and is excited to share with listeners the universal principles she's learned through conversations with friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.

Frank Oscar Weaver - Indigenous Earth

An empowering journey alongside Indigenous heroes from around the world. In Indigenous Earth, you're not just a listener; you're an active participant in a transformative mission to become true stewards of our planet. Explore inspiring stories and wisdom from Indigenous cultures, and on how to take steps to connect and protect to our beautiful Earth.

James Arthur Martin - Red Flags Everywhere

Red Flags Everywhere is a podcast where humor meets heart to explore the messy, hilarious, and sometimes cringe-worthy world of relationships. Hosted by self-proclaimed “failed relationship expert” James, the show dives into dating fails, red flags, and personal growth with candid conversations and diverse guests. Centering Black and queer voices while welcoming everyone, it’s a space for laughter, learning, and healing—to help our community of Love Warriors get the love they deserve.

Ky Toure - Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide

Love and Murder: Heartbreak to Homicide is hosted by Ky, telling true crime stories of love turned to murder; where passion turns into obsession and heartbreak leads to homicide.

Laura Gerard - Yokai Detective Agency

Join Ren Black and the Yokai Detective Agency in the world of Darkness Falls, a sanctuary created for supernatural creatures. With Gabriel restarting their cat-and-mouse chase, Black is saddled with a new partner and fighting his grief as he is thrust back into the world.

Laura Ubaté - Juventud Maldito Vacío

Juventud Maldito Vacío is a coming-of-age story of a young woman in her 20s, chasing the dream of becoming a radio DJ while being part of a generation that faced the end of the conflict in Colombia, the peace agreement and the future version of themselves.

Michelle Jackson - Your American Money

Your American Money talks about all things money. The intersection between Pop Culture, Policy and Polarization will lead the conversations.

Molly Mamaril - Above the Sides

Above the Sides takes listeners on a journey to uncover what it means to think, act, and live aloha in our personal and professional lives. It honors Hawai'i's Queen Liliʻuokalani, who wrote: "All things in this world are two; in heaven there is but One.” Through these episodes, we seek to find that singular perspective, the one that is above the sides.

Paulette Erato - La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latinas

La Vida Más Chévere de Childfree Latina is the only biweekly Spanglish podcast for childfree Latinas. Living your "vida más chévere" starts with liberating ourselves from the toxic cultural brainwashing we've all grown up with. Like "calladita se ve mas bonita." IYKYK. End the generational trauma and design the best life for YOU instead. Let's get rid of the toxic BS and make decisions and life choices that make us happy instead of merely another victim of The Patriarchy.

Talaya Dendy - Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Navigating Cancer TOGETHER offers support, information, and inspiration to anyone affected by cancer. Through honest conversations, expert interviews, and a supportive community, it empowers listeners to navigate their cancer journey with strength, resilience, and hope.

Tanya Latortue - Of Black Wombhood

Of Black Wombhood (or “OBW”), is an oral history project that explores the interiority of Black womb-bearing people beyond the experiences of pregnancy and birthing. OBW features 12 Philadelphia-based narrators who, through intimate one-on-one interviews, contemplate the meaning of their own “wombhood,” with story themes ranging from human consciousness and spirituality, to sexuality and gender identity.

Tarik Williams - Speak Your Vision

Welcome to Speak Your Vision Podcast—your weekly reminder to step into your full potential, break through burnout, and find clarity and purpose. Hosted by Tarik Williams, this podcast creates a safe space for underrepresented voices and individuals with disabilities to feel seen, heard, and empowered. Through inspiring conversations and actionable strategies, each episode offers tools to help you grow, evolve, and recognize your greatness.