It is hard to believe that it was a year ago when I first started my podcast Lost in Translations. For a long time, I had considered starting the podcast, but I was also hoping someone else would create a podcast dedicated to translated literature. It feels like it is always the way, you go searching for content you want to consume not finding any, leaving you with no choice but creating it yourself (with the help of my wife). Normally that is then when you find all the same type of content, it happened when I started BookTube, but I still haven’t found a podcast similar.
Starting this podcast was stressful, there was a lot of time thinking about the best way to format everything, not to mention imposter syndrome. I am still relatively new into the world of translations, but I have found my niche; I love this corner of the literary world. I predominately read books in translation now, to the point where I normally avoid English books completely. I have a passion for books in translation, so I am always finding new ways to try and promote this form of literature, from this blog, to BookTube, the news/collaborative project in Translated Lit and the podcast Lost in Translations. If I can find other ways to promote translations, you can be sure that I will look into it, I do have Instagram and Tumblr where I also post about translations.
Now a year after starting Lost in Translations, I can honestly say that I am glad it exists in the world. I still have imposter syndrome, which does not help when trying to find guests for the podcast, in fact that is probably the biggest struggle. I like the way that the podcast feels more like a casual conversation about translations, rather than a deep dive into a book. In the future I would love to expand the podcast to more than just book discussion episodes. There are a few episodes that are currently taking on a different format, from the introduction episode, the 2018 WITMonth recommendations, best of 2018, and the 2019 Man Booker International longlist. I hope to do more like this in the future. My ultimate goal would be able to get a wide range of guests, enough to turn the podcast into twice a month. The first episode being a discussion about the guest’s experiences with translated literature or a particular theme while the second being a recommendation or book discussion episode. However, that feels like a long way off.
I am hoping that this next year will continue to be great for Lost in Translations, with growth and new and exciting guests (let me know if you are interested). I want to thank all the listeners and guests; without them this podcast would not exist. But I also need to give a special thank you to our Patreon supporter Miriam from BetweenLinesAndLife, her support has helped cover some of the costs of hosting this podcast. Hopefully this will be the year the podcast has it costs fully covered by Patreon, which will mean expansions can happen, but I am just grateful for all support.
Hey, I’m glad you posted this, because I just listened to your latest episode and wanted to comment. That’s always my struggle with podcasts, how to leave a comment (because my thoughts are very important). Anyway I thought it was hilarious when your wife called you out for stealing the basis for your podcast – reading around the world- from her.
I’d love to be a guest on the podcast. I have been slacking on translated lit this year but an finally getting back on track with Love in the New Millennium. Not sure if that’s the one I’d like to discuss, I’m open to ideas! (Lauratfrey at gmail if you want to make some plans)
It is a real shame that we lost a lot of audio from the episode, but my wife was on a roll about how I stole her idea, she might not have liked it if I posted it but I did intend in keeping it on in the episode. You can always contact me if you want to share your thoughts about the podcast episode, your thoughts are very important.
I would love if you be a guest, but please not Love in the New Millennium, I want to be nicer about books on the podcast. I will email you and we can discuss ideas for an episode.
Your feedback is very important! Thanks for leaving a comment!
You can actually leave comments on each episode of http://translationspod.podbean.com/
Congratulations on a great year Michael, wishing you continued success.
Thank you
Congratulations Michael. The first year would have to be the hardest. You’ve made it, you’re not an imposter anymore. Here’s to bigger and better.
If only I can convince my brain I’m not an imposter. Thank you Veronica
Auto correct changed my name, how funny 😂