In Megan’s words: Have you ever wondered how Victoria’s Secret models get runway ready? Thought about what it’s like to be behind the scenes on a Sean Paul’s music video? Or wanted to know how Little Mix look so good in every photo? If the answer is yes, Megan’s new podcast Who You Don’t See could be the podcast for you.
Megan Lawton has been a BBC journalist for 5 years in various rules including BBC News Beat. In November this year, she launched Who You Don’t See. This Podcast, which comes out every Thursday, looks to understand behind the scenes of some of pop culture’s biggest stars. Behind all of the TV and Entertainment content we consume, there is always an army of people that make it happen – an army whose career paths, personalities, and insights we don’t always hear about. Megan’s podcast makes these people the star of the show.
Empoword Journalism’s Lifestyle Editor Lucy Williamson interviewed Megan to find out more about the show. She even got an exclusive: the Christmas Special featuring Mariah Carey’s hairdresser!
What made you create the podcast?
“I’ve always been quite a nosy person. I presented for Worthy FM (Glastonbury Festival’s on-site radio station). Every Glastonbury we camp out for 10 days and broadcast – I was so fascinated by all the different people on-site and their roles. From the people who curate the line-ups, to setting up the stages to the food vendors etc. I had this idea and loved it. It occurred to me that this would be the perfect podcast format. Often the people I speak to are surrounded by the limelight but aren’t really in it.”
How does your podcast offer something different?
“It suits a podcast format. It’s a very relaxed conversation. Some people come to the podcast because they love the celebrity who the interviewee works with. Some people listen who are interested in the creative industry more generally.”
“The podcast format offers an extended and more natural version of radio. I used to work on the Emma Barnett Show – I would spend so much of my time editing down her interviews. It’s a shame when you have to edit down good sounds bites. With podcasts, you get to include a more full conversation.”
How do you find people to be on the podcast?
“It’s been surprisingly easy! These people are go-getters and ambitious. They also know I’m not trying to dig up the dirt and get the gossip – I genuinely want to find out about their role. I find people on Instagram via celebrity accounts. I have crazy mind maps of celebrities and all the roles behind what makes them successful.”
“I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of people who have said yes!”
How does this new venture fit in with your overall career aims?
“I’ve had the idea for a while but 2020 seemed like the time to make it happen. I still work full-time as a producer but more shifts are from home a lot more now so I don’t have the commute. This meant I had more time to work on this in the evening and before work. Also the world slowed down so these people who would normally be on tour now had more free time to speak to me.”
“I’ve learnt so much already about editing on my own and being a presenter. It’s been a huge learning curve but a really exciting one.”
“I’m getting an insight into so many people’s lives at an interesting time – e.g. how they’re lives have been affected in Covid. This has meant I can also pitch these stories for the BBC.”
What can we expect from the rest of the podcast?
“All first season guests are sorted. I have a Christmas special with Mariah Careys hairdresser! And watch this space for some exciting guests in the new year…”
“Bigger picture? I want to apply the format to TV shows i.e. reality shows or specific Netflix shows and interview cast members and crew on how they put it all together. It’s so important to celebrate all these people’s work as they contribute so much to the entertainment people consume.”
What are some of your favourite podcasts?
- Table Manners – for the informal chit-chat!
- The High-low – I am very sad that it’s ending!
- Dolly Parton’s America
- My only newsworthy podcast is The Daily
- Americast by the BBC – so hungry for US content recently!
Who We Don’t See comes out every Thursday. The First 3 Episodes are now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts – follow the link here.
Lucy Williamson
Featured image courtesy of Juja Han. This image has in no way been altered. Image license available here.