Meet Trailblazer Nadine Hylton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Hylton.

Nadine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I guess “Podcaster” is an official title for me now. I fell into this world of media, by way of passion for TV. Many of the TV shows that I watched, not many people were into them the way I was. In some scenarios, they couldn’t relate to my passion for the shows I watched, or those around me just didn’t watch the shows that I watched. So with that, I started finding podcasts that discussed my beloved shows, and from there my inspiration grew. For the most part, they filled that desire I sought for a deep discussion of those shows. Yeah, I know; it’s very much nerdy. But, I didn’t give a damn. I wanted to find an outlet for myself; to really voice my opinions and passion for the shows that I love. Especially as a black woman, most of the podcasts in that realm of podcasting weren’t represented by people of color really, so I was looking to fill that void of relatability for other people of color that enjoyed listening to those kinds of podcasts as well.

Fortunately, I did have a really good friend of mine (basically like a brother to me) that shared that passion for discussion in a lot of the shows that I love. When I presented the idea to Sedric to co-host a podcast with me, we decided on calling ourselves “Dope Nerd Talk”. We didn’t start right away, but as season 8 of Game of Thrones was slowly approaching, we decided to take a stab at the veteran show and launched our podcast with weekly deep discussions of each episode. For starting so late in the game, for a show that has been around for so long, with so many other well-seasoned podcasts out there on it, we did alright (by our own standards in total listens to each episode). Now, that we’ve gotten our feet wet, we’re ready to do our next show discussion for the new season of Stranger Things starting July 4th this year.

I also have another “baby,” that is very dear to me; my podcast called “WhateverWhateva” with another one of my really good friends (who is also like a sister to me), Paasha. Paasha and I are both outspoken, strong-minded, sensitive, yet strong, black women. At the same time, we’re both very different and like-minded in a lot of ways, and we knew it would create for great discourse. So, when she asked me to join her in doing a podcast where we could simply talk about whatever or whateva; whether it may be politically correct or politically incorrect, I couldn’t say no. So far we’ve discussed many things in pop culture, mental health and wellness, relationships, and more. We literally just get on our mics and talk to one another like two homegirls having a conversation over the phone. Our chemistry works, and we are excited to continue our growth for this show. We have many ideas in store for the future of WhateverWhateva.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As with anything you’re cultivating for success, it can get a little stressful at times. It’s tough when you and your partners you work with have very different and varying schedules, so it’s not always easy a lot of times to create the time to record our episodes. I’m honestly still in a space where I’m trying to figure out how to navigate the struggles I’m facing in doing both podcasts with my partners. It’s all a learning process, and I just try to keep myself grounded with the passion that I have for it. The only thing I can advise to women like myself, who are also starting their journey, is to stay grounded in your drive and passion and don’t be afraid to lean on those that you can depend on. Give yourself a real break when necessary, as well. Always take care of your mind.

Tell us about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
As a podcaster, I’m most proud of the fact that I’m always myself. When I get on that microphone, I’m authentic to who I truly am. If you were to meet me in person, it is the same person that you hear speaking on the mic. That is what is most important for me in both of my podcast shows. Because that is where the relatability comes in for your listeners.

For me, everyone sets themselves apart from others. Everyone is different in their own way, even when they’re similar to others. So, other than the fact that I am literally just being me when I speak into my mic, I can’t necessarily speak on anything else that specifically sets myself apart from others. My focus is to just do the things that feel good to who we are on our show, and discuss the things that we are passionate about. If you enjoy the duality of seriousness when necessary, and just cuttin’ up with your friends on silly topics, the both of my podcasts WhateverWhateva and Dope Nerd Talk have that for you.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Realistically, we are all inspired by our own ideas and experiences, or those of other’s ideas and experiences. It’s how we all learn and grow to form our own ideas sometimes. So if you are inspired by others, don’t think it’s a bad thing to move forward by the volition of that inspiration. You have to cultivate it to be formed in how it specifically relates to you, though. Take that inspiration, and really sit with how it responds to your true essence and continue to build on that, and you’ll see that you’ll form your own ideas within it as well. Get to know yourself on a more mental and spiritual level, and this will help you to understand how you can better work within your career. It’ll help you to find what works best for you in your career path.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/whateverwhateva.qi
• Email: whateverwhateva.qi@gmail.com, dopenerdtalk@gmail.com
• Instagram: @whateverwhateva.qi, @dopenerdtalk
• Twitter: @whteverwhtevaqi, @dopenerdtalk

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