Today we’d like to introduce you to David Frederick.
Hi David, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Audastio is a multilingual podcast network with a mission to diversify the podcast industry through multicultural and inclusive storytelling. During my national book tour of “Lakay”, I’d witnessed firsthand the desire for those who attended my events to share their stories. I believe in the power of storytelling to connect all kinds of people and expand their horizons. I see and acknowledge everyone as storytellers who have the power to open the portal to the world for everyone who is willing to listen. With the exponential rise in the popularity of the podcast industry, this medium seems the most fitting for one to share their story to the world. However, something was missing. It seemed to me that the stories in most podcasts were narrow in their ideas, production, and focus.
As a storyteller and published author myself, I believe everyone should have access to tell their story, in their own language and their own voice. And suddenly, I realized I could make that happen with Audastio. My book: Lakay: A Journey of Struggle, Perseverance, and Hope, leads readers through glimpses of my life in Haiti amid growing social unrest and government corruption as well as my life as a new immigrant to the United States. I share stories of the many obstacles I overcame while still holding onto hope. And after a return visit to Haiti, I reflect on the current state of my native country and calls on this generation to be a force for change. Those who grew up in Haiti may vividly remember some of the places and events discussed in this book, but even non-Haitians can still envision themselves moving along the same road the author has traveled because, at the end of the day, we have all traveled this road. We may not all come from the same place or end up at the same destination, but we have all shared moments of suffering, fear, hope, setbacks, and triumph. We all wish to live in a peaceful and prosperous world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth ride at all. Like any early-stage startup, we need to create content for a podcast audience that has so far been neglected. At the same time, we need sponsors to afford to bring these contents to fruition. We compensate the talented hosts, writers, producers – everyone who works to make our podcasts happen. We have to pay them from the start as we grow our podcast offerings and gain support from advertisers and partners. We value diversity and know that an essential part of championing diverse voices on our platform is making sure they get paid for their talent.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Often seen as a storyteller, my story begins in a different language. My dream begins in my mother language, Haitian Creole. I am originally from Saint-Marc, Haiti, and have been living in the US for 13 years. I am the published author of Lakay. I am currently a Flight Attendant for a major US airline, and I have just been recalled to go back to work after being furloughed for five months. This has been a blessing in disguise because these past few months allowed me to focus on my family and building Audastio. I am very grateful to have a beautiful family of five, my wife and three handsome boys, that kept me sane during this pandemic.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I like best about Miami is the diversity. Many times I feel it is home away from home. This city pushes you to view the world through the immigrant experience. However, as someone who has lived in Miami my entire life since I had moved from Haiti 13 years ago, it can give you a false sense of the rest of the country. Like many people would say, this city can feel like a country in and of itself.
Contact Info:
- Email: Davidf@audastio.com
- Website: www.audastio.com
- Instagram: @audastio @David_Lakay3
- Facebook: @Audastio
- Twitter: @Audastio
What to check out next:
Aleasha Bahr is a sales & marketing strategist known for showing introverts and ambiverts the Secret Art of Subtle Selling. She personally sold millions in revenue while discovering introverts are usually top sales people – as soon as they stop trying to act like extroverts. We’ve partnered with her to produce Introverted Entrepreneur Success Stories. Check out episode 1 below:
