Amidst a divided America, this podcast aims to find some common ground. Welcome to Eastwood, a fictional town where a policeman has just shot and killed an unarmed Black man—a story we are all too familiar with. Protesters take to the streets where they are quickly met with counter-protesters. Right when violence is about to break out, John Mark helps these groups find common ground. From C-Space Media, this story explores how two groups so alienated from one another can meet in the middle to agree on right and wrong. 

Be advised that you may feel anxious throughout the podcast, especially during protest and trial scenes. Police shootings, death, and violence are running themes, and the realistic sound effects of sirens and glass breaking will make you feel like you’re right in the action. If you too are looking for common ground with loved ones and old friends, this podcast is for you.

We were fortunate to talk with Williams about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

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DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

WILLIAMS: I first got into podcasting after one of my film school professors told me about a film industry podcast. After checking it out I dived into the world of podcasts.  The first podcast I created was for my church. A year later I made one for my job and soon launched more after that.

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to The Miseducation of John Mark?

WILLIAMS: If you’re looking for a drama to binge that deals with real-world issues in an entertaining way, I would recommend this show. This show deals with themes of civil unrest, racial tension, gentrification, police violence, and political extremism to incite conversation and suggest solutions to solve these issues. 

Read more: Podcasts to Prepare Your Kids and Teens for the Future

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

WILLIAMS: I’ve heard that it has great voice acting, has helped people view issues in a different way (i.e., gentrification), captures today’s climate, and allows someone to see issues in our world almost from an outsider looking in. 

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

WILLIAMS: Our actors are all recording on their own setups remotely, but for the actors I did record in person (including John Mark himself played by my good friend) we mainly used a Shure SM58 running into an interface.

Read more: 30 of the Best Podcast Microphones (For Any Budget)

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

WILLIAMS: The biggest challenge I face is getting the word out to the general population. Many people don’t know what an audio drama or fictional podcast is so I have to explain the concept and why it’s cool to listen to.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

WILLIAMS: I would love to have the podcast incite conversations in academic environments and develop the story into other mediums. 

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

WILLIAMS: Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast, Gramercy, Geek Believer, How I Built This, Transformation Church.

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

WILLIAMS: The most important thing I want people to walk away with from listening to the show is to love your neighbor as yourself. If we all truly practiced that, most of the problems of today would disappear.

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