Breaking Glass means well. Aiming to discuss womanhood on a global scale, each episode the hosts bring on someone who is breaking through the infamous glass ceiling in their respective field. When interviewing someone with life experiences and a message that demands the hosts take a back seat, things are fine. Questions are earnest, responses to questions from the guest are thoughtful, the hosts do a good job of setting up the person everyone’s here to listen to and getting out of the way. In that regard, Break Glass succeeds with aplomb. 

Unfortunately, like a lot of podcasts with tons of interview subjects, the onus of vetting the veracity of guests as sources is put on the audience instead of the podcast. From reviewing a selection of multiple episodes it’s obvious a few #girlboss folk have appeared on the air. One episode spotlights a supposedly body-positive and sex-positive recovered evangelist who, when asked basic questions about sex positivity, produces vague non-commital answers. The double-edged sword of this passive approach to a guest-forward podcast arises when the guest is not challenged when they advertise woo-woo beliefs or attempt to sell audience members on a philosophy that’s, in the end, only skin-deep.

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

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify | Podchaser

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

NAIM: As a philanthropist and venture capitalist, I’ve learned the power of storytelling. Be it a grant proposal or a pitch deck, stories can indelibly change the way we think and feel. However, I’ve also seen how often women are painfully and systemically excluded from mainstream narratives. I got into podcasting to center women’s stories, share their breadth of experiences, and celebrate those who’ve defied the norm in pursuit of equity, community, and innovation.

BINKOWSKI: As a writer and creative director, I’ve built a career at the intersection of storytelling and social impact. At One K Creative, I lead designers, filmmakers, and photographers to activate brands working with marginalized communities. Podcasting has been a natural extension of the channels and mediums in which we were already working to elevate stories of remarkable impact. Every day Sabrina and I get to sit down and elevate the voices of brave and defiant women who share this ethos.

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Breaking Glass?

NAIM: Despite making up over half of the global population, women control less wealth, own less land, hold fewer public offices, and shoulder more domestic burdens. But in every corner of every country, there are individuals with enough gumption to break the system and bend the rules. Breaking Glass amplifies these stories of defiant, gusty women across advocacy, business, entertainment, sport, and beyond. We connect through sharing our successes and challenges and come together to explore our similarities and differences. This interconnectedness inspires us to support each other, reach for more, and ultimately share in global womanhood.

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

BINKOWSKI: Listeners describe Breaking Glass as “refreshing”, “captivating”, “inspirational” and “eye-opening”. They have said things such as: 

● “Great interviews and wonderful information. I learned so much from the podcasts.”

● “It inspires and empowers all generations of women. Success is never reached alone. […] I am sending this to my daughter.” 

● “When you hear what these women have accomplished and endured, sometimes against seemingly insurmountable odds, you will feel like you can do ANYTHING!! Listen and allow yourself to be filled with the unbeatable power of womanhood!” 

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

NAIM: We need to have equipment that can travel with us when we’re on the road so we can continue our recording sessions no matter where we are, and no matter where our guests are. We’ve found through trial and error that the best system for both of us is the Shure mic that can easily connect to a desk or table. But the most important element is a very quiet house! As mothers, entrepreneurs, and travelers that is far and away the hardest thing to secure.

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

BINKOWSKI: It has been critically important to us from day one that we garner a global guest list and cover topics that will appeal to a wide spectrum of women across geographies and generations. That means that on any given day we may be speaking with guests in Kenya or Canada, in Nepal or in New York. We have needed to figure out systems and equipment to recreate a quality show regardless of the context and resources that our guests have to record with.

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

NAIM: We’ve been fortunate enough to host titans of industry and renegade activists from around the world. Each guest comes to us with a breadth of experience across a wide variety of disciplines, offering listeners unique insight into art, activism, sport, politics, entertainment, and beyond. Their journeys both professionally and personally reveal the interconnectedness that makes this global patchwork of womanhood. Through storytelling, we are opening doors to experiences that may be different from our own, opening our eyes to the challenges and successes of glass breaking women all around the world. In the years to come, we see Breaking Glass as a mold for other women to celebrate their own achievements as well as their friends, colleagues, and community.

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

NAIM: This American Life, The Daily, Shattered Glass, How I Built This

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