The Kotodama Podcast Spotlight Interview with Canem - #MyGiving Story

Jasmine Tsunoda
18 時間前
読了時間: 5分

With the goal of fostering spiritual, cultural, and interesting conversations with individuals around the world, Canem created the Kotodama Podcast.

We at Giving Tuesday Japan had the exclusive opportunity to interview her about why she started her podcast, what inspires her to give back, and what her future goals are.

Take a look at the My Giving Story interview between Canem and our Global Community Team Leader, Jasmine, below!

Don't forget to check the YouTube collaboration we did together here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZZ2i68_4JI

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Jasmine: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with us! Now it's my turn to get to interview you! Ha ha! Let's jump right into today's questions. Can you give an introduction about yourself? Where you are from, what you do, your (and your family's) charitable background (how you give back, WHY you give back, ways you would like to encourage others to do so), etc.

Canem: My name is Canem (pronounced Janem), and I'm the host and founder of The Kotodama Podcast on YouTube (& Instagram), where I host spiritual, mystical, cultural, and psychological conversations with interesting people.

I was born to Turkish immigrant parents in Germany and now live in Tokyo, Japan. More than any specific charities, I used to give back by volunteering for various organisations, e.g. disabled communities and refugee centres. At the moment, I am incredibly busy, but I hope that one day I can get back to volunteering, as that's a very fulfilling and connecting way of giving back to the community.

Jasmine: What interests you about Japan? Why did you move here, and how long do you want to stay?

Canem: I have always loved Japanese culture, language, and food. I started learning Japanese when I was just 15 years old and decided that I would move to Japan one day.

At 19, I did. Since then, I have lived in Japan (on-and-off) for about 3 1/2 years - but the first time I came here was 13 years ago, so it feels way longer than that. I think I want to stay here forever. I love this country and feel at home here.

Jasmine: Where did the Kotodama Podcast idea/name come from?

Canem: Kotodama is the ancient Japanese belief that words carry spirit and shape reality, and that's exactly what I do on my podcast; Through honest, soulful conversations with spiritual teachers, mystics, psychologists, artists, and deep thinkers, I venture into the unseen layers of existence that connect us all.

I always wanted to create a podcast but never had the courage to do it, until one day I just started (through the help/push of some friends), and it's been the most fun, meaningful, and fulfilling project I have ever done in my life. I love it!

Jasmine: Did you have a particular writer/person/life event that inspired you to take the path of doing this channel?

Canem: I love podcasts. I think it's one of the few forms of media that still offer long-form content. Podcasts give people the opportunity to dive really deep into topics and conversations. They give us space to think, reflect, and learn without the constant dopamine hit/boost that we see (and seek) in short-form content.

I think this is an important thing for us humans. I also love podcasts where you can feel like a fly on the wall and listen to 2 (or more) people having a conversation. There's a podcast out there for everyone!!

Jasmine: What is one of the more challenging aspects of having the channel?

Canem: I do everything myself; researching, contacting potential guests, coming up with, and preparing questions, sending out, and replying to emails, recording, editing, marketing, making, and posting social media content, etc. so it's a lot! Although, it is incredibly rewarding, it is my dream to make this into my full-time job one day so I can have more time and dedication for my podcast. Maybe even have a small team one day that can help me out.

Jasmine: Do you find writing interview questions easy? What is your process when coming up with interview questions for your guests?

Canem: When I contact a guest, I am already incredibly interested in them, so it's easy for me to think about or come up with questions I could ask them. I then write the rough themes and specific important questions down on my phone and keep it with me during the recording process.

But what ends up happening almost every time is that me and my guest have such a good time, and the conversation is flowing effortlessly, so I end up almost never looking at the questions I had prepared. As soon as I hit record, I enter the flow state (because I genuinely love doing this) and I have so much fun that I just trust the process. I know that the right questions will come to my mind.

Jasmine: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being a podcast host?

Canem: My favourite thing is having a 1 hour+ conversation with fascinating, deep, and interesting people. The conversations stay with me long after the recording has finished, and I get to meet so many inspiring and kind people that I sometimes stay in contact with afterwards.

My least favourite thing is the setting up (getting the PC ready, lighting, preparing the seat, backdrop), but it's all worth it in the end, so I can't complain.

Jasmine: What’s the best piece of advice a guest has ever given you?

Canem: One of my guests told me once that I am doing the world a disservice NOT sharing my creation/art, because there are people out there who need exactly what I have to offer. And I still think about that. I am currently in the process of building my website, as I want to create a hub where people can learn, expand their consciousness, get divination services, and art work (because I'm also a painter), etc. so I am really excited to be able to express myself more creatively and share more of who I am with my followers (& everyone interested) and connect with them more closely!!

Jasmine: Can you give any advice to someone wanting to write or start their own podcast?

Canem: Just start! I know everyone says that, but your first episodes are going to be bad, and looking back, you'll think: "what was I thinking?", but the hardest part about doing anything in life is to start. When you just start somewhere (really, anywhere!), you can improve and change everything else afterward. That's easier to do, and you don't have to worry about that.

Jasmine: Have you heard of or participated in Giving Tuesday before contacting us?

Canem: Yes, you have been a guest on my podcast before, and we had such a fun conversation about your life in Japan, and what you do for Giving Tuesday Japan. It was really inspiring!