We’re excited to announce JAR’s 3rd annual competition.
International Women’s Day has come and gone — but women still face obstacles that are new — and old as the hills. It’s never been more important for women to use their voices. At JAR, we recognize the power and potential of women creators and are very proud to announce the 3rd annual JAR Audio Emerging Women in Podcasting Pilot Competition.
We encourage all women-identifying emerging podcast creators to pitch us their ideas. The winner gets a professionally produced audio podcast pilot episode, with full support from JAR’s talented team. Importantly, creators retain full ownership rights to their projects.
What kind of work gets submitted?
Inaugural 2023 winner, Ann Kane created A Touch of Hysteria, raising important issues about inequities in the medical field, including women being more frequently misdiagnosed, and less frequently represented in medical studies. Ann’s hope is that her podcast pilot episode will further the conversation and empower women to seek the care they deserve.
Then in 2024, Andrea Rathborne stormed out of the gate with half betty, a heartfelt podcast named after the legendary Betty White.
It’s all about living your best life in middle age and beyond. Andrea and her intrepid co-host Krista Gruen sit down with various fascinating women to yak about everything from nurturing grown-up children, to 2nd-act careers, zany hormones, travel, aging parents, and more. Andrea aims to build a vibrant community where midlife women come together to feel supported, inspired, informed, and deeply valued. And by all accounts, it’s working. Here’s a recent note from the half betty team:
“This is WILD! Not only has apple podcasts listed half betty in the New & Noteworthy category but this morning we are listed in the Top 12 of the Mental Health category as well!”
All we can say is: Go Andrea!!!
Why take part in the women in podcasting pilot competition?
This is an opportunity to bring your idea to life in sound, with the chance to learn professional production processes and audience development strategies along the way.
We’ll be looking for:
- Complete, well-thought-out podcast pilot episode pitches of any genre
- A unique voice, angle or topic
- A passionate producer who is willing to work hard to make their project come to life
JAR’s team of expert audio storytellers will review the ideas and select a winning pitch.
JAR will commit to making a pilot episode based on this pitch, working in collaboration with the creator.
The creator retains full ownership of the IP and can use the pilot episode as a “calling card” to encourage sponsorship, audience buy-in, or advertising interest, enabling them to make the rest of the series.
JAR’s in-kind donations will include:
- 1 creative strategy/mentorship session
- 1 marketing strategy/mentorship session
- Script vetting
- Recording services
- Editing services
- Mixing services
- Publishing of initial episode via podcast platforms
The time is now for women to use our voices. So start crafting that perfect pitch–we can’t wait to see your ideas and work closely with you to bring a new pilot into the world!
How to craft a compelling pitch:
Aim for a concise, 1-page description of your idea for a pilot episode of an audio podcast. How will you use the power of sound in your storytelling? Is there a central question, story, or issue you will be exploring? Give us a sense of your preferred genre. Pilot episodes should be between 10-30 mins. Tell us who the voices are – what scenes or key components you imagine – what kind of tone you are trying to strike. What other podcasts are you inspired by? Most importantly – tell us who you are, and why you want to make this particular podcast. What’s your connection to the topic? Also, tell us a bit about some of the other creative work you’ve done – in any medium. Above all, we’re looking for fresh ideas and creative, passionate people.
Submissions are due May 1, 2025
Submit your idea now to hello@jaraudio.com!
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
