Naked Beauty Podcast Summary: Behind the Scenes of the iHeart Podcast Awards

Host: Brooke DeVard
Guest: B.A. (Producer)
Release Date: March 17, 2025

1. Celebrating Success at the iHeart Podcast Awards

Brooke DeVard shares her exhilarating experience of winning the Best Beauty and Fashion Podcast at the iHeart Podcast Awards held in Austin, Texas. The recognition marks a significant milestone for the Naked Beauty podcast, which Brooke launched in 2016 to foster raw and unfiltered conversations about beauty, self-care, and wellness.

[05:27] Brooke DeVard: "I am feeling pretty incredible. I feel like we have such a great community in the Naked Beauty planet family..."

B.A., Brooke's producer, reflects on the surprise and validation that came with the win, emphasizing the uniqueness of their achievement as an independent podcast led by black women in a predominantly large-scale industry.

[06:02] Brooke DeVard: "It was not computing in my mind that I won for my category. I was shocked."
[06:16] B.A.: "I think two things happen. I think, one, your brain wants you to not be disappointed. So it's like, better almost to go into something not expecting a win..."

2. The Journey of Building Naked Beauty

Brooke delves into the origins of Naked Beauty, highlighting the podcast's mission to move beyond superficial discussions and engage in meaningful dialogues about culture, identity, and self-expression. She acknowledges the unwavering support from her team and loved ones, attributing the podcast's success to collaborative effort and community engagement.

[05:57] B.A.: "Yes. I loved your Instagram caption. You said, it's nice to be nominated, but it's even better to win."

3. Transitioning to Full-Time Podcast Production

In a pivotal moment, Brooke announces her transition from a full-time corporate role in market research to dedicating herself entirely to her podcast production agency, Moyo Media. This shift underscores her commitment to nurturing Naked Beauty and expanding its impact.

[11:17] Brooke DeVard: "I left my full time corporate job as a market researcher... So I'm now a full time award winning podcast producer."
[11:55] B.A.: "I think it's smart to start something on the side while you still have the, you know, full time employment. Just proof of concept."

4. Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the Awards Show

Brooke and B.A. recount the meticulous preparations leading up to the awards ceremony, from selecting outfits to managing the logistics of attending a high-profile event. Brooke details her first-time experience on the red carpet, leveraging her social media savvy to navigate the excitement and nerves.

[13:12] B.A.: "She is a beauty and style expert that I've programmed to help you through any fashion or beauty or skincare moment, big or small."
[16:09] Brooke DeVard: "I feel like that's half the battle with a red carpet moment where you're being photographed. You want to look like you're luminous."

5. The Award Show Experience: Emotions and Highlights

The night at the awards show was filled with memorable moments. Brooke describes the surreal feeling of seeing Naked Beauty's logo on the stage, capturing her initial disbelief and subsequent joy. B.A. highlights the significance of their win amidst larger networks and well-established podcasts, reinforcing the podcast’s cultural impact.

[19:00] B.A.: "The show was fun. It was like a very fun show. I was stressed because I didn't know that I was not going to give a speech if I won."
[19:52] Brooke DeVard: "I did play the role of Blue Ivy in that moment to be like, hello, we won. What did it feel like seeing the, like, new cover art up there?"

6. Celebrating with the Team and Community

Post-award celebrations included an official after-party and an energized after-after party at Soho House Austin. Brooke and B.A. emphasize the importance of networking within the podcasting community and the joy of celebrating their success with both their immediate team and fellow podcasters.

[21:16] Brooke DeVard: "The after party was fun because it was like that entire room of podcast people now, plus champagne and food and music..."
[22:36] B.A.: "This is like the Oscars for podcasts, right? Didn't she say that?"

7. Balancing Motherhood and a Thriving Career

Both Brooke and B.A. discuss the challenges and triumphs of managing motherhood alongside their professional aspirations. Brooke shares personal anecdotes about preparing for the event while expecting her baby, underscoring the feasibility of juggling multiple roles with planning and support.

[24:21] B.A.: "For anyone who's listening to this, who is in a motherhood journey trying to build their career and build their brand while also being a mom, it's difficult, but it's possible."
[25:29] Brooke DeVard: "It's like, you know what? Maybe I'm not too tired to go out ever. Maybe I really need to be maximizing these moments."

8. Inspiring Persistence and Self-Belief

In the concluding remarks, Brooke and B.A. offer heartfelt encouragement to listeners, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, consistency, and believing in one's own ideas. They highlight their journey from humble beginnings to award-winning status as a testament to what dedication and passion can achieve.

[27:44] Brooke DeVard: "If there is something that you want to do, you can achieve, literally anything you can conceive you can achieve."
[28:37] B.A.: "If you are asking yourselves such specific questions, like, should I be a writer? Should am I worthy of telling this story? The answer is probably yes."

9. Acknowledging the Community

Both hosts express immense gratitude to their listeners, team members, and supporters who have contributed to the podcast's growth and success. They recognize that the community's engagement and support are the driving forces behind their achievements.

[29:07] Brooke DeVard: "Closer to my dream."
[29:14] Unknown: "So if you're looking for a gift for the food lover in your Life, head to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code gift."

Note: The final segment includes an advertisement, which is omitted from the summary as per instructions.

Key Takeaways:

• Naked Beauty embodies authentic conversations about beauty and self-care, setting it apart in the podcasting landscape.
• Winning the Best Beauty and Fashion Podcast at the iHeart Podcast Awards is a testament to the podcast's cultural relevance and impact.
• Transitioning to a full-time role in podcast production highlights the viability of pursuing one's passion with dedication.
• Balancing multiple roles, including motherhood, is achievable with strategic planning and support systems.
• Persistence, consistency, and community support are crucial elements in achieving personal and professional milestones.

Notable Quotes:

• Brooke DeVard on the podcast's mission:

  "I wanted to create what I couldn't find. And over the years and over time, it has grown..." [27:44]

• B.A. on not expecting the win:

  "I wasn't expecting it because I know how these things usually go and we are not always rewarded or recognized for our work..." [06:16]

• Brooke DeVard on betting on oneself:

  "If there is something that you want to do, you can achieve, literally anything you can conceive you can achieve." [27:44]

This episode of Naked Beauty offers listeners an intimate look into the triumphs and challenges of building a meaningful podcast. Brooke and B.A.'s candid discussions provide inspiration and practical insights for aspiring podcasters and anyone striving to make their passion their profession.