Local teen starts podcast with a mission to let peers know: ‘You are never alone’
Anna Daetwiler hopes her podcast gives others a sense of representation, something she felt was missing for herself growing up.
Daetwiler, 17, is a senior at Gig Harbor High School and the creator of the podcast “Honestly Noted.”
“It’s a safe space in which youth can feel represented, motivated, inspired and heard,” Daetwiler told the Gateway.
Daetwiler said she grew up feeling unrepresented as an Asian-American youth in the LGBTQ+ community.
“Oftentimes I felt like I didn’t have a voice,” Daetwiler said. “Growing up as a minority in a town that naturally lacked diversity, it was hard for me to feel represented culturally.”
Daetwiler struggled to find others she could relate to and fit in with, she said.
Daetwiler dropped her first episode in September.
“I’d been thinking about doing the podcast for some time, but wasn’t ready to follow through with it until my senior year,” Daetwiler said.
Along with creating “Honestly Noted,” Daetwiler hosts, directs and edits it.
“I try to prioritize having fun while filming episodes by approaching each topic with humor and a sense of lightheartedness, at the same time making sure to address what’s important,” Daetwiler said.
She spends about 15 hours a week working on the podcast. That includes developing promotional ideas, editing, filming, planning and writing episodes.
“Honestly Noted” features different guests from around the area, most of whom attend GHHS.
“My guests are chosen based on who is interested in contributing to a good conversation,” Daetwiler said. “I haven’t had any adults or staff on my podcast yet, which may change in the future, but I think in general the majority of guests will continue to be student voices.”
She hopes listeners gain a sense of connection.
“It’s not only made by youth, but specifically made for youth,” Daetwiler said. “What better way to represent teens and our confusing, hormonal thoughts and feelings than with actual teenagers?”
Podcast episodes include a variety of topics important to youth, she said.
“There are many things that divide us in this world, but even more that bring us together, and that includes the will to be seen, the need to be heard, and the longing for human connection,” Daetwiler said. “I hope the podcast works to demonstrate healthy communication while inspiring youth to engage in the natural messiness of hard conversations.”
Each episode is posted on YouTube. There is no specific schedule, but Daetwiler’s goal is to release at least two episodes every month.
In episode seven, Daetwiler and guest Jennifer Rogg, 18, who is a freshman at Washington State University, discussed their experiences growing up in the LGBTQ+ community.
They talk about common misconceptions of sexuality and ways other youths can feel represented and connected.
Being able to touch on topics that aren’t always talked about was an important motivator for Rogg in deciding to be a guest on “Honestly Noted,” she told the Gateway.
It’s important for youth to know they’re not alone, Rogg said.
She thinks “Honestly Noted” can answer questions for youth that their parents might not know the answers to. She also thinks it can answer questions for parents.
“Podcasts like ‘Honestly Noted’ are where teens can hear and see firsthand knowledge and experiences,” Rogg said. “I hope these podcasts spread awareness to not only youth but also parents.”
The latest episode, “Episode 8: Mental Health & Developing Inner Wealth,” was released Jan. 22.
Daetwiler and two guests, 17-year-old Kenzie Butler and 17-year-old Jordan Flaherty, discussed the relationship between teenagers and mental health.
“We dive into our personal struggles while providing solutions and resources for those who are wanting to get help,” Daetwiler said. “We also address effective ways loved ones can better support those battling with mental health issues, through the use of communication, empathy, patience and understanding.”
Daetwiler and her guests speak from personal experiences and opinions on the topics they discuss.
Butler thinks the podcast could help teens open up to each other, she told the Gateway.
Talking to someone always helps in the long run, Butler said.
“I think there is a lot of stigma around talking about sexuality, mental health, etc., and I think it has a lot to do with being afraid of not being accepted or being shut down,” Butler said. “A lot of times this can be because of teenagers’ surroundings while they grow up, but another contribution is social media and the internet.”
Daetwiler hopes the episodes raise awareness of such issues and also create connections.
“We made it a mission to emphasize the importance of asking for help while highlighting a simple yet powerful message we often forget — that you are never alone,” Daetwiler said.
Each episode Daetwiler is reminded why she started the podcast.
“It’s a platform I’ve been able to use to create representation I lacked growing up, while also promoting healthy communication and relations among youth,” Daetwiler said. “It’s led me to utilize my voice and help showcase others’ voices too.”
Daetwiler said peers have congratulated her on the podcast and encouraged her to keep it up.
“One of the most beautiful things about creating a platform like this has been watching the reactions of those closest to me: my teachers, my friends, and of course my family,” she said.
“I understand that sexuality is still considered a sensitive topic, but I’ve learned the power in being vulnerable and embracing who you really are,” Daetwiler said. “Some people may disagree with what we discuss, but that’s okay. I’m at a place in my life where I’m not affected by the opinions of others. I know who I am, the principles I live by, and most importantly how I treat others.”
To keep up with “Honestly Noted,” follow them on Instagram at @thehonestlynoted_podcast.
