In today's extreme partisan world, how unique is it to have a podcast about multiple perspectives? Consider how, in today's U.S. politics, elected officials are castigated for compromising with the other party.
In today's societies around the world, we see only one side -- our side. Jennica Sadhwani wanted to do something about that myopic view of our world and its people.
Multispective is a podcast that started in January 2022. It's a show worth your ear time because it enables listeners to follow vicariously the obstacles the guests on the show battled and ultimately overcame.
I reviewed this podcast over a year ago, and during that time the show has truly hit its stride.
Here's the mission statement from the Multispective creators: "Multispective is all about building perspectives. No story is one-sided, no two journeys are the same, and people's lives are never as they seem."
The host of Multispective, Jennica Sadhwani, notes,
"We believe each person has a unique story to tell. Experiences, both good and bad, shape our everyday lives. Many of us go through similar things, yet our stories are never the same."
Multispective producer Joe Mills adds, "Hearing the countless stories of traumas and inner struggles drove us to create this platform. We hope that sharing real-life stories, told by the people who lived them, will help us push aside our judgments and allow us to rebuild our love and compassion for humanity."
Multispective is a podcast that shares these stories of triumph through tribulations. They invite guests from all over the world to share their life experiences, providing their perspective on society and culture today.
The name of the podcast itself is inspired, suggesting a view from many different angles and, of course, perspectives.
In each episode—there have been 48 to date—Sadhwani interviews a guest or guests about their life experiences. In fact, the very first episode explored mental health in prison, especially for prisoners in maximum security, where that can often be isolated torture.
The most recent episode welcomed actor and motivational speaker Darius Wallace, who shared his success story of unwavering resilience and triumph. From street life, homelessness, grief, and depression, he worked his way up in theater, playing roles like Malcolm X and starring in Hollywood TV shows Law and Order and Nashville and movies like Nothing but the Truth. He has also given inspirational speeches with Ted X.
As Jennica explains: "Listen in on how Darius' unwavering determination and talent propelled him to stardom against all odds. We delve into the challenges he faced, the dreams he pursued, and the extraordinary path that led him to success. This episode is filled with inspiration and uplifting messaging by his captivating tale of perseverance and hope."
One of the most powerful episodes was number 17 with Rae Lee, who discussed what's like to be a transgender woman in the U.S. and Shanghai, China. Host Sadhwani carefully explored what it was like for Rae to grapple with gender dysphoria, transitioning and integrating, and, sadly, the stigma felt by parts of society.
In the last two years, Multispective has dealt with surviving a high school shooting, being diagnosed with, and being treated for, a rare form of cancer, dealing with bipolar disorder, being a cult survivor, and a woman who suffered female genital mutilation at six years old.
The podcast episodes are well-constructed and designed to be ear-worthy. Here's why.
The intro music is this dirge-like guitar riff that appropriately sets the mood for the show. The sound production value is excellent, with mics balanced evenly for the host and guests. Even guests who are remote are well-balanced and easy to understand.
Each episode begins with the guitar riff, and then Sadhwani speaks, detailing the specifics of this episode. Lately, they've been incorporating audio clips of the guest along with the summary, which only spikes interest in the episode. It is also a solid strategy for attracting new listeners who may be exploring and hit on an episode of the show.
The linchpin of the podcast, however, is Jennica Sadhwani. As an interviewer, she's excellent. The way she guides her guests through the interview process is nicely done. Sadhwani is careful with her guests. It's clear she's not trying to exploit them but to assist them in sharing their personal narrative.
Sadhwani asks questions that require the guests to organize their thoughts, refine their life stories, and explain their experiences. She also asks strong follow-up questions that keep the guests on track.
Sadhwani is clearly searching for insights inside the narrative of her guests, not sensationalized details that can shock. As a host, Sadhwani infuses controlled empathy into her voice and tone. It's obvious she cares about the people she's interviewing.
Jennica Sadhwani has a bachelor's degree from the Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, which is a private, coeducational academy for Chinese students. She also holds a Master Of Science degree from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Like many adept podcast hosts, Sadhwani has only gotten better. She's Caitlin Clark from 25 feet away from the basket, but instead of a ball and a basket, Jennica has insight and eager listeners.
Multispective has a Patreon page for donations, which it doesn't nearly talk about enough on the show. Value-added independent podcasts like Multispective need donations or subscribers to continue their journey.
It's interesting that shows like Multispective often find themselves in different genre categories based on the app or feed in which they are placed. Sometimes, shows like Multispective are in health, mental health, self-improvement, culture, and even relationships.
To me, it's people who enjoy the plentiful true-crime podcasts who might most enjoy Multispective. On true-crime podcasts, the villains and victims take center stage. Yet, it's the victims who easily earn our empathy and concern.
In Multispective, the podcast does a superb job of enabling the victims of life and its tribulations to frame how they succeeded where so many others fail.
Listen to Multispective. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."
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This review is part of an ongoing series of reviews, recommendations, and essays about Indie podcasters -- their craft, their challenges, and the critical role they play in podcasting. These entrepreneurs display skills as disparate as hosting, sound production, graphic design, scriptwriting, interviewing, marketing genius, and financial watchdog. They are the heart and soul of podcasting.
Superb review Frank. Jennica sounds a wonderful host. I'll tune in.
All the more interesting as few shows are truly seeking multi perspectives. They might say this but in reality, not so much.
Thanks Dunusia. She’s a wonderful woman.