Hillary Frank’s journey into storytelling began in a rather unique way—using her parents’ cassette tape answering machine and a boom box back in 1999. Fast forward to today, and she’s the brilliant mind behind the popular podcast “The Longest Shortest Time,” which dives into the messy, beautiful world of parenthood.
From Passion Project to Podcast Sensation
After welcoming her daughter, Mia, in 2010, she found herself seeking connection with other moms. This led her to create a podcast where she could share these experiences from her cozy spare room. Initially, it was just a passion project, with only 20 episodes in the first three years. However, after a successful crowdfunding campaign, she secured a spot on WNYC in 2014, and later moved to the Earwolf Podcast Network. Her audience, which has grown significantly, spans beyond just parents, thanks to her relatability and willingness to tackle all sorts of parenting topics.
Facing Challenges and Building Community
Hillary faced challenges herself, including a tough delivery and recovery, which fueled her desire to connect with other mothers. During her daughter’s naptime, she interviewed various women to share their stories. At the end of each episode, she invites listeners to share their own experiences, and the response has been overwhelming. She’s created a space for open dialogue on various parenting styles, even addressing controversial topics in a respectful manner.
Storytelling Over Strict Advice
For instance, she once had a three-part series on unmedicated birth where she confronted a well-known midwife, which led to unexpected growth and change in their perspectives. She emphasizes that her podcast is about storytelling rather than offering strict advice; listeners can take what resonates with them.
Expanding Horizons
As the show continues to gain traction, Hillary is keen to expand her reach, targeting not just current parents but also those who are planning to become parents or even those who may not have kids. Parenthood is a universal theme, and she wants to celebrate that.
Resources for Parents
If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and parenting topics, check out this insightful post on our other blog. For anyone considering home insemination, you might want to explore this top-rated at-home insemination kit to help you on your journey. Additionally, Women’s Health offers fantastic resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, Hillary Frank’s podcast is a heartfelt reflection of diverse parenting experiences, fostering connection and understanding among listeners. Her commitment to fearless storytelling continues to resonate with a broad audience, making parenthood a relatable and universal subject.
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