Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Riggs
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Uplifting with Liv during the pandemic and was in my first year of undergrad. The George Floyd killing had just happened, and I was so scared and helpless. I felt so alone and was living with my mother then (lol). I needed an outlet, and I saw a video online that showed people how to create a podcast on Spotify. I followed the steps, which is how Uplifting with Liv was born. I started posting episodes periodically. Then, in 2021-2022, I started doing interviews for Black History Month, highlighting black businesses and students at the University of Cincinnati, and doing episodes that talked about real issues affecting the black community in Cincinnati and nationally. I have since branched out, having interviewed national organizations and the first black woman on the Ohio Supreme Court, Yvette McGee Brown. I am so proud of how far my podcast has grown. It is small but mighty. I don’t focus on the followers or views. I focus on getting my viewers and supporters the best episodes and information.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a fairly smooth road. I have no complaints. However, since I am doing everything, including the website, recording, and social media, it can be a lot and daunting, especially since I have started law school. I teach myself to stay steadfast and get caught up in what everyone else is doing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own a podcast called Uplifting with Liv. My podcast focuses on political education, interviews, and highlighting black voices in my community. I also use my podcast to highlight my journey, like my legal journey, personal growth, and life lessons. I am most proud of the different interviews I have been able to do. I interviewed the first black woman to be on the Ohio Supreme Court. I also interviewed the Abortion Fund for Ohio and different national organizations to help educate and bring awareness to various issues in the Cincinnati community and nationally.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Podcasts are here to stay, fortunately, and unfortunately. I believe they can be a great tool to educate others quickly and express your personality. However, I have seen people create podcasts that spread misinformation and misogynistic rhetoric. It has been sad to watch, and I believe that people are making a mockery of podcasts, and the industry is becoming very saturated. But I am here to stay and will not be leaving anytime soon. I believe that people will still be making podcasts in the next 5-10 years, but I think that it will become small after a great “migration” to new platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.upliftingwithliv.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upliftingwithliv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/origgs1
