Podcast Guest Research Specialist Needed
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
About The Shadow Sessions Podcast
The Shadow Sessions is a groundbreaking podcast that explores the untold sides of the human story — the pain, shame, and transformation behind who we become. Through unfiltered, deeply human conversations, we give voice to the people society often misunderstands — those shaped by trauma, mistakes, and redemption — to reveal the psychology of the shadow and the possibility of light through it.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Guest Researcher to identify, vet, and source guests whose personal stories carry emotional depth, psychological complexity, and transformational arcs. The ideal candidate will be someone with strong research instincts, emotional intelligence, and experience navigating sensitive or controversial subjects.
This role requires precision, sensitivity, and resilience, as you’ll be working with stories of trauma, abuse, crime, shame, and redemption. Your mission is to find individuals whose journeys hold the power to shift perceptions and provoke deep reflection.
What I’m looking for
• Stories that center on mental health or life-changing personal journeys, told with honesty and nuance.
• Guests whose arcs show psychological depth and genuine growth—no superficial “influencer” angles.
• Sensitivity to controversial or triggering subject matter; tactful, trauma-informed outreach is essential.
Key Responsibilities
• Research and identify potential guests whose life experiences align with The Shadow Sessions’ themes — including trauma, adversity, moral conflict, and transformation.
• Source guests through a wide range of channels (press, documentaries, online forums, survivor networks, social media, and direct outreach).
• Conduct preliminary vetting through background checks, public interviews, and media coverage to ensure story authenticity and alignment with the show’s tone and ethics.
• Prepare comprehensive guest briefs with psychological, emotional, and narrative insights for the host and production team.
• Collaborate closely to refine guest selection and maintain ethical storytelling standards.
Ideal Candidate
• Deep understanding of human psychology, trauma, and transformation stories.
• Background in research, journalism, psychology, or documentary production.
• Resourceful and creative in finding guests from unconventional or private sources.
• Comfortable dealing with heavy or morally complex subject matter.
• Proven experience in story-driven content — podcasting, film, or investigative storytelling preferred.
Deliverables (medium-scope)
1. A curated shortlist of 30-50 potential guests in a spreadsheet, each entry including:
– Name and primary story hook
– One-paragraph synopsis highlighting the transformational arc
– Links to supporting articles, talks, or social posts
– Assessment of emotional tone and any sensitive red flags
– Direct contact details and preferred outreach channel
2. A brief report outlining your research methodology, sources consulted, and recommendations for interview sequencing.
Success looks like a balanced roster of authentic voices ready to have candid, meaningful conversations that resonate with our audience. If you combine investigative tenacity with empathetic communication, I’d love to collaborate on bringing these stories to the microphone.
The Shadow Sessions is a groundbreaking podcast that explores the untold sides of the human story — the pain, shame, and transformation behind who we become. Through unfiltered, deeply human conversations, we give voice to the people society often misunderstands — those shaped by trauma, mistakes, and redemption — to reveal the psychology of the shadow and the possibility of light through it.
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled Guest Researcher to identify, vet, and source guests whose personal stories carry emotional depth, psychological complexity, and transformational arcs. The ideal candidate will be someone with strong research instincts, emotional intelligence, and experience navigating sensitive or controversial subjects.
This role requires precision, sensitivity, and resilience, as you’ll be working with stories of trauma, abuse, crime, shame, and redemption. Your mission is to find individuals whose journeys hold the power to shift perceptions and provoke deep reflection.
What I’m looking for
• Stories that center on mental health or life-changing personal journeys, told with honesty and nuance.
• Guests whose arcs show psychological depth and genuine growth—no superficial “influencer” angles.
• Sensitivity to controversial or triggering subject matter; tactful, trauma-informed outreach is essential.
Key Responsibilities
• Research and identify potential guests whose life experiences align with The Shadow Sessions’ themes — including trauma, adversity, moral conflict, and transformation.
• Source guests through a wide range of channels (press, documentaries, online forums, survivor networks, social media, and direct outreach).
• Conduct preliminary vetting through background checks, public interviews, and media coverage to ensure story authenticity and alignment with the show’s tone and ethics.
• Prepare comprehensive guest briefs with psychological, emotional, and narrative insights for the host and production team.
• Collaborate closely to refine guest selection and maintain ethical storytelling standards.
Ideal Candidate
• Deep understanding of human psychology, trauma, and transformation stories.
• Background in research, journalism, psychology, or documentary production.
• Resourceful and creative in finding guests from unconventional or private sources.
• Comfortable dealing with heavy or morally complex subject matter.
• Proven experience in story-driven content — podcasting, film, or investigative storytelling preferred.
Deliverables (medium-scope)
1. A curated shortlist of 30-50 potential guests in a spreadsheet, each entry including:
– Name and primary story hook
– One-paragraph synopsis highlighting the transformational arc
– Links to supporting articles, talks, or social posts
– Assessment of emotional tone and any sensitive red flags
– Direct contact details and preferred outreach channel
2. A brief report outlining your research methodology, sources consulted, and recommendations for interview sequencing.
Success looks like a balanced roster of authentic voices ready to have candid, meaningful conversations that resonate with our audience. If you combine investigative tenacity with empathetic communication, I’d love to collaborate on bringing these stories to the microphone.
Related categories:
Public Relations
Psychology
Internet Research
Journalism
Investigative Journalism
Content Creation