INFLUENCE ME is a 45 – 60 minute podcast released fortnightly where TV and radio presenter Shanie Ryan hosts a conversation with some of the biggest names in the world of social media and YouTube.    

In each episode, Shanie will shine a light on a special guest ‘Influencer’ as she explores not only their journey to digital fame but also discusses a multitude of talking points with a focus on the influencer’s interest or expertise. Influence Me will cover many subjects from fashion to fitness, from mental health to metrosexuals, from interior design to veganism and everything in between… No subject is off limits!   

The Voice: I think the name of the fortnightly podcast speaks for itself, but in your own words, what’s it all about?

SR: So, Influence me is a podcast about influencers but it’s not about them from the perspective of social, highlight reel glamourizing every beauty product under the sun it’s about getting to know the person behind the profile picture.

Starting the podcast was driven by the fact that over the past couple of years I have met a lot of influencers who I follow on Integra and I see what everyone else sees, but I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a lot of them really well.

And, I’ve always been inspired at the end of a conversation or I have been influenced by what they have said to me or what their mission is.

I just thought that it was a real shame that people don’t get to see these really amazing entrepreneurs as the real people that they are. Where they are working with brands everything has to look a certain way, that’s there job. But actually they is a lot to learn from people like that.

I think it’s really difficult when you are always creating your own content to dig deep in your own world so I just wanted to bring people onto a platform where I can dig into their world and I can push their boundaries and I can have them inspire people and really influence them in a positive way.

The Voice: So many podcasts out there, so what’s the strategy to ensure your one stands out?

SR: I think the fact that I am working with influencers is the main thing because they are so passionate about their episodes and the things that they have spoken about and so proud of their contribution to the podcast that they have all openly said that they are going to push the podcast to their followers in order for them to hear it. So I am just really hoping that everyone that I have brought on as a guest really gets behind it as they’ve said they will. For every episode we have done visual trailers and images to go with it so we can use social media to direct people to listen to the podcast.

The Voice: Talk a bit about you’re background … A quick look through your CV and I think you may have done it all, what’s next, a run for Prime Minister?

SR: I tell you what, they couldn’t handle me in parliament, I’d have a thing or two to say … You know what, sky’s the limit you can achieve anything you put your mind to, I’m not sure though if politics is my vibe but I’d definitely like to stand up for something in the future. You never know where the podcast could go, so it could end up being that mouthpiece.

The reason I started the podcast was because I wanted to speak, I wanted to have conversations with these incredible people. So for me the podcast is that platform to do it.

The Voice: Where are your family from and have you been there?

SR: It’s an interesting mix. So my mum is English/Irish but both of her parents died when she was quite young, so I don’t remember my grand parents. I’ve never been to Ireland although it’s on the bucket list of places to go. My dad’s side is Barbados but I don’t my family history that well.

The Voice: You’re a survivor of the 7/7 London Bombings – what was coming through that like for you?

SR: I was on the Kings Cross train of which I believe 27 people were killed. I was on my way to my graduation, I was at London Studio Centre Dance College where I was supposed to do this big graduation show where all the agents come and watch your big grand performance. Obviously I never got there.

When I got on the train I actually got on the first carriage, I was with my flat mate Leon and we both automatically got off the train at Kings Cross where I went to college and he was like, get back on we’re getting off at Russell Square to go to the theatre. I turned around to get back on the train but the doors were closing and someone had jumped into my spot so I ran to the next carriage and actually that move saved my life because the 27 people that died, did so where I was stood previously. I had a real sliding doors moment. We were trapped underground for an hour and were rescued by the fire brigade.

It’s probably the most traumatic thing I’ve ever been through and I had PTSD for ten years after that. I lived with it in the background not really realising that it was affecting my life for about six years and then eventually I recognised that there were weird little triggers for me. It was an interesting journey. I definitely think it has made me more determined, made me stronger and in some ways it took bits away from me but it also added bits as well.

The Voice: You’ve interviewed a few people in your time, but who is on the Bucket List, who would you like an hour sit down time with?

SR: In would, love to interview Denzel Washington, I love his work. Plus I’m not going to lie; I’m a bit of a pervert when it comes to him, especially from some of his roles from back in the day.

I’d also love to interview Jay Shetty as well because he has really inspired me to start my own podcast and he’s always doing the interviewing so I would love to interview him.

The Voice: What’s the end goal? What does a fruitful career look like?

SR: Being a survivor, you’re always pushing for the next thing. I think a big thing that should to be on my goals list is to actually savour these moments and really enjoy my small successes. I’m so focused on the end goal that sometimes I forget to enjoy the journey.

A big thing on my list of goals is to be more present, enjoy the now and the moment I am in, to celebrate my small successes.

In terms of career, I’d love to have a TV show that focuses on property and I’d love to do a television version of Influence me. I won’t say too much as I am pitching it now but I’d definitely love to do more TV work.

I’d also like to work with more charities. I’d love to work with Mind around posttraumatic stress disorder so when things like Grenfell happen or the Manchester bombings, there is a support system in place.

Check out the Podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/influence-me-podcast/id1484256248