Podcasting has ‘always been a dream’ for SJF

It was one of her planned goals in life when she set up her production company SJF Productions seven years ago and now, having crossed most items off the list, she decided it was time to get started.

‘Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster’ launched last Wednesday (February 21) and episode one featured a long-form interview with broadcaster and writer Terry Prone.

It is filmed in her Mullingar studio on Bishopsgate Street and aims to be educational, conversational and entertaining.

Sarah said she has built up lots of connections through her work as a contributor on RTÉ 2fm, TG4, and more over the years - so decided, “If not now, when?”

“I’m in the studio five years this year so I said ‘that’s it,’ I’m going to go for this now with my podcast,” she told the Westmeath Examiner.

“It’s going to ‘unfilter’ success and give you the knowledge you need to live your dream life, cutting through all the BS with each of our guests and topics.

“I’ll be asking the questions people want answered on people from the entertainment industry who are successful.

“I’ll be asking them how they got to where they are, how to overcome challenges, and the advice they would give having overcome them.”

Season one contains ten episodes which will be released on a weekly basis on Wednesday's and uploaded onto platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and more.

Sarah’s lips were firmly sealed when asked what interviewees she has lined up for the rest of the series, but promised they would not disappoint.

“I want to give people some insights into the showbiz industry they may not have known,” she said.

“I give guests a space where they can feel safe to give their side of the story.

“There’s so much headlines going on about these different people and I want to hear things from their point of view.

“They’re just talking about their lives, giving their version of it, instead of hearing it from someone else.”

The world celebrities live in may appear “glitz and glam,” but Sarah said things are not always how they seem.

“Everything looks like life is great for these people and everyone wants to be an entrepreneur or a celebrity,” she said.

“It’s great having your own business and having these goals, but there’s also a lot of downsides to it.

“People don’t realise what goes on and I think it’s important to share those aspects of business and of life – it has its ups and downs.”

Sarah said she is a big fan of podcasting as a medium and its potential is huge.

“It’s a huge industry and it’s growing every day,” she said.

“I love listening to other podcasts and when I do, I always look at what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and try to learn from that.

“I love Tommy Tiernan’s podcast, Vogue Williams, and Stephen Bartlett’s – they would probably be my most listened to.”

‘Unfiltered with Sarah Jane Foster’ is available to enjoy through audio or video.