She is a variety streamer, but @podgie always (or most times!) loves starting off her streams with a makeup session and chat to catch up with her community. From there, the BroadcastHER Grant winner plays everything from Animal Crossing, to Dead By Daylight, and Sims, does art streams, and so much more.

What is your dream as a digital broadcaster?

My dream is to create an inclusive space on the internet where people who’ve been made to feel less have a place they can call home.

How will the BroadcastHER Grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

It will help me to purchase a better chair, so that I am able to sit at my desk for extended periods of time without being in excruciating pain. This will help me create more content and do so more effectively without long-term effects from using a bad chair paired with my back problems!

What does being the recipient of the BroadcastHER Grant mean to you?

It shows me that other people believe in my dreams, which means that I’m doing something right. Being a content creator is filled with second guessing and self-doubt, so when I was chosen as a recipient I felt extremely humbled and honored.

Women are underrepresented in gaming, broadcasting, and e-sports. What can we do to change this?

We can help boost voices of women and other marginalized creators. There are so many extremely talented women in gaming. We can boost them by helping them insert themselves in spaces where they should be heard and then stepping aside so they can tell their stories.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

Some challenges I’ve faced have been due to doing some self-discovery and figuring out who I am and who I want to be as a person. I was engaged and had my whole life planned out and chose to completely flip my life upside-down and follow my heart. I uprooted my entire life and moved states (I moved six times within a year!) while my community helped me and cheered me on.

I’ve also dealt with harassment from people overstepping boundaries along with countless comments that I’m successful “because I’m a woman” or because I look a certain way.

What advice do you have for women who want to start broadcasting?

Do it. It doesn’t matter what gear you have to start out with… if you have a dream to broadcast, you should go for it. I started streaming in a closet and slowly upgraded from there. The community you cultivate will be one of the most amazing things you’ll see flourish in your life, and they make it all completely worth it. Don’t listen to other people’s negative comments and try really hard not to compare yourselves to others. Make friends and connections with no strings attached or expectations!

How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?

I surround myself with likeminded individuals so we can cheer each other on! Streaming can be really lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Create connections so you can ask for advice; there are a lot of kind people out there willing to help you. A key part to staying focused is taking a step back to see the bigger picture of WHY you are wanting to do something and figure out the small steps to make it there.