Jon Kabir opens up about podcast, future plans

The definition of a 'podcast' implies that it is primarily made for consumption in the audio format – on the road during commutes, while working on something ominously mundane or just closing your eyes to listen to a no-holds barred conversation between two people. However, the popularity of podcasts has outgrown its mould, and a particular Bangladeshi spin on it has become one of the most must-see content on the internet right now. Music and television star Jon Kabir talks to us about his latest podcast, titled "I started a Podcast". We talk to Jon about his latest endeavor.

Congratulations on the success of your podcast. The guest list has been very interesting until now – Mahboob Rahman, Ayman Sadiq, Shomi Kaiser and Nuhash Humayun. How do you decide on whom to invite on the show?

It is very easy actually – I deliberately avoid inviting musicians to the show. This is because I have been in the music industry for so long that I would somehow know what they would say, in response to any question. Since my guests are from different industries, it has been an enlightening experience for me as well, as they added layers to a conversation which would otherwise be impossible if two completely like-minded people sat down and talked.

When did you decide that you wanted to do a podcast?

Honestly, I wanted to make a show like this since the 2000s. I was fascinated by how people perceived music, and I wanted to know a person via their journey through art and culture. Not through scripted sequences, but an earnest conversation about how they really felt.

Tell us about what you think are the most interesting moments in the show up until now.

There are many, actually. As I said before, it has really opened me up to how others perceive music, and I am certain that the listeners of the podcast can say the same. I had always admired Shomi Kaiser, and despite her not being an avid music enthusiast, the insight she gave was amazing – and that made for an amazing episode. I had a great back-and-forth with Ayman Sadiq, whose opinions on 'underrated' content varies largely from mine. Nuhash Humayun, who usually is very soft-spoken, poured his heart out in the podcast. I am glad that I have had the opportunity to partake in these candid discussions.

What can we expect from future iterations of the podcast?

Some exciting guests, of course! I would like to thank Buy Here Now for being excellent sponsors for my show. For this season, you will see Tabith Awal, Rubaba Dowla, Bobby Hajjaj and Nusraat Faria on my podcast. We actually plan to do three more seasons, with some personalities which will pleasantly surprise everyone!

Are you planning to release any new music soon?

I am working on releasing my second solo song, and Indalo's new single soon!