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NEW QUEENDOM: Annika Allen, left – who has worked in the media for more than 15 years – and journalist Mary Florence Bello are working together on their new podcast, 'Queens n Dreams'

TWO JOURNALISTS have thrown their hat into the podcast arena by launching their “360 approach” to empowering and inspiring women while “pushing and promoting gender equality”.

Annika Allen and Mary Florence Bello created Queens n Dreams to celebrate and share the stories of women of all ages and races.

Coming in the contemporary form of a bi-monthly podcast, the duo told The Voice> that topics broached on the platform will be dissected in depth, complete with arguments, tears, laughter and solutions. Explaining why their podcast will stand out in a time when everyone seems to be utilising similar means to get their voices heard, Bello said:

“We both have interesting perspectives and we both have strong opinions – we’re really going to push what we are saying and not hold back.

“We’ll hopefully make people laugh and cry. I think if something is good then the product speaks for itself, and word of mouth will get you going and eventually get people listening.”

Allen added:

“Podcasts are 10 a penny these days, but a lot of the popular ones are about sensationalism, whereas ours will be something you visit and be entertained by, but you will also leave with education and knowledge. You’re taking things away from it, and not just having a listening experience.

“It won’t just be a podcast either – we will also have an online hub where women can see information and articles written by ourselves and the network of writers that are also a part of the project, as well as have the opportunity to feature on the podcast. It will be a 360 approach.”

Both Bello and Allen are well equipped to deliver on Queens n Dreams. With a career in media spanning 15 years, Allen has a keen eye for a story and understands the evolving media landscape as well as the contemporary manner in which information is acquired.

Nine years ago Bello, a mother of one, worked in finance before taking the plunge and becoming a journalist.

Queens n Dreams will run on the second and the fourth Sunday of each month. The website was launched this week and both presenters are excited by the prospects ahead.

“We want to bring about change, share information and assist in the progression of women towards a place where we have equal footing in the world and no need to argue the toss about topics such as the pay gap, sexual discrimination and the rights over our own bodies,” Bello said.

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