The TPA Mentorship Program connects members with similar interests to a more experienced peer with the intent to facilitate connections across the worlds of content and business development while imparting knowledge from veterans in the podcast industry.

Who will I work with and when do we meet?

Mentors may be assigned up to 4 Mentees and will participate in monthly meetings with Mentees to facilitate discussion, knowledge sharing and peer-support. 

In February, TPA will host a 30-minute kick off meeting (via Zoom) where Mentors will be introduced to Mentees. Mentorship groups will use this time to set the cadence of their meetings for the next 4 months. Note: Mentees will lead the setting of content/goals and can use this Action Steps Worksheet to define their overall goals and objectives.

TPA will have an open Zoom meeting available 2x/month for the duration of the program. Mentorship groups can choose to use these times to meet, or set up times on their own.  Zoom Rooms will be available these dates at 12pm ET and 5pm ET:

February 13, March 11, April 15, and May 13
Click here for Zoom information for these dates.

Should I be a Mentor?

Not sure if you are ready to be a TPA mentor? If you identify with the criteria listed below, then you are ready!

• I have 3+ years working in podcasting.

• I am passionate about helping others.

• I can commit to around 10 hours of service across four months.

Bonus if you have mentored or coached in a professional or structured setting previously!

Baseline Expectations

Mentees:

• It is the Mentee’s responsibility to initiate goals and Action Steps related to those goals.

• Mentees will review/work on Action Steps before each meeting.

Mentors:

• It is the Mentor's responsibility to set a professional tone and create a supportive environment.

• Mentors must always aim to keep the conversations equitable.

Mentors/Mentees

• Commitment to TPA’s Code of Conduct and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.

• Complete the two surveys offering program feedback.

• Keep all discussions private.

• Strive to adhere to active listening. 

• Enthusiasm for, and avid participation in, peer-based networking and skill sharing

Time Commitment

Mentors: ~10 hour time commitment over the 4-month period.  

• 4 hours of meetings with mentee(s) 

• 5 hours spent with mentees outside of the formal group setting.

• :30 minute program launch meeting

• :30 hour program check-in meeting (optional)

• :30 minute program wrap-up meeting

• :30 minute misc. time spent on program

Mentees: ~11 hour minimum time commitment over the 4-month period.  

• 4 hours of meetings with mentorship group

• 5 hours spent working on Action Steps and touching base with mentors outside of the formal group setting.

• :30 minute program launch meeting

• 1 hour program check-in meeting

• :30 minute program wrap-up meeting

Please note that these time commitments are the minimum required.  Mentor/mentee pairs may decide together to have more frequent or longer meetings.

Program Activities

Pre-Program - Late January

• Mentee/Mentor pairs and groups are set 

• Mentees and Mentors are sent their pairing information with the mentorship program manual, guides for developing Goals and Action Steps, program timeline, and meeting information for the introduction, check-in and closing meetings. 

Month 1 - February

• Introduction meeting - February 1, 12-12:30pm ET/9-9:30am PT - Goal of the meeting is to meet fellow Mentees/Mentors, lay out expectations for the program and set your first meeting.

• Minimum 1 meeting in 1st month between Mentor/Mentee(s) to discuss development. 

  • Mentees should have a goal for the program set.

  • End meetings with Action Steps to work on and discuss during the next meeting. 

  • Mentees work at least ½ hour on Action Steps before each meeting. 

Month 2 - March

• HQ will send a midpoint survey for check-in. Please fill out this survey before the mentorship program check-in meeting. 

• Mentee Check-in meeting - March 20 April 3, 12-1pm ET/9-10am PT – Mentees to share and discuss their experiences in a group setting.

• Mentor Check-in meeting - March 20 April 3, 1:30-2pm ET/10:30-11am PT – Optional meeting for Mentors to share and discuss their experiences in a group setting.

• Minimum 1 meeting in 2nd month between Mentor/Mentees to discuss development.

  • Start and end meetings with Action Steps to work on and discuss during the next meeting.

  • Mentees work at least ½ hour on Action Steps before each meeting.

Month 3 - April

• Minimum 1 meeting in 3rd month between Mentor/Mentees to discuss development.

  • Start and end meetings with Action Steps to work on and discuss during the next meeting.

  • Mentees work at least ½ hour on Action Steps before each meeting.

Month 4 - May

• Minimum 1 meeting in 4th month between Mentor/Mentees to discuss development.

  • Start and end meetings with Action Steps to work on and discuss during the next meeting.

  • Mentees work at least ½ hour on Action Steps before each meeting.

• Close-out Meeting - May 31, 12-12:30pm ET/9-9:30am PT 

  • A wrap up session with everyone who participated in the program.

  • TPA will send a program wrap-up survey. Please fill out this survey before the mentorship close out meeting.