The Story Behind the Two Versions of WAWAYSPEAKS Podcast

By Kemberly Resentes | Philippine People’s Press

In today’s world of polished media and scripted interviews, the WAWAYSPEAKS podcast stands out for being simple, raw, and real. It’s a live interview podcast produced by Radyo Natin 91.9 FM Pagadian, and its goal is clear, to share stories that matter to the people

But before it became WAWAYSPEAKS, the team behind the show went through a long list of possible names more than ten, in fact. In the end, one name felt right. WAWAY comes from the nickname of its host, Lualhati “Waway” Belen, who is also the station manager. The word SPEAKS reflects what the podcast is all about: giving people a voice, letting them speak freely, and allowing listeners to connect with their stories.

“When we chose the name WAWAYSPEAKS, we weren’t just naming a podcast. We were starting something meaningful,” Belen shared.

According to podcast expert Lindsay Harris Friel, “A podcast’s name is the first thing people see. It should tell people who you are and what you’re about” (The Podcast Host, 2021).

Two Versions, One Purpose

WAWAYSPEAKS eventually took shape as two separate versions, each with its own focus:

1. Influencers and Business Edition - This version features small business owners, musicians, local influencers, and other creatives. It gives space for local talent and hardworking entrepreneurs to share their journey, especially in areas where media support is often lacking.

2. “KINSA SIYA” Special Election Edition – This version highlights aspiring leaders and public officials. But unlike traditional political interviews, KINSA SIYA isn’t about campaigns or platforms. The title itself asks: “Who is he or she?” It’s a way of learning the person’s real story before the titles, before the power.

“This interview is not about your position,” one producer said. “It’s about who you really are.”

This format follows what researchers McGregor & Molyneux wrote in Journalism Studies (2019): “People today want to hear real stories from real people not just political talking points.”

From Cellphones to Studios ,What makes WAWAYSPEAKS even more impressive is how it all started. At the beginning, the team only had one thing: an Android phone. No studio, no fancy equipment, not even a professional editor. Everything was done on a small budget with big passion.

“We made do with what we had. That’s all we could afford at the time,” one team member said. “But we were focused on telling stories, not on how expensive the setup looked.”

As the podcast gained support, the team slowly upgraded their gear. Eventually, they partnered with Bigboi Studios, a major step that boosted the quality of their work without losing the down-to-earth feel of the show.

From a Local Station to a Growing Audience Today, WAWAYSPEAKS goes live on Facebook, airs on Radyo Natin 91.9 FM, and reaches more people through TikTok and YouTube. But no matter how far the show spreads, it keeps its heart close to home.

As podcast advocate Elsie Escobar once said, “The real power of podcasting is in how deeply it connects with people” (She Podcasts LIVE, 2020).

Whether it’s a story from a young dreamer, a small business owner, or a hopeful leader WAWAYSPEAKS gives people a space to be real, honest, and heard.

“We may have started with almost nothing,” Belen said. “But the stories we share are everything.”

And in a time when most media focuses on image and popularity, WAWAYSPEAKS reminds us that behind every voice is a story worth listening to.

Sources: Friel, Lindsay Harris. (2021). How to Choose a Podcast Name. The Podcast Host.

McGregor, S.C. & Molyneux, L. (2019). Why Audiences Value Authenticity in Political Communication. Journalism Studies.

Escobar, Elsie. (2020). She Podcasts LIVE Conference, Keynote Speech.