Nicole Andersson Takes on a New Adventure With Her Podcast, 'Solo Flight' | ABS-CBN
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Nicole Andersson Takes on a New Adventure With Her Podcast, 'Solo Flight'
Grace Libero-Cruz
Published Jul 22, 2024 09:00 PM PHT
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Updated Jul 23, 2024 08:30 AM PHT
Nicole Andersson launched her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' last May, and it's been an interesting, eye-opening adventure for this multidimensional personality.. Photo from @nicole_andersson
Nicole Andersson launched her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' last May, and it's been an interesting, eye-opening adventure for this multidimensional personality.. Photo from @nicole_andersson Nicole Andersson has established herself as a live event host and a content creator. A social media maven, she's on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. While these platforms showcase her varied interests and reflect her vibrant personality and zest for life, they only show slices of what she can offer with her gift of gab.
Nicole Andersson has established herself as a live event host and a content creator. A social media maven, she's on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. While these platforms showcase her varied interests and reflect her vibrant personality and zest for life, they only show slices of what she can offer with her gift of gab.
And her friends and followers know that, too, so they kept telling her to explore doing a podcast. Podcasts are flexible and let listeners into the host's innermost thoughts about certain topics. Nicole, no doubt, is a perfect fit for the platform. But she had doubts, worried she might be spreading herself too thin. A dinner gathering with her vlogger besties was the final push to get her to start her new project.
And her friends and followers know that, too, so they kept telling her to explore doing a podcast. Podcasts are flexible and let listeners into the host's innermost thoughts about certain topics. Nicole, no doubt, is a perfect fit for the platform. But she had doubts, worried she might be spreading herself too thin. A dinner gathering with her vlogger besties was the final push to get her to start her new project.
'Nasa isip ko na siya pero parang nasa back of the mind ko lang siya. And then, all of a sudden, we brought up everyone at the table and started talking about what projects we want to start this year,' Nicole recalled. 'When it came to my turn, I said I was thinking about doing a podcast, but I wasn't sure yet, and then everyone at the table was so strongly adamant that I should do it. As in to the point na parang sinesermonan na nila ako, parang, 'You should totally do it. Sobrang bagay sa'yo 'yan,' 'You’re so ma-chika,' 'It makes sense,' 'Whenever we have dinner with you, or we talk to you, we love hearing your experiences and your advice.''
'Nasa isip ko na siya pero parang nasa back of the mind ko lang siya. And then, all of a sudden, we brought up everyone at the table and started talking about what projects we want to start this year,' Nicole recalled. 'When it came to my turn, I said I was thinking about doing a podcast, but I wasn't sure yet, and then everyone at the table was so strongly adamant that I should do it. As in to the point na parang sinesermonan na nila ako, parang, 'You should totally do it. Sobrang bagay sa'yo 'yan,' 'You’re so ma-chika,' 'It makes sense,' 'Whenever we have dinner with you, or we talk to you, we love hearing your experiences and your advice.''
Taking flight
Convincing herself to try podcasting is one thing, but solidifying what the podcast would be about was another topic. When she identified the perfect title for her podcast, Nicole got a clearer grasp of what its concept should be. 'Solo Flight' is a fitting title in more ways than one. A 'single independent girlie,' Nicole goes about her daily life alone. She's also been traveling alone since she was a tween一'I was 12 or 13 [when] I took my first flight to the US. Alam mo 'yung minor passenger na pasusundan ka sa mga FA? Ganu'n.' And so the parallelism of literally going on solo flights and living independently just felt right to hinge on.
Convincing herself to try podcasting is one thing, but solidifying what the podcast would be about was another topic. When she identified the perfect title for her podcast, Nicole got a clearer grasp of what its concept should be. 'Solo Flight' is a fitting title in more ways than one. A 'single independent girlie,' Nicole goes about her daily life alone. She's also been traveling alone since she was a tween一'I was 12 or 13 [when] I took my first flight to the US. Alam mo 'yung minor passenger na pasusundan ka sa mga FA? Ganu'n.' And so the parallelism of literally going on solo flights and living independently just felt right to hinge on.
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'It makes sense. I'm single. I do things alone. I live alone, pretty much everything that I do is alone. So I'm sure I'm not the only one like that, so I feel like a lot of people will be able to relate,' Nicole told Metro.Style. But her podcast, she clarified, is not made only for single people; what she aims to offer is the perspective of someone who's an only child raised by a single mom and has been living on her own since 17. And that wealth of experience is a rich and priceless source of inspiration.
'It makes sense. I'm single. I do things alone. I live alone, pretty much everything that I do is alone. So I'm sure I'm not the only one like that, so I feel like a lot of people will be able to relate,' Nicole told Metro.Style. But her podcast, she clarified, is not made only for single people; what she aims to offer is the perspective of someone who's an only child raised by a single mom and has been living on her own since 17. And that wealth of experience is a rich and priceless source of inspiration.
'I’ve had some life experiences that when I share with my viewers and my friends, everyone seems to be so shocked,' Nicole opened up. 'I think from those experiences, I've learned. Hopefully, sana naman may konting character development. I've learned quite a bit from them. So I'm hoping that in sharing my stories and my experience and also my mistakes na rin, sana people can learn from them. Maybe if they come to a certain situation that is similar to mine, then they can handle it better than I did.'
'I’ve had some life experiences that when I share with my viewers and my friends, everyone seems to be so shocked,' Nicole opened up. 'I think from those experiences, I've learned. Hopefully, sana naman may konting character development. I've learned quite a bit from them. So I'm hoping that in sharing my stories and my experience and also my mistakes na rin, sana people can learn from them. Maybe if they come to a certain situation that is similar to mine, then they can handle it better than I did.'
Choosing her guests and humanizing them
The selection of guests for podcasts that are grounded on deep, intimate conversations is crucial. For Nicole's 'Solo Flight,' which was launched just last May, the guests she has so far tapped are people she looks up to and those she turns to for advice and comfort.
The selection of guests for podcasts that are grounded on deep, intimate conversations is crucial. For Nicole's 'Solo Flight,' which was launched just last May, the guests she has so far tapped are people she looks up to and those she turns to for advice and comfort.
Nicole shared, 'A lot of these vulnerable conversations that we have are within the confines of our homes. And sometimes, when I'm talking with them, I feel like, you know, for example, my first guest was Dra. [Vicki] Belo, right? So many people know her and look to her for dermatological advice... But, every time I hang out with her, yes, we talk about beauty and cosmetics and treatments but not a lot of people are aware that she and a lot of my friends have also lived interesting lives and they have great stories to tell.'
Nicole shared, 'A lot of these vulnerable conversations that we have are within the confines of our homes. And sometimes, when I'm talking with them, I feel like, you know, for example, my first guest was Dra. [Vicki] Belo, right? So many people know her and look to her for dermatological advice... But, every time I hang out with her, yes, we talk about beauty and cosmetics and treatments but not a lot of people are aware that she and a lot of my friends have also lived interesting lives and they have great stories to tell.'
While they're celebrities who are often in the limelight, they also have different and lesser-known aspects to them that could lend inspiration and motivation to others. 'I want to humanize them,' Nicole emphasized. 'I want to show that kahit ano'ng stature mo sa buhay, lahat tayo may pinagdadaanan, and maybe we can learn from each other. Because there is no guidebook to life, right? No one actually knows paano ba dapat maging tamang asawa, tamang anak, tamang magulang. There's no guide. We're all just trying our best, and I look up to a lot of these women and men. I feel like they have a lot of wisdom to share, and I would happily provide that platform for them.'
While they're celebrities who are often in the limelight, they also have different and lesser-known aspects to them that could lend inspiration and motivation to others. 'I want to humanize them,' Nicole emphasized. 'I want to show that kahit ano'ng stature mo sa buhay, lahat tayo may pinagdadaanan, and maybe we can learn from each other. Because there is no guidebook to life, right? No one actually knows paano ba dapat maging tamang asawa, tamang anak, tamang magulang. There's no guide. We're all just trying our best, and I look up to a lot of these women and men. I feel like they have a lot of wisdom to share, and I would happily provide that platform for them.'
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For about an hour per episode, Nicole unpacks weekly discussions that not only amplify her guests' voices through a variety of topics一from family, friendship, love, relationships, and unique life experiences (such as 'dealing with creeps')一but also provide valuable insights worth reflecting on for her and her followers.
For about an hour per episode, Nicole unpacks weekly discussions that not only amplify her guests' voices through a variety of topics一from family, friendship, love, relationships, and unique life experiences (such as 'dealing with creeps')一but also provide valuable insights worth reflecting on for her and her followers.
So far, she has shared the airwaves with Dra. Vicki Belo, Ava Daza, Kryz Uy, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Wil Dasovich, and Lissa Kahayon. Every episode is an exciting time to learn from each other and broaden perspectives.
So far, she has shared the airwaves with Dra. Vicki Belo, Ava Daza, Kryz Uy, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Wil Dasovich, and Lissa Kahayon. Every episode is an exciting time to learn from each other and broaden perspectives.
Asked to share the standout insights she picked up from her guests, Nicole expounded, 'From Doc, I learned that vulnerability can actually be a strength if you let it. And also that as much as we want to try to show up and be the perfect versions of ourselves to everyone, we shouldn't actually seek validation or try to earn people's love, rather we should just learn to love ourselves, and then everything that spills over is what we can provide for everyone around us. From Jas, what I learned was to have the confidence to forge your own path, especially in a very public arena where you put yourself up in a lot of scrutiny. That comes with a lot of judgment and a lot of haters. So having that courage to pursue your passions, I think, is very inspiring. With Kryz, I think we learned that it's so important to be there for each other but also not put pressure on the relationship, like, keeping things low maintenance so that life doesn't have to be so difficult… for you to be able to provide that lightness, kumbaga, that easiness in your friendship.'
Asked to share the standout insights she picked up from her guests, Nicole expounded, 'From Doc, I learned that vulnerability can actually be a strength if you let it. And also that as much as we want to try to show up and be the perfect versions of ourselves to everyone, we shouldn't actually seek validation or try to earn people's love, rather we should just learn to love ourselves, and then everything that spills over is what we can provide for everyone around us. From Jas, what I learned was to have the confidence to forge your own path, especially in a very public arena where you put yourself up in a lot of scrutiny. That comes with a lot of judgment and a lot of haters. So having that courage to pursue your passions, I think, is very inspiring. With Kryz, I think we learned that it's so important to be there for each other but also not put pressure on the relationship, like, keeping things low maintenance so that life doesn't have to be so difficult… for you to be able to provide that lightness, kumbaga, that easiness in your friendship.'
Nicole's curiosity also helps provide further answers to what some of her listeners and followers may also be wondering about. The topics on 'Solo Flight' may be situations we're all too familiar with, but when told from the point of view of someone drawing from personal experiences, the approach becomes fresh and refreshing.
Nicole's curiosity also helps provide further answers to what some of her listeners and followers may also be wondering about. The topics on 'Solo Flight' may be situations we're all too familiar with, but when told from the point of view of someone drawing from personal experiences, the approach becomes fresh and refreshing.
She is only about a couple of months into her podcasting journey, so Nicole is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for this passion project. Her dream guest on the show? 'Tito Boy Abunda!' As 'The Interviewer,' it's not often that the 'King of Talk' is the subject of the interview, so Nicole would like to experience being the one to throw the questions his way.
She is only about a couple of months into her podcasting journey, so Nicole is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for this passion project. Her dream guest on the show? 'Tito Boy Abunda!' As 'The Interviewer,' it's not often that the 'King of Talk' is the subject of the interview, so Nicole would like to experience being the one to throw the questions his way.
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One-woman team
A podcast can be therapeutic for the one hosting it. In an alternate universe, we imagine Nicole lighting a scented candle and preparing a cup of coffee or a glass of a refreshing drink as part of her pre-show ritual. It's like the calm before the storm (of ideas). But in reality, there's so much work to do before recording a podcast episode, and Nicole's doing everything on her own.
A podcast can be therapeutic for the one hosting it. In an alternate universe, we imagine Nicole lighting a scented candle and preparing a cup of coffee or a glass of a refreshing drink as part of her pre-show ritual. It's like the calm before the storm (of ideas). But in reality, there's so much work to do before recording a podcast episode, and Nicole's doing everything on her own.
Nicole does the recording in her living area. She walked us through her typical process, saying, 'Kapag magre-record ako especially with the guests, ako 'yung light man, camera man, sound guy/tech, tapos ako rin 'yung nagre-record, tapos ako rin 'yung nagho-host. So rather than a ritual, kailangan ko siguraduhin na naka-setup at maayos lahat, umaandar nang tama bago dumating 'yung guest sa bahay ko para pagdating nila, flow na lang.' Since 'Solo Flight' is still in its early stages, she's constantly looking for ways to improve her setup.
Nicole does the recording in her living area. She walked us through her typical process, saying, 'Kapag magre-record ako especially with the guests, ako 'yung light man, camera man, sound guy/tech, tapos ako rin 'yung nagre-record, tapos ako rin 'yung nagho-host. So rather than a ritual, kailangan ko siguraduhin na naka-setup at maayos lahat, umaandar nang tama bago dumating 'yung guest sa bahay ko para pagdating nila, flow na lang.' Since 'Solo Flight' is still in its early stages, she's constantly looking for ways to improve her setup.
But her hard work has paid off so far because her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' debuted among the Top 10 podcasts in the Philippines. Nicole is in the process of fine-tuning her podcast, and it has so much potential. Essentially, this platform is a canvas, and Nicole is the artist and storyteller.
But her hard work has paid off so far because her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' debuted among the Top 10 podcasts in the Philippines. Nicole is in the process of fine-tuning her podcast, and it has so much potential. Essentially, this platform is a canvas, and Nicole is the artist and storyteller.
She reflected, 'There really is so much I want to talk about… I feel like we live in a very interesting time in history. Also, there are a lot of changes going on in our lives, and through our experiences, I think that provides for a lot of great topics and conversations to have. I definitely want to focus more on, I think, topics that a lot of my audience can resonate with also, whether it would be dealing with friendships, dating, or troubles with work or family一things that we can all somehow relate to in one way or another.'
She reflected, 'There really is so much I want to talk about… I feel like we live in a very interesting time in history. Also, there are a lot of changes going on in our lives, and through our experiences, I think that provides for a lot of great topics and conversations to have. I definitely want to focus more on, I think, topics that a lot of my audience can resonate with also, whether it would be dealing with friendships, dating, or troubles with work or family一things that we can all somehow relate to in one way or another.'
Solo flight
When she's not at home recording a new podcast episode or hosting events, Nicole is usually traveling. And travel is a major part of her content bucket as a digital creative. So, where does she want to take a solo flight to next? Bhutan or Copenhagen, she said.
When she's not at home recording a new podcast episode or hosting events, Nicole is usually traveling. And travel is a major part of her content bucket as a digital creative. So, where does she want to take a solo flight to next? Bhutan or Copenhagen, she said.
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Traveling alone is something Nicole has become a pro at. So, if there's anyone who could give the perfect advice for a solo adventure, it'd definitely be Nicole. 'I think one good advice, especially if you've never done it before: preparation and safety are keys,' she began. 'I think safety is number one. Number two is preparation, so do your research beforehand. Make sure that everything is already prepared. Make sure that you will have wifi or emergency numbers. Then three, super be open lang to the possibilities kasi nga there’s nothing holding you back when you travel alone, you can literally meet people at a café, on a flight, in the lounge, so just be open to experiencing so many new things. You'll just never know what will happen.'
Traveling alone is something Nicole has become a pro at. So, if there's anyone who could give the perfect advice for a solo adventure, it'd definitely be Nicole. 'I think one good advice, especially if you've never done it before: preparation and safety are keys,' she began. 'I think safety is number one. Number two is preparation, so do your research beforehand. Make sure that everything is already prepared. Make sure that you will have wifi or emergency numbers. Then three, super be open lang to the possibilities kasi nga there’s nothing holding you back when you travel alone, you can literally meet people at a café, on a flight, in the lounge, so just be open to experiencing so many new things. You'll just never know what will happen.'
While traveling alone can be scary at times, what Nicole has realized is that it also matters to take some risks and give oneself that much-needed alone time.
While traveling alone can be scary at times, what Nicole has realized is that it also matters to take some risks and give oneself that much-needed alone time.
'I'm such an extrovert so I'm always around people. I get excited when I'm with my friends, when I'm hosting events. I love being around people, but nakakalimutan ko na when I do solo trips, like sometimes 1 day to 3 days wala akong kausap tapos na-realize ko, 'Ah, ang ganda rin pala to have alone time,'' Nicole mused. 'Because then you get to decompress, you get to have actual time to think about life and be more creative. It gives you that space that sometimes you don't have if you're constantly stimulated by other people.'
'I'm such an extrovert so I'm always around people. I get excited when I'm with my friends, when I'm hosting events. I love being around people, but nakakalimutan ko na when I do solo trips, like sometimes 1 day to 3 days wala akong kausap tapos na-realize ko, 'Ah, ang ganda rin pala to have alone time,'' Nicole mused. 'Because then you get to decompress, you get to have actual time to think about life and be more creative. It gives you that space that sometimes you don't have if you're constantly stimulated by other people.'
And with her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' now part of her weekly routine, Nicole just gave herself more opportunities to tap into that precious solitude. But at the same time, she's also enjoying the process and making sure to not put too much pressure on herself.
And with her podcast, 'Solo Flight,' now part of her weekly routine, Nicole just gave herself more opportunities to tap into that precious solitude. But at the same time, she's also enjoying the process and making sure to not put too much pressure on herself.
The reality is that life is not always fun but we can always find things in it that we can smile and laugh about and be inspired by. That's what 'Solo Flight' aims to focus on, and in this journey, Nicole is not alone.
The reality is that life is not always fun but we can always find things in it that we can smile and laugh about and be inspired by. That's what 'Solo Flight' aims to focus on, and in this journey, Nicole is not alone.
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We've boarded this flight:
We've boarded this flight:
Stay tuned for more of Nicole Andersson's adventures on 'Solo Flight!'
Lead photo from @nicole_andersson
Lead photo from @nicole_andersson
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