We had such a lovely chat with Sinéad and Melissa, who are the witty, honest and captivating founders of “The Imposter’s Club Podcast”. The name says it all really - they chat all things imposter syndrome and how it exists in every areas of our life. In this interview we talk about how they started podcasting, the journey through the different seasons, how they juggle their work and the podcast and of course imposter syndrome throughout the pod. Carrying on reading to get to know a bit more about them and get a feel for their incredible podcast!

Could you tell me how it all started? Have you always wanted to do a podcast together or was it more of a spontaneous project?

Melissa: We often joke that it started when we were eleven; Sinéad and I have been best friends since then. We have experienced everything together and all kinds of doubt from periods, first kisses, university applications, jobs, death… I had a theater company in the past and in that way I have always had a creative side to me. Eventually, Sinéad and I lived together which was a dream come true. We were on a budget, would come home from work, make a drink and go on long walks and chat for hours. So the podcast just kind of found us.

Sinéad: This time also coincided with the time we started listening to podcasts and the ones we were listening to were female friends having a great conversation. It just felt like a platform for us to plant ourselves in. It was the perfect situation for us because we have a natural intimacy which makes the podcast enjoyable and easy-going.

We got some feedback saying that our advice is great because it feels like a friend talking to you without the judgemental tone to it.

Have you gone through difficult times together concerning the podcast - how has your friendship been affected by it?

Sinéad: Everything we have learned from imposter syndrome along the way has helped us to work with each other and learn about one another. We often use the old Durex advert analogy: “Speeds her up and slows him down”! I am a bit of a perfectionist and Melissa is more of an active and multi-tasker. So we often say that thanks to me the podcast is quality and thanks to Melissa it exists! From knowing each other well we can make the podcast the best it can be.

Melissa: I have worked with friends in the past in my theater company which didn’t go so well… This enabled me to work better with Sinéad and learn from my mistakes. We were also at a time in our life when we were more aware of ourselves which allowed for positive criticism. We also keep our work and friendship separate by having two different Whatsapp chats.

Sinéad: I also often mute the podcast chat to come to it when I am in the right frame of mind - it’s all about knowing how we can work together. We also respect each other and our work ethic a lot.

Is there anything you would have liked to do differently?

Sinéad: We’ve learned so much along the way - we knew absolutely nothing about podcasts (you actually need a script!). Everything that I think we could have done differently I know was a learning curve so I’m not sure I would want to change anything.

Melissa: For season 3 we wanted to get big guests on but interestingly enough, the feedback we received was that people preferred only the two of us! So although I might want to change that, if we didn’t do it in season 3 we might have done it in the next season. So everything we went through was for the best.

Sinéad: One thing I would change was limiting the amount of time I spent sending emails to potential guests - essentially trying to be more relaxed and less perfectionist about it all. If I could go back in time I would just tell us to chill out a bit.

Throughout your podcast, the theme of doubt and imposter syndrome is evident - could you give us your top tips for dealing with doubt?

Sinéad: Imposter syndrome isn’t really anyone’s fault - it is a societal construct that especially targets people of colour, trans people etc… So the only thing you can really do is learning how to cope with it and that’s really what we are trying to promote.

Melissa: Acknowledging imposter syndrome is essential and talking about it is one of the best ways to it. Learning your skills is also essential; knowing your superpowers will help you get rid of self-doubt. The more we learn to love ourselves the less concerned we will be about others. For example, Instagram is truly a highlight reel that can easily blind you from what you are trying to achieve.

Top tips:

1. Understanding your strengths

2. Acknowledging when you are experiencing imposter syndrome

3. Talking about it.

4. Stay away from toxic people on social media!

Another great tip is having an unfollow party of Instagram. Highly recommend!

Season 4 of your podcast was a big change for your podcast - how do you think the podcast has evolved over time?

Melissa: Season 1 and 2 was about us exploring a different topic in each episode. And this just shows the amount of topics that imposter syndrome fits into. After that, we wanted to bring in people from all different walks of life that have dealt with imposter syndrome. For example we had Flo Perry who talked about sex and body image.

Sinéad: For me, season 1 and 2 were very different because season 2 happened in lockdown. The podcast has really evolved through covid. Our season 4 is hopefully the “post-lockdown” season and how to deal with the “new normal” (we hate that phrase). Going back to work, socialising again and how we can learn to choose a life that feels “good enough” for us.

Melissa: We hear lots of different perspectives through lockdown and post-lockdown - the one about trying to have the best glow-up of your life and the one telling you to chill out and watch TV. So for us “The Good Enough Guide” is about understanding and acknowledging what you need and what feels good for you. Through this we also have a few guest features.

How do you think your friendship evolved during lockdown - was the podcast a positive outlet?

Melissa: Definitely. The podcast made us reflect all the time and get introspective. We often talk about a rose thorn bud: what have been the good (rose), the bad (thorn) and the hopeful (bud) things happening at the moment. I was furloughed so the podcast gave me something to do which really helped me.

Sinéad: I on the other hand was under extreme pressure with doing things left and right. The podcast therefore gave me a platform to talk about things going on in my head. Melissa and I had gone so long without seeing each other so talking to each other all the time about the podcast and then actually recording it connected us in a different way.

You have a podcast on social anxiety and touch on it in context of COVID-19 - could you expand on this?

Melissa: I am a natural extrovert and I now no longer have my social stamina which is so weird. I start feeling anxious about small things - do people think I am still the same person, do I have the stamina to go for drinks etc… We realised that Sinéad and I both felt it although in different ways. If you are taken out of something, re-entering it is always going to be difficult. So the episode is all about this and how to deal with it.

Sinéad: I used to describe myself as an introvert but I am actually an ambivert. When socialising was not possible anymore I suddenly wanted to be able to see all my friends. Now, I almost feel hungover after socialising and it feels like everything is flying at you - the other day lots of people were talking to me at once and I had to tell them to stop! We need to remind each other that it is normal and valid to feel this way.

Melissa: When you’re training for a marathon you don’t go into at once, you take baby steps.

Sinéad: We are all on low power mode at the moment. We need to recharge our social battery slowly before we can regain our social stamina. It’s also a time to reassess what you actually like to do - if you don’t like music festivals, just don’t go and save your battery!

How do you manage your own personal jobs AND the podcast?

Melissa: Everything I do kind of merges into one another so it makes it easier to juggle. I design empowerment programmes for young creative entrepreneurs which links so tightly to imposter syndrome. I also sit on the board of a charity for misrepresentation of marginalised groups in the media. Very good time management and setting boundaries is key. We work well together but we also take breaks and stay aware of ourselves.

Sinéad: I am a PhD student in Irish Literature which has nothing to do with the podcast although I feel imposter syndrome about what I do. For me, it’s all about understanding the rhythms of my brain: I set boundaries and listen to myself. Sometimes you can only do the bare minimum which is absolutely fine.

Melissa: We also obviously love podcasting which just makes it that much easier to schedule in.

Where do you see the podcast going in the future?