A week into their project, the new podcast, Luma & Bloom, took the airwaves by storm. Area resident and co-founder of the podcast, Nicole Hunter, is absolutely thrilled with its initial success.
“The podcast actually broke to 200 worldwide within the first 48 hours!” Hunter said proudly two days post launch. “We are still holding a spot in the top 50 in ‘society and culture’. (It’s) totally wild!”
Described as a podcast to empower and enlighten, Luma & Bloom made its official debut on Nov. 20 with two episodes: first, an introduction to the hosts, the premise for starting the podcast and how it got its name; and secondly, part one of a two-part interview reveals how Hunter became involved in human trafficking over 13 years ago.
“Luma & Bloom was an idea we have had for a while,” Hunter shared. “With ‘Luma’ meaning light, the concept of our podcast is to shine a light on the dark conversations. Our goal is to bring thoughtful and insightful dialogue to topics that are otherwise avoided. By having these hard conversations in a meaningful way, we hope to provide a safe space where listeners can challenge their own thoughts and beliefs, learn from knowledgeable guests, and grow their minds - hence, ‘Bloom’.”
For Hunter and business partner Katelyn Campbell, this project has been a labour of love. Hosted by ‘Nic and Kate’, the podcast is an ancillary avenue of the Joy Smith Foundation, Canada's self-proclaimed leading authority on the prevention and intervention in human trafficking. Through their work with the Foundation, the duo was tasked with creating programming that would reach out and connect with a larger demographic and help educate and empower at-risk youth.
Our goal is to bring thoughtful and insightful dialogue to topics that are otherwise avoided.” – Nicole Hunter
They will be providing information about what human trafficking is, what it looks like and how it happens, delivered in an open, compassionate and non-judgemental way. They’ll tackle a plethora of difficult topics with the hopes of inspiring tough conversations among their listeners.
“People need to open up and talk about the hard stuff,” Hunter said frankly. “The beauty of storytelling and the essence of Luma & Bloom is about building connections through the power of storytelling and through shared lived experiences. There are these great and incredible things that connect us as humanity, but there are also the things that people typically avoid talking about, those dark things that we want to remain hidden in, because we’re not ready to take that step of vulnerability. But often when we hear somebody else really opening up about those really vulnerable things, it empowers us…to acknowledge and to take the next step…to talk to someone about the hard stuff.”
Hunter has spoken very candidly about her encounter with human trafficking and the life events that led her to that place of vulnerability. She continues to share the compelling stories of her experience in the hopes of helping someone else in need.
While her traumas and experiences are unique to her, the essence of Hunter’s story is not unlike that of many other young people. That’s what makes her so relatable.
“It never ceases to amaze me when you sit down and tell your story, the number of people who connect to different parts of it,” she said.
It is no secret that a basic human need is for a sense of belonging, a sense of security, a sense of purpose. A need to feel worthy and loved.
“We all are, at the end of the day, just looking to be loved, and validated and cared for, I mean, who doesn’t want that?” said Kate in the first episode of their podcast.
And that’s the thing. This podcast isn’t just about human trafficking, but about life, connection and human experience. There’s a take-away for everyone and perhaps that’s the reason for its early success.
Luma & Bloom is available on the regular streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. On social media: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. And on the website: lumaandbloom.com.
