Meet The Founder: Amruta Nargundkar

A podcast born from worries about our modern world, guest insights and her own evolving perspectives gave Melbourne-based (land of Wurundjeri people of Kulin Nation) Amruta Nargundkar the nudge she needed to launch a podcast company that reflected our diverse society. 

“The more interesting conversations I had with guests the more I realised that podcasting could play a useful part in addressing the problem of biased media representation,” Amruta explained. 

“It is essential to have media that reflects the true diversity of a society. It creates a more empathetic society with people who are respectful of each other’s differences and unites us in our humanity.

“People cannot be what they cannot see, or hear,” she said. 

As part of Poplabs Cohort 1 incubator, Heckin’ Concerned, Amruta’s podcast, is now undergoing a transformation to a fully-fledged podcast network. 

Amruta wants to create a media network that produces podcasts that amplify the voices of CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) and marginalised Australian communities. 

Within her Cohort she’s found confidence to express the full spectrum of emotions founders experience starting a business, and greater understanding of her own abilities as a creative entrepreneur. 

“I applied for the incubator, excited by the way it embraced social impact businesses and creative storytelling and seeing there were other creatives out there who wanted to change the world through stories.

“Throughout the program I have gained a lot of clarity about the business I want to build, the impact I want to make, and accessed so much wisdom and guidance from mentors and experts who are keen to see us succeed.

“The Poplabs team have a fierce vision and we are fortunate to be a part of their inclusive and supportive culture where they believe everyone rises together.” 

Image description: Headshot of Amruta on the left and text ‘Amruta Nargundkar, Founder, Heckin’ Concerned Media. A podcast production company that creates podcasts by storytellers from CALD and marginalised communities underrepresented in mainstream Australian media. Learn more at poplabs.com.au’ on the right on a white background.

As Heckin’ Concerned continues to find its way as a podcast network, Amruta feels the future is bright. 

“I can see there being a roster of varied podcasts that are generating greater awareness on issues affecting our society and making a mark on creating a more equitable and diverse Australian media landscape,” she said. 

“We can all play a bigger part in advocating for diverse voices and opinions to become mainstream by expanding our search for media to entertain or inform us,” she explains. “By stepping out of the usual channels to find new and diverse voices we can vote for the media landscape we want to see.”

Support Heckin’ Concerned at https://heckinconcerned.com/