Tampa, Florida’s live music and entertainment scene is moving forward with a hand from Zoey Babi, the charismatic and outgoing host of the It’s a Vibe Podcast. This show has gained traction for its unique ability to connect with artists, entrepreneurs, and listeners, bringing authentic conversations and energy to events, live crowds, and the studio. Her podcast sets the vibe with meaningful discussions, and exploring the stories of her podcast guests standing out as quite an engaging voice among Tampa’s podcasters.
Stumbling into the Spotlight
Starting a podcast wasn’t something Zoey had planned for herself. Initially pursuing a legal career, she found herself unexpectedly drawn to the microphone. “It started as the Best of Both Worlds Podcast with a friend, DJ Yum Yum" Zoey shared. "But, as he began taking DJing more seriously when we went our separate ways, I posted online about starting a podcast. The response was incredible, and I had to stick to the date I set for myself, even though I wasn’t sure I was ready.”
That leap of faith led to the creation of It’s a Vibe, a platform designed to foster good energy and real connections. “I added ‘It’s a Vibe’ to my name because that’s what I always want to create good vibes, good energy, and fun.” Since its beginning eight months ago, Zoey has never looked back, and the podcast has been “rolling ever since.”
Creating the Perfect Vibe
Creating the tone of each episode makes It’s a Vibe stand with its uniqueness as opposed to other local podcasts. Whether Zoey is sitting down with a local artist or an entrepreneur, she takes the time to tailor the conversation to their style and interests to make it interesting for the one she is interviewing, the live audience that attends, and the listeners on the other end of the phone. “I really pay attention to what my guests like, the things they mention in their sounds or their work. My goal is always to showcase their craft,” she explains. To keep things fun and dynamic, she also throws in a game or two, ensuring that the episode stays light-hearted, informative, and interactive with the audience.
This structure has earned Zoey a wide range of guests, from rappers to business owners, all eager to tell their stories in her laid-back and thoughtful setting. Her selection of guests is grounded in one simple philosophy: “I focus on the message the artist is putting out. If it’s positive, filled with good energy, and aligns with my values, I bring them in to discuss their music and break it down.”
Memorable Moments and Personal Growth
With every episode, Zoey adds new layers to her podcast’s growing legacy. One standout moment for Zoey came during her interview with local artist Essence Star. “That episode was a favorite of mine because Essence shared a surprising jail story that captivated the audience. You wouldn’t expect that from someone who looks so innocent, and it drew listeners in.” It’s an unexpected twist like this, combined with authentic storytelling, that keeps her listeners coming back for more.
Another notable episode was for Black History Month, Ep. 3 Exclusive Interview with Mz Kiki Kaman where Zoey and her guests dive into important conversations about the African-American community. “Everyone was engaged and learned something. While fun is always a goal, knowledge is power.”
The Challenges Behind the Mic
Though Zoey makes podcasting look easy, the journey is far from smooth. She recalls a particularly chaotic moment when she booked an interview with Tom G, only for him to lose his phone, forcing her to cancel the studio session.
“I had already paid for studio time and had people waiting. But we rescheduled, and the episode eventually came together.” This kind of behind-the-scenes management is part of the podcasting hustle that listeners rarely see. But for Zoey, it’s all worth it. “People don’t realize how much work goes into producing a podcast. There’s technical stuff, editing, sound issues, and moments where you just want to give up. But when the final product is out there, it’s all worth it.”
Breaking Out of the Shell
Podcasting hasn’t just been a creative outlet for Zoey; it’s also been a transformative personal journey. Originally introverted, she has found herself growing as both a communicator and a creative. “I used to have about 800 followers on Instagram, and I wasn’t comfortable being in front of the camera,” she admits. “Now, I’m engaging with people, networking, and building connections. I’ve definitely had to break out of my shell.”
The personal growth Zoey has also made her more conscious of how her podcast impacts her listeners. “I want people to walk away from each episode feeling inspired. Whether it’s connecting with artists or business owners who’ve faced similar challenges, I want my listeners to know there’s always hope.”
Looking Ahead: Big Plans and Bigger Dreams
As It’s a Vibe continues to grow, Zoey is already thinking about what’s next. “My goal is to grow as big as Oprah,” she laughs, though there’s no denying the ambition behind her words. Staying in tune with trends and finding her niche is the key to her long-term vision. “I’m always looking to elevate my content, build momentum, expand my audience, and fulfill the vibe.”
While she currently produces both audio and video content, Zoey is considering focusing more on audio in the future. “It’s a little less challenging when it comes to editing, and I think it might be easier to manage as I grow.” Still, her love for visual storytelling remains strong, and she isn’t ruling out expanding her video production once she’s able to scale her operations.
Vibes with Endless Potential
Her passion for storytelling doesn’t stop at podcasting. She has begun exploring short story segments for her show posted exclusively to Spotify, drawing inspiration from everything around her, from everyday experiences to TV shows. “I pull ideas from my mind and turn them into something creative. I’ve always wanted to do Audible storytelling, but when that didn’t work out, I figured I’d create my own content.”
Whether she’s telling stories, interviewing guests, or diving into important cultural conversations, Zoey Babi is exploring many new routes she can take as a speaker and entertainer. It’s a Vibe Podcast is quite the show to listen to a creative, curious, or comical conversation with It's a Vibe Podcast. With Zoey in charge of the vibe, the future of this podcast looks higher and higher with each new episode.
Be sure to tune into It’s a Vibe Podcast and subscribe to keep an eye on Zoey Babi, as she continues to bring fresh vibes to Tampa’s underground scene and beyond.
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