Opening the Doors to TRAX from PRX
Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash
by Michelle Smawley, Executive Producer
Today, we are opening the doors to TRAX from PRX, a network of curated and original content for an audience of listeners who we rarely hear from in the world of audio and podcasting: tweens! Much like TRAX, I’m speaking to you, 9-13-year-olds–– your time is now.
We designed and conceived TRAX with your interests at the front of our minds. Preteens are in a significant period of human development, second only to the rapid development of newborns and toddlers. For anyone who’s lived through this age, they likely remember the roller coaster of emotions experienced on a day-to-day–– sometimes minute-by-minute–– basis.
Our shows are real and relatable, created by producers who look back at their middle school moments and recognize what they needed for themselves at that time, using their experiences to make the stories they wish they’d had then. We’ll have richly-told series that take you across time and space, with new, interactive ways of telling stories. Our roster of podcasts is going to offer something for everyone, like shows about history, the environment, sexuality, and emotional health. Our goal for TRAX is to engage, support and most certainly, entertain you.
When we began thinking about the kind of shows we wanted on the network, a real priority for us was to embrace diversity on all levels: race; socioeconomics; gender and sexual identity; physical and intellectual abilities; the endless arrangements of family. In short, no matter who you are, you should hear content that bears a resemblance to your own life.
Much like our audience is still developing, so, too, is TRAX.
Our opening is in part in response to the current reality we’re experiencing in May 2020. PRX has seen an increase of over 50% in listening to kids content since millions of kids and families shifted their lives indoors and online during COVID-19. Trusted kids content is in high demand right now, and TRAX is positioned to provide high-quality listening immediately.
We have two shows for you to enjoy right away: Timestorm and Feeling My Flo. These shows are representative of what you’ll continue to hear from TRAX— fiction and non-fiction, interwoven with engaging, humorous, and fun moments that boldly approach topics and experiences that lend to discussion, personal reflection, and creativity.
Our work is informed by people who know this audience best: the TRAX Squad. This group includes researchers and experts who work with middle-grade students regularly and a dedicated team of 9-13-year-olds. They are our go-to guides for creating content that speaks to you and keeps us on track with keeping the podcasts real and interesting.
TRAX is here and there’s so much more to come. We’re here with open arms to welcome you to our space—your space—to laugh, cry and learn, and listen for what’s next. Welcome, I’m so excited to go on this ride with you!