Interview with Sangeetha Menon - Host of The Closet Writer Chronicles
- connect DFYP
- Feb 17
- 5 min read
Not all stories are meant to stay on paper—some are meant to be heard
Imagine sipping on a freshly brewed black coffee, the rich aroma of roasted beans filling the air, while diving into a conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the art of podcasting. That’s exactly how we spent our time on a fun Interview with Sangeetha Menon, the voice behind Closet Writer Chronicles. Her love for marshmallows earned her the nickname Moody Marshmallow, but her passion for words and audio truly defines her. From being a writer to curating voices through podcasting, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Here’s what she had to share about her experiences, challenges, and the evolving world of audio storytelling.❤
Meet Sangeetha Menon
Sangeetha Menon a.k.a.The Moody Marshmallow is a writer, editor and podcaster. She currently handles the rights portfolio at Tulika Publishers where she finds new avenues for stories to travel. Previously, she has worked in shipping & logistics, non-profits and law. She is also associated with Body Talk and Carve Magazine. Her writing has appeared in Pink Lungi, The Alipore Post, Scholastic-Quill Club and Sustainability Next.
Sangeetha's podcast 'The Closet Writer Chronicles' features candid conversations with writers, storytellers and creators about what writing and creativity means to them, a peek into their life stories and narrations of their work.
The show was created in 2021 as a part of Podcast Lab by India Film Project and Spotify for Creators. The show got featured on Bound's list of "Best Podcasts of 2021" along with Marine Lines by Raghu Karnad, Voices for Local by Monisha Singh Katial, Raw and Organic by Kunal Rajput and more!
As of 2022, the show is in the top 5% of podcasts shared globally on Spotify.
In 2024, the podcast was nominated for the Podmaster's Awards by HT Smartcast x Mint under the Arts & Entertainment category along with stellar shows like 'Be A Man, Yaar! With Nikhil Taneja', 'Marvel's Wastelanders' - by Audible, and 'Books & Beyond with Bound'.
Here is the excerpts of IPL's editor Roshni Baronia's conversation with Sangeetha:
What’s the story behind the name Closet Writer Chronicles?
Every writer starts scribbling ideas on papers, in notebooks, or digital docs—often in secret, hidden away in a ‘closet.’ Closet Writer Chronicles was initially an Instagram series, showcasing these behind-the-scenes moments. Seeing the potential of sharing valuable stories from writers and authors, I decided to transition it into a podcast.
How did your journey in podcasting begin?
Sangeetha : It started amidst the pandemic when my pitch for a podcast idea got selected for the mentoring program being conducted by India Film Project and Spotify for Creators )then anchor). They were incubating podcast shows along with mentoring which I believed would really help me understanding all aspects of podcast creation. hosted a contest to mentor podcasters. The challenge for me personally was to put out 20 episodes in the initial phase, which was quite a commitment. But once the show took off from there, I didn't look back or stop. What started as a curiosity project turned into a passion project. I kept creating more episodes and seasons because I genuinely loved it. Love for words and audio started coexisting for me.
What was your biggest challenge in starting a podcast?
Sangeetha : Not being tech-savvy! I was very unsure about the entire editing and post production that was required for putting out a good podcast. That was my first fear. But I realized that audio felt like a more familiar path because interview-based podcasts are a collaborative effort, where I guide guests and bring out the best in their journeys. So I curated the conversation ahead so there was minimal editing requirement.
How do you curate guests for your podcast?
Sangeetha : Initially, I was more instinctive. At the very start, I had six guests lined up from my podcast mentorship program.
Social media is my main source for scouting. I keep my eyes and ears open to find emerging voices—people doing amazing work but not yet in the limelight.
I ask myself: Why do I need to talk to this person? What’s unique about their story? Empathy plays a big role in my approach.
Do you follow a strategy for guest selection now?
Sangeetha : Over time, I transitioned from an instinctive approach to a more strategic way of podcasting. I intersperse episodes for experimental purposes to see what works best. I also look at the analytics to see what kind of topics are getting good traction and then try to bring more people into those area of work.
Is there a particular guest episode you’d recommend?
Sangeetha : An episode from Season 1 with Raja Rajeshwari Mehta. She discovered her storytelling skills in her 50s, focusing on mythology and folk tales. It was fascinating to speak with someone from an older generation and understand their authentic passion for storytelling.
What’s your approach to structuring podcast episodes?
Sangeetha : I believe that no two guests will answer the same question in the same way. So, while I keep certain questions consistent, I allow conversations to flow naturally. Many writers admit they write anonymously and struggle with validation. My goal is to create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their journeys.
What feedback have you received about your podcast?
Sangeetha : Listeners say they feel like they’re in the room with us. They relate deeply to the conversations, which is what makes my interview-style podcast successful.
What’s your golden rule for interviewing guests?
Sangeetha : My podcast isn’t about me; it’s about the guests. I ensure that my questions don’t overshadow their stories. Not everything needs to be included in an episode—there’s a format, a flow, and a preference for every podcast.
What advice would you give to aspiring podcasters?
Sangeetha : Be clear on why you want to start a podcast. If you have an idea and a strong mission, you’ll know if it works in the podcasting field.
If you were to give a title to the book of your life, what would it be?
Unplanned Life of a Planner.
What’s a word or phrase you tend to overuse on your podcast?
Interestingly, basically, I think, I feel.
What’s one book you wish you had written?
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Watch the full conversation on Instagram : Brew & Brains with Sangeetha
If you loved the interview or find this insightful buy us a coffee to keep us inspired for more interesting brews ❤
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