We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ayden Castellanos. Check out our conversation below.
Ayden, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I feel like I am truly walking the path I was meant to. I’m a storyteller. And I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. Producing my podcast has been the most rewarding form of expression. Especially when others connect to what I’m putting out there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ayden Castellanos and I am a folkolorist. I’m originally from the Rio Grande Valley and now live in Austin, Texas. I am the creator and host of the podcast Susto. Spanish for “fright,” Susto is centered on paranormal folklore from Latin American and Hispanic cultures. I’ve been producing the show, independently, for six years. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to create and grow. I’ve been featured in Variety magazine and in an episode of PBS’ Monstrum, among other publications. Susto has also been nominated several times as a finalist for The Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin Awards in the Podcast and Host categories.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I think my partner did. At one point I considered laying Susto to rest. But he reminded me that what I was doing was important. That people were connecting to what I was creating. He saw the fire that it lit in me and refused to let me put it out.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would encourage myself to embrace my passions earlier on. I would tell myself that I am so capable and to not stand in my own way. If I had known how creative an talented I could be, I would’ve started Susto much earlier.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
In the culture of creating, I truly believe that there is space for all of us. I’ve had several people tell me they want to start their own podcasts, but they worry that the industry is oversaturated and that someone is already talking about what they want to. But as long as we try to be authentic in what we create, it will be unique. Even if we are covering the same topic, we will have different perspectives. Some of my closest friends in the industry are people who have similar shows.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people are inspired to keep telling stories. What I’m doing is not new. I am participating in the long-standing tradition of oral story telling. My contribution to it is bringing it to a digital space with my own spin on it. I hope that inspires people. To keep preserving culture and connecting on a level of fear. Sometimes, it’s fun to be scared!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sustopodcast.com/about/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustopodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sustopodcast/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustoPodcast
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sustopodcast
https://bsky.app/profile/sustopodcast.bsky.social
