[PODCAST REVIEW] DEN OF TRUTH
Finding connections through honest conversations in Den of Truth
Den Of Truth (Cover Image: Tino Charles @denoftruth)
There is a unique quality to the podcast Den of Truth that any first-time listener can appreciate. Each episode packages itself with a lesson or two to take away from, delivered with deep candidness and brutal honesty. From breaking cultural barriers in the music scene, to the importance of representation in theatre and television, Den of Truth lives up to its name - a platform for learning the truth about people from different experiences.
Den of Truth is created by Tino Charles - formerly from Fairfield and now a Blacktown local, Tino has full creative direction and freedom of the podcast, alongside his budding videographer Wasif. To Tino, his Western Sydney identity and his experiences of multiculturalism in the West shapes a large part of his podcast. ‘Growing in Western Sydney has taught me to respect everyone and that has influenced the Den,’ he states. ‘I try to respect all guests and respect their opinion and perspectives because we’re all from different walks of life and have different perspectives, whether I agree with them or not.’
This diversity means no episode is the same. Though after a few episodes, many themes are brought up time and time again - from multiculturalism and the evolving African diaspora, to representation in music and art. For Tino, it proves all of his guests are ‘all the same in regards to personality traits, i.e. being extremely dedicated and focused , so often times I do say they’re all different but the same in a sense.’ He also adds ‘I told myself […] honesty was going to be the most important ingredient to the podcast - people want to tune in for 45 minutes to an hour and just be told the truth instead of being lied to.’
Summarising a Den of Truth episode is challenging, as Tino and his guests don’t just discuss a single topic or experience - these interviews are layered, insightful, and a place for discovering new people and their stories. He specifically chooses guests across Western Sydney, not just to connect with people and represent individuals from different areas and disciplines, but to express that everyone is the same, regardless of their experiences. ‘We’re all connected in a sense,’ he laments, ‘but I believe people can sense whether someone is being genuine or not, so I try to be as genuine as I can to everyone, and oftentimes that allows me to gain a relationship or some connection.’
Tino wishes to leave an impact where his viewers can ‘continue asking questions and communicating with one another. Be bold enough to listen to others when you don’t agree with what they have to say, and let’s build better communities for our future generations.’
Den of Truth is available to listen to on Spotify, Youtube, and on its website denoftruth.com. You can also preview each episode by following the podcast on Instagram @denoftruth.
