From Gamer to Podcaster: The Journey of Iveth Solevilla
Iveth Solevilla, widely known as @vivzblackmage, has always been deeply passionate about gaming. What started as a love for virtual worlds evolved into something much bigger—fueling her creativity, shaping her professional mindset, and ultimately leading her to podcasting.
Holding a degree in Communication Arts, Iveth initially aspired to work in the gaming industry. This ambition led her to explore digital marketing, a field that, much like gaming, requires strategy, creativity, and adaptability. But as her career progressed, she discovered another medium that resonated just as strongly—podcasting.
Creating the First Anime Podcast in the UAE
Iveth’s passion for anime and gaming naturally extended to podcasting, giving birth to “Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast.” What started as a passion project quickly turned into a milestone achievement—becoming the first anime podcast in the UAE and reaching the number one spot on Apple Podcasts in both the UAE and the Philippines under the animation and manga genre.
Podcasting allowed Iveth to merge her love for storytelling with her deep-rooted passion for geek culture. Through engaging discussions, she built a platform that resonated with anime fans, proving that niche content—when fueled by authenticity and dedication—can find mainstream success.
From Virtual Worlds to the Podcasting Stage
Much like in gaming, where players constantly evolve to stay ahead, Iveth embraced the challenges of podcasting with the same determination. From curating engaging content to navigating the ever-changing digital landscape, she treated each episode as a new “level” to conquer.
Her journey from gaming to podcasting highlights how passions can take unexpected turns. While she once envisioned herself working in the gaming industry, she now finds fulfillment in creating meaningful conversations within the anime and pop culture space.
Looking Ahead
As Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast continues to grow, Iveth is focused on expanding its reach and solidifying its place in the geek community. While she still has aspirations of one day working in the gaming industry, she sees podcasting as more than just a side project—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and share the stories that matter to her.
With a mindset shaped by gaming, a love for anime, and an ever-growing podcast, Iveth Solevilla is proof that following your passion—wherever it leads—can open doors to incredible opportunities.
Leaving a Legacy
Iveth hopes to be remembered as someone who took risks and remained authentic. She believes that while digital marketing can seem complex, at its core, it’s about storytelling and strategy. She aims for her work to inspire others to build something they love and achieve tangible results, embodying the philosophy: let your 9-5 pay the bills, and your 5-9 build your dreams.
Words of Wisdom
To those embarking on their own journeys, Iveth advises against stressing over the “perfect” path. She encourages action, emphasizing that every skill learned—from side gigs to failed projects—contributes valuable lessons. She believes that the best journeys are those filled with continuous learning and growth.
The Genesis of Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast
Iveth’s deep-rooted love for anime and gaming led her to co-create “Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast,” a platform dedicated to anime, gaming, and pop culture. The podcast has achieved remarkable success, reaching the number one spot on Apple Podcasts in both the UAE and the Philippines under the animation and manga genre. Each episode delves into various facets of anime culture, offering in-depth explorations of popular series and sharing insightful perspectives from passionate fans.
Collaborative Dynamics
Iveth’s collaboration with co-host Amy began serendipitously. Despite knowing of each other during their university years, they hadn’t interacted extensively. A chance conversation about “Neon Genesis Evangelion” revealed their shared interests, leading to Amy’s involvement in the podcast. Initially planned as a guest appearance, Amy’s role evolved into that of a permanent co-host, enriching the podcast with diverse perspectives and dynamic discussions.
Memorable Milestones
The podcasting journey has been filled with memorable experiences. A standout moment was interviewing Yōichi Takahashi, the creator of “Captain Tsubasa,” at the Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC). This opportunity to engage with a legendary figure in the anime world was both surreal and rewarding, reflecting the podcast’s growing influence and reach within the community.
Community Engagement
The UAE’s anime and cosplay community has responded positively to the podcast, fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and collaboration. This camaraderie has deepened Iveth’s appreciation for her passions, highlighting the community’s role in nurturing creativity and shared interests.
Balancing Act
Managing the demands of a podcast alongside personal and professional commitments requires meticulous planning. Iveth and Amy maintain a structured recording schedule, plan episodes in advance, and have enlisted the help of an editor to ensure the production of high-quality content without compromising other responsibilities.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
Iveth emphasizes the importance of passion as the driving force behind content creation. She advises aspiring creators to remember their “why” and infuse genuine enthusiasm into their work, as audiences can sense authenticity and are drawn to heartfelt content. Do follow her on Instagram.
Also read: The UAE’s Rise as a Global Business Hub: What Makes It So Attractive?
