041: Leaving a TV News Career to Create a New Form of Journalism as a Full-Time Lyft Driver with Anthony Ponce

Anthony Ponce is a veteran Chicago journalist.  In July 2016, he received national attention when a video went viral, announcing he quit his job as an anchor/reporter at NBC to become a full-time Lyft driver, and launch the Backseat Rider podcast.  In his new role, Anthony brings audiences the wide-ranging, hilarious, touching, sometimes bizarre, and always real conversations he has with his passengers.  “Listening is a lost art form,” he told CNN.  “What I think is missing right now in our national dialogue is aggressive listening.”  This week is a first for the Unbeaten Path, as I conducted the interview from Anthony’s playing field. Meaning, I drove around Anthony’s car for an hour and interviewed him. This time Anthony got to be the backseat rider. I was a little nervous at first because I do not have a car in the city and driving is not a regular activity for me. Luckily, I did not crash his car, and it was an absolute blast. We have a fun and wide-ranging conversation discussing topics such as: Anthony leaving an excellent career in the Chicago News to pursue his creative idea Leaving his job and doing it in the public eye Starting an unconventional business with when you have a wife and a young child All the ups and downs along the way And much more… You can find Anthony and the Backseat Rider at: Website: http://www.backseatridershow.com/ Instagram:  anthonyponcetv