Podcaster Stories

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Tim Jahn of We're Only Human.

We're Only Human is a podcast celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit, through conversations with people from all walks of life.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how his early video show inspired the podcast
• the challenges he's found switching formats from video to audio
• why going all in on the quality of the podcast is key
• why starting a podcast for the wrong reasons is doomed to fail
• why getting divorced completely changed his way of life
• how he feels he gets more out of the podcast than his listeners
• how recording his show always brought him out of any doldrums he was experiencing
• why curiosity drives the best experiences
• the single characteristic that defines resilience
• why we need to remind ourselves that we're all making this up as we go along
• how one specific conversation about life being a series of train journeys blew him away
• how we can define our own lives
• what his goals are for the show moving forward
• what the unique value is that Tim can provide his listeners
• why his advice to new podcasters is to understand the motivation of why they're starting
• why your podcast needs an elevator pitch
• why we need to forego imposter syndrome
• why his heroes are everyone he's chatted to

Settle back for an open and free-flowing chat about life changes and recognizing our inner value.

Connect with Tim:

• We're Only Human
• Twitter
• Instagram

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

Welcome to a special bonus episode of Podcaster Stories. As the show approaches the midway point of Season 2, I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you.

Thank you to you, the listeners, who have added this show to your regular listening habit, resulting in the show growing week on week since launch earlier this year.

Thank you to my guests:

• Jaclyn Brown
• Gini Dietrich
• Bob Reed
• Mark Asquith
• Jeff Esposito
• Bob Dunn
• Lisa Gerber
• Zach Moreno and Rockwell Felder
• Pete Cann
• Dr. Alice Kerby
• Lefteris Statharas
• Mark Taylor
• Susan Diaz and Will Lamont
• Eric Barnhart
• Jenell Riesner and Rachel Bellotti
• Jody Hanks and Chris Rash
• Michael Levitt
• Sarah St. John
• Nate Garrison

for sharing their stories with me, and for being so open and gracious with their time while doing so.

Thank you to the kind folks who have left a review for Podcaster Stories, Reviews help other listeners like you find the show for themselves, so thank you. And if you want to leave a review of your own, simply go to lovethepodcast.com/podcasterstories and choose where you want to leave the review. 

And thank you to the podcasting community for the way they're always willing to help others grow, and to the podcasting tech platforms that make life easier for people like me to make a show like this. Companies like Squadcast, Auphonic, Focusrite, Samson, and Captivate, who turned out to be a podcast host so good I ended up joining their team! 

Doing this show has been a real pleasure for me, and I've learned so much from those I've interviewed for the show, and those I've chatted with either online or via email. I hope you continue to enjoy, and I look forward to sharing more podcaster stories with you.

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Nate Garrison of The EXTRAordinary Podcast.

The EXTRAordinary Podcast profiles ordinary people living extraordinary lives, who adhere to a lifestyle by design mindset.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how Nate's show evolved from being a co-hosted show into a solo host
• how the show came about from a personal development program that Nate created, the 8 Keys 2 Great
• how Covid changed the way he records and plans his show
• how he used to identify cities and advertise he was coming that way, to find guests for his show
• how Nate identifies what he feels would make an interesting guest for his show and listeners
• why he adheres to a lifestyle by design mindset
• why Covid has seen both a positive and negative change in personal behaviours
• how our lives have the chance to be redefined post-Covid
• what the 18 month rule is for podcasting, and why he uses it
• the two episodes that stand out for him
• how his endurance sports lifestyle prepares him for handling disappointment in life
• the moment he found he needed to step away from corporate life
• why you should judge success by how your life meets your actual needs, versus your material successes
• how his goal is to gain something from every guest he interviews
• his plans for scaling his podcast, and why he's looking forward to getting back to in-person interviews
• why he has no interest in interviewing celebrities and uber-successful people
• why meaningful conversations make for the best podcasts
• why his biggest piece of advice for podcasters is to be consistent
• why his parents are his heroes

Settle back for an enlightening talk about making and living by your own rules.

Connect with Nate:

• Eight Keys to Great
• The EXTRAordinary Podcast
• Failures, Adventures, and Funny Stories
• Instagram

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Sarah St John of the Frugalpreneur podcast.

Frugalpreneur shows people how to build a business on a bootstrapped budget, and interviews entrepreneurs to answer your questions about being successful online.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how the show originally started as a complementary piece to market her book
• how podcasting introduces you to so many people that can help you
• how her change to an interview-style show reignited her podcasting passion
• how a lack of podcasting resources saw her start her own company to offer exactly that
• why she took almost a year off from her podcast, and how Covid presented an opportunity to relaunch
• how the experience has been, compared to her expectations for it
• how Covid has made her much more focused and consistent with her show
• why she prefers the intimacy of podcasting
• how her own networking opportunities have exploded through the podcast
• how she found her love of entrepreneurship
• the episodes that have stood out for her, and why
• how she takes something away from every guest she has on her show
• how she's taken the best of her shows and created an online podcasting course
• why she's aiming to do more solo shows in 2021
• what advice she'd give new podcasters
• why being a guest on podcasts is so key to growing your business
• why John Lee Dumas is her hero

Settle back for a look at entrepreneurship on a budget, and how podcasting can help drive the goals and results you're looking for.

Connect with Sarah:

• Sarah St John website
• The Frugalpreneur show
• Podcast Resource Directory
• PodSeam

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Michael Levitt of the Breakfast Leadership Network Show.

The Breakfast Leadership Network Show interviews global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing experts to show the audience the right steps (no shortcuts!) to grow your business and your life.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• why he moved from only working with C-suite executives to companies looking to improve the mental well-being of their employees
• how the pandemic is creating a tsunami of mental health issues and burnout at work
• a report by Monster.com that showed 7/10 employees are suffering from burnout
• why burnout and stress was ignored by business for so long
• how insurance claims for mental health issues in the workplace are skyrocketing
• why corporate initiatives around talking about mental health are key to a better work environment
• why we, as humans, need better boundaries when it comes to how we live
• how a nutritionist can help relieve stress and burnout
• how stress is a key element in the cause of more than 20 chronic diseases
• how Michael's cardiac event in 2009 saw him realize the importance of nutrition and lifestyle
• how government can increase healthier lifestyles by proper food pricing when it comes to good food versus junk food
• how multitasking adds to our stress levels
• how the over-subscription of antibiotics has hindered our ability to have a clean digestive system
• how Michael's Breakfast Leadership Show has evolved to include guests, and how that's seen his show evolve exponentially
• how the conversations on the podcast have helped him grow professionally
• how podcasting is the equivalent of all your favourite radio shows in one playlist
• how using themes for his weekdays helps Michael keep his stress under control
• how a period of 369 days between 2009 and 2010 flipped his life completely, due to burnout
• why he had to completely reinvent himself after that period
• how the signs of burnout are visible, if we know how to recognize them
• why we need to look at what others are doing, and give them the benefit of the doubt as opposed to getting stressed about their intentions
• Michael's goals for the future of his show and his idea of spin-offs in 2021
• why he takes time off at the end of the year to relax, recharge, and revisit his goals
• how podcasting has made it easy to connect with people you might struggle to have connected with pre-social media and internet days
• why Michael respects Alan Muhally as a leader, and why Winston Churchill is his favourite leader of all time
• how it's lonely as a leader

Settle back for an insightful episode about not only leadership, but why - without looking after ourselves - there won't be any leaders to start with.

Connect with Michael:

• The Breakfast Leadership Network
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Jody Hanks and Chris Rash of The Digression Podcast.

The Digression Podcast was born out of just about every conversation Chris and Jody ever had. What would ordinarily be a five-minute conversation easily becomes an hour and a half of asides, anecdotes, detours, transitions, tangents, war stories, wanderings, and ramblings.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how their 20+ year career in the US Air Force built their close friendship, and resulted in the podcast
• how Chris "maintained people" and how that shaped his later life
• how their show had been prepping itself for 10 years offline before becoming the podcast it is today
• how afternoon scotch and sake drove their creative juices
• why tech was their biggest challenge when it came to starting the show
• how the show grew from a once-a-month experiment to today's free-flowing version 
• why engagement from their audience, and the feedback they get, is one of the best parts of doing the show
• why their goal is to entertain, but to also discuss deeper topics on the show, like the military deaths at Fort Hood as well as sexual assault in the armed forces
• how their own personal experiences offer insights into personal issues experienced in the military
• why the Apollo Moon Landing episode they did for the 50th anniversary remains a favourite
• how both Jody and Chris have a personal connection to these NASA missions
• why they don't let conspiracy theorists and flat earthers get to them
• how they got involved in rebuilding programs at Fort Keesler in Biloxi, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina  
• how conditions were like an overseas deployment when it came to the facilities and hospital at Keesler
• why it was key to rebuild the people and their morale first to start rebuilding the base
• how Chris, his wife, and their newborn had to live in a ramshackle RV immediately after the birth
• how they had to face two more hurricanes while they were rebuilding Keesler, and deal with the additional damage they brought
• how the way a young airman graduating from Airman Leadership School was treated highlighted the changes that needed to be made at the base
• why they had to change the lame squadron "cheer" into something more inspiring
• how much of a culture change they had to initiate at the top
• how they improved the fitness of those under their wing to be amongst the best on the base
• how Jody and Chris have heard from people since they retired on why the processes and personal touch they put in place is missed
• why the best way to go through life is to not take things too seriously
• their best piece of advice for new podcasters

Settle back for an entertaining episode where two air force vets share their lessons on life, military service, building loyalty, and more.

Connect with Jody and Chris:

• The Digression Podcast
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

This week on Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Jenell Riesner and Rachel Bellotti of The True North Collective.

The True North Collective is a gathering of un-sugar-coated conversations on authenticity, created by the real-life real-life documentation of two humans discovering and hacking what it means to reconnect with our own true north. 

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how their career backgrounds made for a perfect foil for their podcast
• how Rachel's cancer battle in her teens made her question her identity
• how their approach to life brought them together
• their plans for a more nomadic lifestyle in 2021
• how the conversations they have with guests on their podcast has affirmed the goals they have with it
• how they've opened up more as their show has evolved
• why being "messy" in life makes living more authentic
• why they started the Amplify mini-series, to share the untold stories of black, indigenous, and people of colour
• why we need to stop, listen, and truly learn about what others are going through
• why we need to use our platforms more to help those that don't have one of their own
• the episodes that have stood out for them, and why
• why getting things wrong is perfectly normal
• why new podcasters should follow Nike's slogan, and just do it when it comes to starting their show
• who their personal heroes are, and why

Settle back for an engaging episode where Jenell and Rachel talk about why we need to look at our lives to see if we're making the most of our opportunities.

Connect with Jenell and Rachel:

• The True North Collective
• The True North Collective Podcast
• The Amplify Podcast
• Follow on Instagram
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow on Twitter

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

In season 1 of Podcaster Stories, I got to chat with some amazing podcasters, all with great tips to share on podcasting. From getting started to lessons learned along the way, and tips and tricks that you can use to grow your own show, if you're a podcaster yourself.

My guests also shared their personal stories, including recovery from substance abuse, mental health struggles, sexual and physical abuse, and more. It was an incredibly humbling first season, and I'm so grateful to each and every one of them for sharing their story.

In season 2, you can expect more of the same, and there are some incredible guests lined up with more inspiring stories to share. I'm touched that so many of you have added Podcaster Stories to your lives, and I can't wait to share more in Season 2, launching on Thursday, Oct 8.

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

Being an entrepreneur can be hard. Coping with mental health issues while growing and running your own business can add immense stress, both to you personally and those around you.

This is something that green industry professional Josh Currivan knows only too well. The last time we chatted, we spoke about his younger life, his upbringing, his mental health issues, and how that had led him to where he is today.

In this bonus episode of Podcaster Stories, we catch up one year later to talk about mental health and entrepreneurship, and how the two are intertwined.

Topics on the menu include

• What it means to be an entrepreneur while coping with mental health
• How it can impact your personal, family, and professional life
• How having ADHD impacts your business
• Why the predominantly male-dominated green industry still needs to talk more about mental health
• Why it's important to take moments of stillness for yourself

Settle back for a chat about the pressures of wanting to succeed, why you need to take the emotion out of business decisions to, and why the "go after everything" mindset is hurting you.

Connect with Josh:

• Josh Currivan on Instagram
• The WeScape podcast

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing

Four months in, and there's been a great collection of guests already. From talking about alcohol addiction, to how to promote science in an increasingly anti-science world, to inspiring kids through education, and much more - it's been a pleasure so far!

I have some great guests coming up in the next few weeks and months, but I'd also like to hear from you - who would you like to see appear on the show?

Simply head on over to Podcaster Stories, and click on the Contact tab in the navigation bar. There. you'll find a simple form to fill in, and send on over to me.

The show's also getting great feedback and reviews, so thank you so much for that! If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a review on iTunes so other listeners can find the show too.

Thanks again for being part of the show, and I'll speak to you soon.

Contact me: [email protected]

My equipment:

• Samson Q2U Mic
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface
• TRITON AUDIO Fethead In-Line Microphone Preamp
• Denon DJ HP-1100 Over Ear Headphones
• RockJam MS050 Adjustable Mic Suspension Boom
• Dragonpad Pop Filter

Recommended resources:

• Captivate.fm
• Aweber email marketing
• SquadCast remote interviewing