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

In episode 14 of Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Eric Barnhart, host and founder of Urban Contemplatives and the Mindful Moment podcast.

With a tagline of “creating mindful moments for active lives”, each 15-minute episode features conversations with artists, musicians, writers, scientists, philosophers and others, exploring contemplative practices through an ecumenical Christian lens.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how Star Wars inspired his love for music, which inspired his eventual career
• how that love for music got him a degree in jazz piano, which led to him working in churches”creating mindful moments for active lives”how he’s met other like-minded folks through this association with the church
• why divisiveness is a global issue versus a beliefs issue
• how Eric’s seen the very best and the very worst of humanity over the last 25 years
• how the podcast came about due to the Covid pandemic
• why allowing yourself to hear your belief is more effective than being told what to believe
• how he deals with people that are trying to push their own agenda
• how shared learning through open dialogue is key to a positive community
• how Star Wars fans can be very similar to those with fervent beliefs
• why you can have polarizing viewpoints yet still agree on something if it connects with, or moves, you
• why none of us are experts – in life, in religion, in culture, and more
• why we need to stop fretting about the things that don’t really matter
• how Western culture still needs to catch up with other cultures when it comes to mindfulness
• how Thomas Merton played such a huge part in Eric’s life and goals with Urban Contemplatives and the Mindful Moment podcast
• how true Christianity is about humility and being there for others, no matter what
• how Mysticism creates fear in some Christian corners, and why it shouldn’t
• where Eric sees the podcast evolving over the next 12 months
• why good ramen is key to a happy life
• how his love of Jethro Tull helped him learn guitar, even when holding the guitar upside down!
• how the music industry has paved the way for content creators across all mediums when it comes to distribution and production

Settle back for an enlightening episode where Eric shares what may be the best pathway to peace in our lifetime.

Connect with Eric:

• Urban Contemplatives
• Mindful Moment Podcast
• Urban Contemplatives on Facebook

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 episode 13 of Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Susan Diaz and Will Lamont, business partners at c+p digital, and co-hosts of The 4AM Report.

The show combines marketing discussions, societal issues, wacky lessons from marketing mishaps, and more. Having just celebrated the one year anniversary of the show, Susan and Will dropped in to talk about the experience so far.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how their love of asking people questions, and going with the flow, resulted in the podcast
• how the 4am hook came from being up at 4am in the morning as agency owners, worrying about clients, work projects, etc
• whether they would have a live show at 4am in the morning
• how they use bonus content in the 4pm show, Thirsty Thursday
• how they became comfortable with controversial topics on their show
• why marketing should be fun, and how they’re using their show to promote that
• why brands need to be be consistent when talking about their values around societal issues
• how Will’s behind the scenes experience has helped the podcast overall
• why having a co-host helps drive the efficiency of their own podcast, and those they produce for others
• why they’re particularly proud of their episode that talked about a scandal the Canadian Prime Minister was involved in
• why you need to learn to be okay with being uncomfortable to bring the best show
• why you need to look beyond the vanity metrics of your show to see the true impact
• why getting over their imposter syndrome has helped get high visibility guests
• why podcasting is the perfect medium to keep your networking opportunities live during the pandemic
• how your podcast can drive multiple arms of your content strategy
• how Will found himself travelling with Canadian cheese across country

Connect with Susan and Will:

• The 4AM Report
• c+p digital
• Susan on LinkedIn
• Will on LinkedIn
• c+p digital content academy

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 episode 12 of Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Mark Taylor, host and creator of the Education on Fire podcast, a show for teachers, parents, and mentors to help them support children.

The show share stories and resources that Mark hopes will support children to thrive and be able to live their best lives.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how the idea for the podcast came about
• why it’s more than just a resource for parents and educators
• why he believes passion is key in anything you do
• why networking is key
• how Covid-19 has impacted the educational space
• why we should stop saying “kids need to catch up” when talking about the 2020 school year
• why the education system needs to change to a more open approach
• the two episodes that have really stood out for him so far
• why it’s okay to give up on a project
• how to integrate multiple show ideas to create the best podcast you can
• what advice he’d give to new podcasters

Settle back for an informative and insightful chat about why you need to not only have great content, but know the audience you’re creating that content for.

Connect with Mark:

• Education on Fire
• Primary Education on Fire

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 episode 11 of Podcaster Stories, I sit down with Lefteris Statharas of the Lefteris Asks Science podcast.

Driven by both his passion for science, and his professional work as a mechanical engineer, Lefteris started his podcast as a way to bring scientists together to demystify their professions, and show how fun science can be.

With a natural curiosity and an easy-going manner, Lefteris has a simple goal – to see what drives people with passion, and to get more people interested in, and passionate about, science.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

• how the idea for the podcast came about after a chat with a peer
• which type of science drives his curiosity
• the episodes that have stood out
• why there seems to be such an anti-science stance in some countries, with the US probably being the worst culprit, as evidenced by Covid-19
• how social media has enabled more interest in science
• the cultural and scientific differences between Greece, where Lefteris originates from, and Singapore, where he currently lives and works
• who his all time hero is, and why

Settle back for an engaging conversation around science, the rabbit holes of Reddit and the internet, and more.

Connect with Lefteris:

• Lefteris Asks Science podcast
• Lefteris 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