On this episode of Raw & Real, we continue the Podcasters Guild Series with Podcast Hall Of Famer, Gary Leland.
In 2000 Gary created SoftballJunk.com which was the first website for women’s fastpitch softball equipment. He coached a softball team for his daughters and had a hard time finding equipment for the team, so he created his own store.
Gary had no idea that moving into the world of softball equipment would change his life forever. He not only became a celebrity in this niche, and the softball videos he has edited and produced for Fastpitch TV have been viewed Millions of times.
Due to his involvement in softball Gary ended up serving as the Director of Social Media for the 3.5 million member United States Sports Specialty Association.
In November of 2004 he heard about a new technology called podcasting, and produced his first sports podcast by December of that same year.
By 2006 Time Magazine included Gary’s podcasting website in their list of The 50 Coolest Websites on the Planet. In 2007 Podcast Pickle won the Podcast Peer Award in the Best Podcast Directory Category.
In 2010 Gary was Interviewed on The Fox News Channel about his video podcast & website for the Fastpitch TV Show
Gary publishes Podertainment Magazine for podcasters, and the Fastpitch Magazine for softball players. He has additionally published over 15 e-books.
The videos he has edited and produced have been viewed Millions of times on You Tube.
Gary was one of the first 100 podcasters on the planet, and was a cofounder of Podcast Movement which has become the largest Podcasting conference on the planet.
Gary is involved in the Dallas Ft Worth Area Meet Up Groups as co-founder of Podcast Dallas. His is the largest meet up group for podcasters in the country. He is also the founder of The Arlington Social Media Marketing Group.
In 2016 Gary was inducted into The Academy Of Podcasters Hall Of Fame, and included in the Pod 11 – The most influential Entities in Podcasting.
Gary still produces several podcasts for himself, as well as running the Podcast Repairman Website to help others produce podcasts.
Selling and marketing by any means possible is what Gary does, and knows best. If it is a new type of media Gary has probably already experimented with it, and incorporated it into his marketing program.
Between Gary’s brick & mortar stores, his e-commerce sites, all his blogs, podcasts, and videos Gary knows how to sell, and market almost anything.
Gary’s goal is to share his 35 years of retail, e-commerce, and marketing experience. To help you succeed in your own business.
Now Gary has moved into the world of Home and Garden TV (HGTV) with his two newest podcast the Fixer Upper Podcast and the Hometown Podcast. Both of these podcasts help him market his wallpaper store, and decorating websites. They are tare taking off like a rocket.
Gary has been on the speaking circuit since 2005, making appearances from coast to coast. Gary makes himself available to any group that is interested in having him make an appearance.
The following is a list of everything Gary does:E-commerce Sites:1. SoftballJunk.com is your one stop shop for everything fastpitch softball. Here you can get everything from training aids to equipment used while playing.
2. BaseballJunk.com is going to be your #1 destination for everything baseball. This site was created to stock everything you might need while you are off or on the field.
3. SoftballStuff.com is your favorite site for everything softball. Here you will find bats, gloves, pants and much more.
4. BaseCoachHelmets.com is where you can go to find all your base coach helmets and well as coaching aids. We stock all the top brands like Easton, All-Star, and Rawlings.
5. BatTape.com is perfect for anyone who wants to add a little pop to your favorite bat. Here we sell a variety of bat tape from patterned ones to solid colors as well as accessories for your bat and more.
6. EyeBlackStickers.com No matter what team you are on you are sure to find an eyeblack sticker that will work for you. This site features many different ones from solid colors to designs.
7. Faceguards.com is where you want to go to get any type of face protection while on the field. Here you will find many different brands as well as designs to better get one that matches you.
8. FastpitchFlowers.com For anyone that loves softball or baseball fastpitch flowers is perfect. These roses are hand made out of a softball or baseball and will be a great gift for players, coaches, or fans.
9. SoftballHeadband.com for any softball player these softball headbands are definitely on the list of necessities. These headbands come in many different colors and are made of real leather.
10. BuntSock.com Ever want to learn to bunt but just couldn’t figure out where to hit the ball on the bat? The bunt sock is the perfect training aid for you. It fits easily over most bats and has colored dots to show you where to hit the ball.
11. StrikeZoneMat.com is the ultimate pitching aid. This mat features 3 colors to show the pitcher where to throw the ball correctly.
12. WeightedBalls.com is where you want to go to get all your training aid balls. We stock a variety of weighted balls measuring 9,11, and 12 inches as well as oversized balls and training aids.
13. WindmillTrainer.com is a training aid to help teach you proper pitching technique. The Windmill Trainer attaches to your leg so when you are pitching you hit the flap to let you know when to release the ball.
14. MiniHelmets.com is the perfect gift for any sports fan. Here we sell mini college and NFL helmets that are perfect for decoration or to get signed by your favorite football team or player.
15. CatchersZone.com For any catcher this site is going to be the best place to get all your catching equipment in one place. We sell everything from catcher’s bags to skull caps in a variety of sizes and styles.
16. LelandsWallpaper.com is the perfect place to get all your wallpaper and decorating stuff. We sell a variety of different wallpaper designs and backdrops for any age and any type of home.
17. SportsDecorating.com For the athlete in the family SportsDecorating.com is perfect for anyone who loves sports. This site includes decorations for baseball, basketball, hockey, football, and NCAA.
18. BrickWallpaper.com One of our favorite wallpaper around is the brick wallpaper. This wallpaper is made to look like a brick background that complements any home.
19. MuralWallpaper.com will transport you to almost anywhere in the world. This wallpaper is made to look like a backdrop of your favorite places.
20. QuickVideoDesigns.com Ever wanted a cool intro video for a company presentation but not sure how to make one? Quick Video Designs is the perfect place to have someone make you a stunning video that will keep your audience engaged.
21. BallStickers.com Learn to better focus on the ball while training with these ball stickers. Each pack comes with 3 different designs in 3 different colors.
22. WristbandCoach.com is the easy way to help your players remember all the signs and signals during the game. Each wrist coach comes with a playcall window to write down anything you might need to remember during a game.
23. SoftballFacemasks.com is the best place to find any type of fastpitch softball facemask. This site contains different patters, styles, and brands of your favorite facemasks.
24. SkinnyLap.com is our newest website that gives you the Shiplap look you love but instead with skinnier pieces of wood.
25. TurboSlotGloves.com is perfect for any player that wants to improve their hitting. This glove includes padding for instant strength, power, and bat speed.
26. MartinCoveralls.com For any Martin High School Senior we offer the service of making coveralls and putting patches on them. You can pick from a wide variety of patches to better fit your personality.
27. FastpitchBats.co carries all of your favorite Fastpitch softball bats in one convenient location. We carry brands like DeMarini, Louisville Slugger, and many more.
28. DillDomains.com This is my GoDaddy (Wild West) account. Do you need a domain name? Please consider buying it from my Godaddy reseller account. The only difference between buying direct from Godaddy and DillDomains is the fact that I make a small commission when you buy from DillDomains.com.
29. PitchersFacemasks.com Another website I have created for selling protective softball face masks. Fastpitch Softball Pitchers need all the protection they can get.
Informational Sites:1. USAfastpitch.com is where you go to find out more about your favorite olympic players and coaches. Here you will find history and stats about the teams and games.
2. SoftballCoaches.com is where you would want to go to find everything you would want to know about coaches of the teams in the WCWS. Here you will find biographies, history, and stats of the coaches.
3. DFW Fastpitch Softball Coaches Group For any coach out there passionate about Fastpitch Softball the DFW Fastpitch Softball coaches Group is the one for you. This group is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about coaching as well just learning more about the game of Fastpitch Softball.
4. InteriorDecorate.com Here you will find everything you would need to know about interior decorating. This blog features frequent wallpaper book reviews and tips on how to better decorate your home.
5. PodcastRepairman.com Ever want to start your own podcast but not know where to start. This is the site for you. Here on PodcaastRepairman.com we basically do all the hard work you just record and send your podcast and we take care of the rest!
6. SoftballWebsites.com Is a full service website that offers a multitude of services. Here we can help you build your website, design custom graphics for that website, any publishing needs you might have from ebook to paperbacks, and podcasting.
7. Social Media Marketing Group This site is where you can join us for the next Social Media Marketing Group. This monthly meet up is a great place to network as well as get helpful tips on how to efficiently use social media whether you are a beginner or an expert.
8. Fastpitch TV Network This site has more free softball information then any other site. Here you will find drills, blog posts, radio shows and much more.
9. Fastpitch Radio Bringing you everything you would want to know about softball. FastpitchRadio.com features many different ways to learn more about softball. Listen to everything from history shows to our newest show softball trivia.
10. Podcast Movement All the news you could want at podcasting in one site. This site lets you look at different schedules and information on how to register to attend Podcast Movement.
11. Podcast Dallas This site is you source of the world of podcasting in Dallas. Here you will find a resource of podcasters information and skills.
12. Fastpitch University This is the official website for the Fastpitch University Softball Technology Conference. This conference features speakers and a variety of different conference sessions.
13. World Softball Day This is the official website for World Softball Day June 13th. This site gives you a chance to order your World Softball Day hat as well as giving you some history on softball.
14. Fastpitch Search Directory Is part of The Fastpitch TV Private Club where you can look for a player for your team or someone to play in a tournament.
15. Fastpitch Softball Videos On Demand Want to watch a bunch of softball videos without having to spend $50+ on each video. Here I give you the opportunity to watch any video here for up to 72 hours for only $9.95.
16. Fastpitch Softball Coaches Group Meet up with other coaches in Dallas, Ft Worth to not only network but to learn more about what it takes to be a coach and experiences you have.
17. Fastpitch Softball Drills is the one place to get all the softball drills you can think of written out into blog posts.
18. SoftballShots.com is where I post all the softball shots I take while I’m at games and tournaments.
19. Girls-Fastpitch-Softball.com The best place to go and shop for new softball equipment. This site compiles all of my sites into one easy page for easy navigation.
20. Fastpitch Softball Cheers This site includes over 50 unique cheers you can get to help cheer your team to victory.
21. Softball Cruise I am working on setting up a Softball Cruise so for anyone interested you can ask to be notified about details regarding this great opportunity.
22. Softball Junkie Follow Coach V as he brings humor to the game of Softball.
23. Fastpitch Books All my fastpitch softball books in one location. Here you can easily order any of these books for your kindle or in paperback.
24. Planet Softball This site is full of all your favorite softball sites. You will find sites with videos, training tips, coaching techniques, and many many more.
Publications:1. Podertainment is my online magazine that features all the information you would need to know about the world of podcasting.
2. Marketing Your Retail Store in an Online World is an online book based on fifteen people I’ve interviewed about selling products on the internet.
3. 100 Great Podcasting Tips Want to learn more about podcasting but don’t know where to start? This book is perfect getting advice, tips, and resources from podcasters just like you about how to succeed in the business.
4. Fastpitch Magazine is a monthly publication for anyone interested in Fastpitch softball. Whether you are a coach, player, or parent this magazine will benefit everyone.
5. The Fastpitch Book is a compilation of 20 great coaches giving 20 great tools to improve your game.
6. Travel Ball Advice Book gives you 100 tips on moving from recreational ball the travel ball and what to expect when you get there.
7. Series Of Their Own is where you will find a comprehensive book about the history of the Women’s College World Series.
8. The Complete Book of Softball Drills contains many different practice drills for runners, pitchers, hitters, catchers, and fielders.
9. 20 Great Fastpitch Softball Questions Answered Volume 1 Here you will find answers to questions asked on Fastpitch TV’s Facebook page by the Fastpitch TV Family.
10. 20 Great Fastpitch Softball Questions Answered Volume 2 The second volume where I answer another 20 questions on Fastpitch Softball.
11. 20 Great Fastpitch Softball Questions Answered Volume 3 The third volume where I answer another 20 questions on Fastpitch Softball.
12. Softball Pitching Drills is a compilation of softball pitching drills to better improve your game. Not only will you increase the strength in your arm but you will learn mechanics that will be useful to you your entire pitching career.
13. Softball Hitting Drills Improve your hitting skills with these drills so next time you are at bat you will be confident that you are going to hit any type of pitch.
14. Softball Catcher Drills is the book to read for anyone who wants to improve their catching skills. This book features drills you can practice on your own or with a team.
15. Softball Fielding Drills Want to improve your fielding skills. This book features many different fielding exercises to perfect your fielding skills today!
16. Softball Base Running Drills 36 great tips and drills to improve your base running skills.
17. The 2016 Women’s College World Series In Review In this book you will find everything you would want to know about the 2016 WCW’s. Here you will find stats, player bios, team bios, game notes and much much more.
18. Fastpitch Magazine Book 1 The Best Of The Fastpitch Softball Magazine Issues 1-10: Book 1 Here you will find a compilation of the best articles from the Fastpitch Magazine Issues 1-10. This book is great for any player, coach, or parent.
Podcasts:1. The Gary Leland Show is where I share my 35 years of retail experience and tips on how to succeed in owning your own online business.
2. Today In Podcasting Here you hear Paul Colligans, P. Dilly, David Jackson, and Robert Walch talk about podcasting. This includes guest interviews, news, and podcast talk.
3. Fastpitch TV Show includes interviews and softball tips from olympians, Hall of Fame Players, and Coaches.
4. Fixer Upper Podcast is a podcast Gary produces with his wife Kathy Leland where they post weekly and talk about the hit TV show Fixer Upper.
5. Softball Trivia Podcast Every week I bring you a trivia question about all things softball. Here you can not only test your knowledge about fastpitch softball you can expand it.
6. Fastpitch Magazine Podcast Softball Trivia Podcast For the softball lover softball magazine comes with tips and interviews with coaches, players, and parents. Here you will hear everything you would want to know about the history of softball.
7. Softball Academy Podcast Fastpitch Magazine Podcast is where you want to go to hear about tips to improve your game. Each show features your host Shannon McDougall talk about tips and training tricks to help improve your game.
8. Fastpitch Expert Podcast In this podcast your host Dr. Sherry Werner answers your frequently asked questions and tips on how to overcome challenges in fastpitch softball.
9. Fastpitch History Want to learn more about Fastpitch Softball? In this podcast you will hear more about the history of fastpitch softball by your host Dr. Dot Richardson.
10. Home Town Podcast is the second podcast Gary produces with his wife Kathy Leland. They post weekly and talk about the hit TV show Home Town
Apps:1. Fastpitch Radio Show App is the best way to access The Fastpitch Radio Network. This app contains everything on fastpitch radio and is convenient enough to use on the go.
2. Fastpitch Chat is the perfect place to get your tough softball questions answered.
3. Fastpitch Cheers App Cheer your team to victory with this app. Here you will find many different cheers to add to your collection.
4. Fastpitch TV App For anyone that’s a fan of fastpitch softball this app includes interviews from Olympians, coaches, and anyone you would admire in fastpitch softball.
5. Fastpitch Softball Magazine For anyone interested in softball this app is the one for you. On here you will find softball tips and drills for any position as well as news and interviews with coaches and players.
6. Fastpitch Drills The perfect app for anyone who wants to find a drill on the go.
7. Softball Stuff Reviews Ever want to buy a piece of softball equipment but now know how it works or if it was any good? This app is the one place where you can find reviews as well as videos on the products and what you can expect from using it.
8. Softball Quiz Great for parties or when you just need to kill time this app helps test your softball knowledge.
Stores:1. Softball Junk Your favorite shop for anything softball. Here we stock hundreds of merchandise from training aids to clothing. We also have an embroidery shop to make you anything custom designed you would need for a game or school.
2. Leland’s Wallpaper & Interiors One of the biggest wallpaper stores in the area here you will find a variety of wallpapers and home accessories in many different styles, shapes, and patterns.
Video Shows:1. Wallpaper Book Reviews Get all your questions answered with the wallpaper book review. Find out the newest trends for the time and how you can decorate to better bring out colors in your home.
2. Softball Review Show Get the scoop on all your softball equipment gear with the softball review show. Here you will hear about different products, how to use them, and how they can help you play better on the field.
3. Fastpitch Chat Show This show features questions about Fastpitch Softball sent in by players, coaches, and parents. I find people with years of experience to help me answer your tough questions.
4. Women’s College World Series On this show you will see everything from the Women’s College World Series you might have missed as well as bonus content just I get from being there.
5. Fastpitch Softball Cheers Show Get the best cheers for your next game with this show. Here you can get different cheers to help motivate your team to a win.
6. Win Some Softball Stuff This softball show is a once a month production that gives you a chance to win softball gear.
7. The Cranky Coach The Cranky Coach is a humorous video of the ups and downs of coaching fastpitch softball.
8. Fastpitch TV Show This is your one place for everything softball. The Fastpitch TV show is where you will find everything you could ever want to know about softball from history to interviews with coaches.
Interviews given by Gary Leland:Article in The Dallas Observer 2017 Read
Video Interview On GSD Mode 2017 Watch
Audio Interview On My Worst Interview Ever 2017 Listen
Article in The Arlington Citizen Journal 2017 Read
Video Interview On Mark Joeckel Show 2017 Watch
Audio Interview On Positive Phil 2016 Listen
Audio Interview On Podcast Report 2016 Listen
Audio Interview On Podcast Help Desk 2016 Listen
Written Case Study BY Christian Tippens 2016 Read
Audio Interview On Stop Riding The Pine 2016 Listen
Audio Interview On The Mindfulness Mode Podcast 2016 Listen
Audio Interview On Podcast Legends 2016 Listen
Audio Interview On Bidsy’s Small Business Society 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Skills In Screencasts And Podcasts 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The First Million Podcast 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Real Life DFW Talk Radio with Heidi Hardy 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Pod Parrot 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Timelines Netcast 2016 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Dreamers Podcast 2015 LISTEN
Video Interview On The Eventual Millionaire with Jamie Tardy 2015 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Starters Club 2015 with Erin Smith . LISTEN
Audio Interview On Debossified 2015 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Spreaker Live Show 2015 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Starve The Doubts with Jared Easley 2015 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Profitcast 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Entrepreneur On Fire Podcast with John Lee Dumas 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Shark Tank Podcast with Catalyst John 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On Smart Softball with Chez Sievers 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Starters Club with Erin Smith 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Authority Engine. My second one with Ben Krueger 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Podcast Reporter with Fred Castaneda 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Authority Engine with Ben Krueger 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview On The Marketing Access Pass with Anthony Tran 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview with Johnny Andrews on The Audience Hacker Podcast 2014 LISTEN
Audio Interview with Steve Stewart on The Stacking Benjamins 2014 LISTEN
Audio interview On The Feed with Rob Walch and Elsie Escobar 2014 LISTEN.
Video Interview The New Media Show with Todd Cochran, and Rob Greenlee 2014 WATCH
Audio Interview with The Struggling Entrepreneur 2013 LISTEN
Audio interview from School Of Podcasting 2012 LISTEN
Audio Interview with TVindy Time 2012 LISTEN
Audio Interview from The Tech In 20 Show 2011 LISTEN
Article from USSSA Today Magazine 2011 READ
Video Interview from Podcamps NY with Ed Tech Talk WATCH
Video interview with Stream TV from SXSW WATCH
Audio interview with Rob Walch On Podcast 411 LISTEN
Gary Leland’s Previous Speaking Events2017 Social Media Marketing World – San Diego, California
2017 University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas – Marketing Club
2017 Podfest Orlando Florida – Keynote Speaker
2017 DFW Social Media Marketing Group – McKinney, Texas
2016 WordCamp – Arlington, Texas
2016 Big Design – Dallas, Texas
2016 SBECON – Texas A&M – Commerce, Texas
2016 Digital By Dallas – SMU – Dallas, Texas
2016, 2014 Rocks Digital – Addison, Texas
2016 Ft Worth WordPress – FT Worth, Texas
2016 Small Business Network – Arlington, Texas
2015, 2014 Podcast Dallas – Dallas Texas
2015 Showtime – Arlington, Texas
2015 WordPress DFW – Dallas Texas
2015 DFW Cre8tors Club – Dallas, Texas
2015 SEO Dallas – Dallas Texas
2015 Dallas Interactive Marketing – Dallas Texas
2014 Emerging Tech Conference – Addison, Texas
2014 New Media Expo – Las Vegas
2013 USSSA National Convention – Tampa. Florida
2011, 2012, 2013 Podcamp Dallas – Dallas, Texas
2011 OpenCamp – Dallas, Texas
2010 Podcast Expo – Las Vegas, Nevada
2009 DragonCon – Atlanta, Georgia
2008 SXSW – Austin, Texas
2006 Podcamp San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas
2006 Podcamp New York – New York City, New York
2005 Podcast Expo – Ontario, California
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