At the beginning of the year, I made a promise to myself that I would step further out of my comfort zone. With the ability to finally get my thoughts out on paper with the blog, I figured I would take it a step further, and put my voice on the air. I have had relative success on Live video on Facebook and I was a guest on a few podcasts prior to my launch.
Once I launched episode one of the Whoisvgt3 Project, I was hooked. Prior to this, I was fearful. What if I sound stupid? What if I say something stupid? What if I say something controversial and the mob attacks? What if no one wants to be a guest? How the hell do I even start? These fears ultimately drove me to actually hit the record button. I had to tell myself that regardless of the circumstances I am a creator. I have thoughts. I have ideas. So I figured it out, and it was actually easier than I originally thought. I have seen a number of blogs and youtube videos with established podcasters like the Joe Rogans and the alike, I checked out their equipment and it far exceeded my budget. I quickly realized I just needed a few things. Not even necessarily needed, I already had. I had my thoughts, I already had a microphone, and a computer. All I needed in a sense was a platform and an RSS feed to broadcast to other platforms. I found the anchor.fm had the ability for a simplistic approach to podcasting and allowed me to learn the basics while not overwhelming with information.
After I got going, I also made a goal. I needed at least one podcast a week. Knock on wood I have been able to maintain that, and I will likely be able to exceed this number if I continue my current trajectory.
So now we get to my “why”. Why I have a love for the art of podcasting. I call it an art because there is something special about being able to sit down and converse with people. It is a developed skill. Most people that have conversations today whether it be on social media, which is most conversations, or in-person our knee jerk reaction is to listen to respond and not listen to understand.
I quickly learned that it isn’t always about me talking, but me listening and understanding someone else’s perspective. In a short amount of time, I realized that it isn’t about me it’s about me being able to provide a platform for people to discuss thoughts and their ideas. Over just 11 episodes in I have had very raw and personal conversations that have made me feel inspired, gratuitous, and humbled. From casual conversations to in-depth raw conversations that left me in tears or laughter.
It comes from a genuine place because I am naturally curious. I also care, which I think helps. I care what people are into. I like to take a look inside people’s thought process and ask myself why do they think this way, good or bad. I like to analyze people’s successes and failures to provide a roadmap for those who listen that may be experiencing similar events in their lives.
I enjoy spending time catching up with old friends, and people that may have never gotten the opportunity to be on a podcast. People that are curious or have something that they want to get off their chest. I’ve utilized the platform in a way that I don’t say no to a potential guest. I love telling stories and sharing my thoughts but I enjoy listening to others even more. From surviving cancer to gaining insight on religion, from talking hip hop to talking politics, I feel that no conversation is off the table.
If you’re thinking about doing a podcast, I think you should do it. Be warned, there are some downsides. It takes a little bit of upfront capital if you haven’t already invested in some basic equipment. Microphone and computer. As the podcast grows I do plan on investing more into more sophisticated equipment. The next couple of downsides are that it takes time and energy. I fear that there will be a day when I am overwhelmed with requests, and I have to make sacrifices whether it is on the content or my personal life, there is a give and take. I hope to continue being in a position to provide the platform that many have tuned into and been a part of, and for that, I am extremely thankful.
Below I have included multiple ways to listen to the podcast. I hope that you all enjoy the content and if you feel compelled to, subscribe and rate the podcast as it helps with getting more potential followers.
Until next time,
signing off til next time