The Complete Season 2 - Podcaster Stories

Tim Jahn of We're Only Human

Danny Brown — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode 6 of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Nate Garrison of The EXTRAordinary Podcast

Danny Brown — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode 5 of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Sarah St John of Frugalpreneur

Danny Brown — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode 4 of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Michael Levitt of the Breakfast Leadership Network

Danny Brown — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Jody Hanks and Chris Rash of The Digression Podcast

Danny Brown — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode 2 of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Jenell Riesner and Rachel Bellotti of The True North Collective

Danny Brown — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0500

In episode 1 of season 2 of 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:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Catherine Praiswater of Your Positive Imprint

Danny Brown — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500

This week, I sit down with Catherine Praiswater of Your Positive Imprint.

Your Positive Imprint is a show that highlights people from around the world whose positive achievements are inspiring positive actions.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

why positive stories need to be told, and how her podcast came from that
why she views her show as a variety show
how a visitor to her door led to her podcast
why she wants to help share stories of people who'd normally wouldn't be recognized
how her father's passing impacted her podcast, and then ultimately helped shape it
why Catherine loves finding guests, and the research that goes with it
how a YouTube video led to an incredible conversation on her podcast
why the continued relationships with her guests is the favourite part of her show
how her guests often validate the work she's doing
how leaders don't look for praise, and just do what they do
how her life was completely changed by a visit to Lithuania
the feeling of desperation when she was handed a baby covered in blood
how life before cell phones was so different when it comes to world affairs
why we need to appreciate, and act on, the simple things in life
why we need to realize we are citizens of the world if we want to be better people
why Covid isn't the first time the global science community has come together to work as one
why Covid is a once in a lifetime chance to reset how we work together as a global community
why one of her guests appreciated Catherine reaching out to see how he was doing during Covid
how Catherine plans to scale the show with a live offering
her advice for new podcaster, and why truth and passion is so key
who her heroes are, and why
what her dad would have made about the show had he lived to hear it
how much of an influence her family continues to be on her show

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

Connect with Catherine:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources:

Mark-John Clifford of ADHD! It's All Mishegoss & More

Danny Brown — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500

This week, I sit down with Mark-John Clifford of ADHD! It's All Mishegoss & More, an unedited, unscripted, & refreshingly real show about living with ADHD.

Topics up for discussion this week include:

how he was first diagnosed with ADHD
why he's not a fan of "gurus" selling cures for ADHD
why he won't charge for his podcast, and instead offer his advice for free
why his podcast doesn't have a predetermined format
how his public speaking never leans on notes
how his show has evolved over the last three years
why he won't release episodes 7 days a week
how he uses his podcast as a brain dump for his thoughts
why motivational speakers and podcasters should be taken with a pinch of salt
why he loathes people who try to compartmentalize medical condition
why we need to follow advice that's specific to us
how he has one of the highest scores on the ADHD scale
why his pet peeve are speakers peddling the same shtick and hustle
how Jim Rohn gave him the best piece of advice regarding motivation
how his podcast is therapy for him
how his life took a turn for the worse and led to a prison sentence
how his time in prison humbled him and made him appreciate the little things in life
how his story is being talked about as a mini-series for TV
why people complaining about the Covid lockdown don't know what a real lockdown is like
why he'd like to make his next podcast about his time in prison and the people he met
how prison can give you a chance to reinvest in yourself
why prison doesn't define a person
how a car accident one September morning in 2001 saved his life

Settle back for an honest and vivid inside look into the life of someone who made mistakes, and hasn't let them define him.

Connect with Mark:

Contact me: danny@podcasterstories.com

My equipment:

Recommended resources: