Podcast Junkies - Conversations with Fascinating Podcasters

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Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, unable to break free from old patterns and reach your full potential? Rocío Pérez's journey from teenage mother to successful entrepreneur and leadership expert might just be the inspiration you need.

Rocío Pérez, Chief Leadership Officer at Virtuous, shares her remarkable story of transformation and resilience. From overcoming a brain tumor diagnosis to developing innovative tools for personal growth, Rocío's experiences offer valuable insights for anyone looking to make positive changes in their life.

In this episode, we explore the power of self-awareness and intentional growth. Rocío discusses her Mind Shift game, a unique tool designed to help individuals create new neural pathways and achieve their goals. She also touches on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the challenges of balancing personal growth with professional success.

Additional topics include the development of Rocío's TV show and podcast, her expansion plans into Latin American countries and Canada, and the transformative power of changing one's perspective on life and relationships.

Ready to shift your mindset and unlock your potential? Listen now to gain actionable insights from Rocío Pérez's inspiring journey and learn how you can apply her strategies to your own life and career.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Cultivate your intuitive wisdom. Rocío credits her success to staying connected with her inner guidance from a young age. Make time to listen to your intuition and trust your instincts.

2. Challenge limiting beliefs about your potential. Despite difficult circumstances, Rocío refused to accept others' low expectations for her future. Examine any self-limiting beliefs and push past them.

3. Use gamification to make personal growth fun. Rocío created the Mind Shift game to make transformation more engaging. Find ways to gamify your own self-improvement efforts.

4. Prioritize authenticity over perfection. Rocío learned to embrace her humanity on camera rather than striving for flawless delivery. Allow yourself to be genuine rather than putting up a perfect facade.

5. Set public goals to increase accountability. By stating her 12-month goals for international expansion on the podcast, Rocío created external pressure to follow through. Share your goals with others to boost your commitment.

Tweetable Quotes

"I feel like we all are born with that connection and somewhere along the line we lose it because we hear anywhere from 450 negative comments to 50 positive comments a day."

"I was pregnant at 14, had a 6 month old baby at 15, knocking on university doors asking them to let me in. And I wasn't taking no for an answer."

"I wanted to gamify it. I wanted to make it fun. I wanted to make it exciting for people. You decide what you're playing to win for. Are you playing to become a speaker? An accountant? A football player? What is your game?"

Connect with Rocío

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rocio-perez-the-mindshift-experience/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheMindShiftExperience/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rocioperezpublicfigure/

Resources Mentioned

Expand...

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Ever wonder how a gaming podcast pioneer navigates the ever-changing landscape of the industry? I sat down with Danny Peña, the creator of Gamertag Radio, to explore his 20-year journey in podcasting and gaming.

Danny Peña is the founder of Gamertag Radio, the first gaming podcast to reach 1,000 episodes. With two decades of experience in the gaming industry, Danny has become a respected voice and consultant in the field. In this episode, we dive into Danny's remarkable journey from the early days of podcasting to his current role as a media consultant. We discuss the evolution of the gaming industry, the impact of podcasting on his career, and how he's adapted to changes in technology and audience preferences.

We also explore Danny's personal life, including his move from Miami to Los Angeles, his marriage, and becoming a father. Danny shares insights on interviewing celebrities, the importance of asking creative questions, and his approach to measuring success beyond just numbers. If you're interested in the intersection of gaming, podcasting, and personal growth, you won't want to miss this inspiring conversation with Danny Peña. Click play to hear how passion and persistence can lead to a fulfilling career in the ever-evolving world of digital media.

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FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Focus on impact over numbers. Danny emphasizes that the true measure of success isn't view counts or subscriber numbers, but the tangible impact you have on your audience and industry. Concentrate on creating quality content and building meaningful relationships.

2. Diversify your income streams. Danny's success comes from multiple sources - his podcast, consulting business, speaking engagements, and more. Don't rely solely on one revenue stream; explore various opportunities within your niche.

3. Stay adaptable in a changing industry. The gaming and content creation landscapes are constantly evolving. Be willing to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace emerging platforms or technologies to stay relevant.

4. Network and build relationships. Many of Danny's opportunities came from connections he made over the years. Attend industry events, collaborate with others in your field, and nurture professional relationships.

5. Give back to your community. Danny speaks at schools and mentors upcoming creators. Sharing your knowledge and experiences can be rewarding and help establish you as a leader in your field.

Tweetable Quotes

"Podcasting has changed so much where it's not how it used to be when it comes to making money. I think podcasts nowadays, for me is a tool to promote my talent, to promote and also to help me network with gaming companies."

"Numbers come and go. But to me, what matters most is the impact that you make. Did you influence somebody to buy the product? Did you influence somebody to subscribe to your show, to buy a shirt, to wear a shirt?"

"I want to make sure that my daughter is set for life. I don't want her to go through the struggles that I went through as a kid, I want her to have a better life. I think that's my main goal."

Connect with Danny

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpena7

Instagram - http://instagram.com/godfree

X - http://x.com/godfree

Resources Mentioned

Gamertag Radio Podcast -...

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Ever wondered how to turn your passion for travel into a thriving podcast? Marilyn Ball's journey from marketing executive to host of "Speaking of Travel" offers invaluable insights.

Marilyn Ball, host of "Speaking of Travel," shares her inspiring transition from a successful marketing career to creating a travel-focused podcast. With over 500 episodes under her belt, Marilyn has mastered the art of storytelling and building a loyal audience.

In this episode, Marilyn reveals how she leveraged her marketing background to secure long-term sponsors and create a sustainable podcast business. She discusses the challenges of pivoting during COVID-19 and how she used the pandemic as an opportunity to explore deeper, more meaningful conversations with her guests.

Harry and Marilyn also delve into the importance of embracing new technologies, the power of community in podcasting, and how to stay true to your passion while growing your show. Marilyn's experience with recent natural disasters in her hometown of Asheville, NC, adds a poignant perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Ready to take your travel podcast to the next level? Listen now to gain actionable insights from a seasoned podcaster who's successfully merged her love for travel with a thriving show.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Leverage your existing skills and background when starting a podcast. Marilyn's marketing experience helped her approach sponsorships strategically from the beginning.

2. Be flexible with sponsorship arrangements, especially when starting out. Marilyn used trade deals and shorter commitments initially before moving to annual sponsorships.

3. Batch record episodes to build a queue, allowing you to take time off while maintaining a consistent publishing schedule. Marilyn records extra episodes before traveling.

4. Consider hiring help for areas outside your expertise. Marilyn hired a business coach to help transition her focus fully to her podcast.

5. Reach out to potential guests and opportunities, even if it feels uncomfortable. Marilyn

emphasized the importance of getting out of your comfort zone to grow your show.

Tweetable Quotes

"I think sometimes, as you would probably recognize in an advertising career especially, that old imposter syndrome steps in. Like, who am I to be wearing this hat or doing these great things? And I think people sometimes misunderstand me for my accomplishments and what I've really been able to accomplish in my career and my life."

"I feel more strongly than ever that I have found my voice and I'm strong with that voice. And maybe people just don't recognize yet how important that is."

"It's almost like when you live out in nature for so long, you start living like nature does. Patience and perseverance. You don't really know that little pine cone is eventually gonna grow into that giant pine tree."

Connect with Marilyn

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilyn-ball-8550a25/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/speakingoftravel/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/speakingoftravel/

Resources Mentioned

Speaking of Travel podcast -

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Ever wondered how environmental journalism can uncover hidden hazards in your community?

Jordan Gass-Pooré, host of "Hazard NJ" and an accomplished environmental journalist, shares her journey from small-town Texas to becoming a leading voice in investigative reporting on hazardous sites and environmental issues.

In this episode, Jordan discusses her latest project, "Hazard NJ," which explores the origins and impacts of PFAS (forever chemicals) in New Jersey. She delves into the challenges of reporting on environmental issues, the importance of long-term follow-ups on hazardous site cleanups, and the fascinating characters she encounters in her work.

Jordan also touches on her early days in journalism, her passion for horror movies, and how she balances freelance work with her dedication to environmental reporting. She offers insights into the changing landscape of journalism in the face of AI advancements and shares her thoughts on the future of hazardous site reporting.

Ready to dive into the world of environmental journalism and discover the hidden stories beneath our feet? Listen now to gain a new perspective on the environmental challenges we face and the dedicated reporters working to bring them to light.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Pursue your passions early: Jordan's early interest in environmental issues and journalism led to a successful career. Start exploring your interests and gaining experience in your chosen field as soon as possible.

2. Embrace diverse experiences: Jordan's varied work history across different media outlets and projects has enriched her skills and perspective. Don't be afraid to try different roles and organizations in your industry.

3. Find your niche: Jordan's focus on hazardous sites reporting demonstrates the value of specializing in a specific area. Identify a unique angle or topic within your field that you can become an expert in.

4. Be open to changing perceptions: Jordan's experience with New Jersey changed her preconceived notions about the state. Stay open-minded when approaching new subjects or locations in your work.

5. Use storytelling to make complex topics engaging: Jordan incorporates horror references and personal stories to make environmental reporting more accessible. Find creative ways to present difficult or technical information to your audience.

Tweetable Quotes

"I remember I approached him and I was like, 'Hey, first off, my college town, it's like, you know, there's an endangered species. It's an environmentally sensitive area. I said, no one's covering the environment. Can I cover the environment as a reporter for one of the radio shows?' He was like, 'Sure, as long as you don't cuss.'"

"I'm hoping that this is a way for whatever writing passion that they had or passion they had that now they could be able to pursue that, that maybe there will be some new openings. I've told people in the past too, especially like mentees that are in college that one, you know, you don't have to go into investigative journalism. But I'm bringing that up as an example that I think that's one of the genres of journalism that will be really hard for an AI to replicate."

"My whole obsession for the past couple of years has been around hazardous sites. I've just become super obsessed with hazardous sites. And not just Superfund sites, but just the idea for me of how we got to this place. At one point in time, we were definitely okay with just dumping every kind of chemical into a body of water. The psyche of it just is interesting to me about...

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Ever feel like your story isn't worth telling? You're not alone. April Adams Pertuis, host of the Inside Story podcast, knows that feeling all too well. April is a storytelling expert with over 30 years of experience in broadcasting and production. She's interviewed over 10,000 people and now helps others share their stories through her company, Light Beamers.

In this episode, April reveals how she overcame her own hesitation to share her story and why she believes everyone has a story worth telling. She breaks down the three-part story arc she uses to help clients uncover their transformative experiences and find the courage to share them.

Harry and April also discuss the power of podcasting as a storytelling medium, the challenges of maintaining a show long-term, and how to quickly build trust with interviewees. April shares her "heart math" technique for creating a safe space for vulnerability.

If you've ever doubted the value of your own story or struggled to find your voice, this episode will inspire you to shine your light. Listen now to unlock the transformative power of storytelling in your own life and work.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Embrace your story, no matter how big or small. Whether you have a complex, messy narrative or feel your life is "vanilla," your experiences are valuable and worth sharing.

2. Focus on the transformation in your story. Move past dwelling on the "before" and highlight how you've grown, what you've learned, and who you've become.

3. Use heart math to connect with interviewees. Enter conversations with genuine openness, compassion, and a desire to listen without judgment. This creates a safe space for authentic sharing.

4. Practice telling your own story. Even if you're used to sharing others' stories, push yourself to be vulnerable and share your experiences. This builds authenticity and connection with your audience.

5. Surround yourself with people who challenge you. Seek out relationships that push you to grow, call out your potential, and refuse to let you play small. This environment fosters continuous personal and professional development.

Tweetable Quotes

"I've probably interviewed 10,000 people in my career, which is pretty significant. And when I saw that on paper, when I did the math, I was like, wow, that's a lot. It's allowed me to really just be present with people and ask questions and let the interview go where it goes."

"The number one rule of storytelling is who is your audience? Remember that first. Who are you trying to reach? It's about them first. It's not about your agenda, your outcomes, your beautiful interview. It's about their story and them."

"I think people are actually surprised about how sharp-tongued I can be. With my clients and people in my inner circle, I will speak freely and say things you need to hear. I'm not going to stand for your mediocrity. If you're playing small, I'm going to call you out on it."

Connect with April

Podcast - https://www.lightbeamers.com/podcast

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightbeamers

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lightbeamers/

Facebook -

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Ever wondered how a small business banking platform could revolutionize your financial management? Discover the journey of a CEO who's reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurs.

Eytan Bensoussan, CEO of NorthOne and host of This Week in Small Business, shares his path from science student to fintech innovator. With a background in management consulting and a family history of small business ownership, Eytan brings a unique perspective to the world of business banking.

In this episode, Eytan reveals how NorthOne was born from a desire to solve the financial pain points of small business owners. He discusses the importance of rigorous thinking, resilience in the face of challenges, and the power of customer-driven innovation.

The conversation also touches on Eytan's experiences as a podcast host, the value of empathy in leadership, and the constant drive to improve and anticipate customer needs. Eytan's insights offer a masterclass in entrepreneurship and the evolution of financial technology.

Ready to gain invaluable insights from a leader at the forefront of small business banking? Tune in to this episode and discover how NorthOne is changing the game for entrepreneurs across America.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Speak to customers regularly. Eytan tries to talk to 1-2 customers per week minimum to understand their needs and pain points. This direct feedback informs product development and business strategy.

2. Identify your "MIT" (Most Important Thing). Regularly assess where the biggest bottleneck is in your business and focus your energy there until it's resolved before moving on to the next priority.

3. Challenge your own thinking. Eytan encourages disagreement and different perspectives to refine ideas. He enters conversations with strong opinions but hopes others will "trash" them to reveal better solutions.

4. Build resilience through experience. Facing and overcoming repeated challenges builds confidence in your ability to handle future obstacles. View setbacks as opportunities to develop this critical skill.

5. Right-size your banking for cost savings. Many businesses waste money on unnecessary fees or suboptimal account structures. Regularly review your banking setup to ensure it aligns with your needs and minimizes costs.

Tweetable Quotes

"I hate quitting more than I hate suffering. This is the system telling me I don't work. I'm going to crush the system, manage myself through it so I can walk away on my terms rather than simply having the system give me low marks and tell me I'm not good."

"My goal wasn't to say, can you get people's eyes for 35 minutes? But rather, can I have that conversation and bring a couple of nuggets that are then something I can take to the customers? That's really where the podcast started."

"The best decisions, the best ideas, they definitely don't come from me. They come from people who are in the trenches, working on stuff, and they're like, 'Hey, what about?' And all of a sudden that turns into something really novel."

Connect with Eytan

Website - https://www.northone.com/

Podcast Show - https://www.thisweekinsmb.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eytanbensoussan/

Resources Mentioned

Profit First by Mike...

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Ever wondered how to tap into your spiritual power without falling into the traps of 'fluffy bunny' spirituality or dangerous practices? This episode might just be your guide to authentic spiritual growth.

Kelle Sparta, host of Spirit Guide and Spirit Sherpa podcasts, joins us to share her journey from real estate podcaster to spiritual teacher. With 50 years of spiritual study under her belt, Kelle brings a unique blend of personal growth and energetic training to her work.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of spiritual podcasting and personal transformation. Kelle shares her insights on the challenges of creating spiritual content, the importance of understanding one's core essence, and the power of stubborn persistence in spiritual growth.

We also explore the evolution of podcasting, from the early days of 2005 to today's saturated market. Kelle offers valuable tips on podcast production, audience engagement, and the benefits of high-ticket offerings in the spiritual coaching space.

If you're curious about the intersection of spirituality and podcasting, or if you're on your own spiritual journey and seeking guidance, don't miss this enlightening conversation with Kelle Sparta. Click play now to unlock the secrets of authentic spiritual growth and successful spiritual podcasting.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

5 Key Takeaways

1. Consider adding a co-host to your podcast if you're struggling with motivation or consistency. As Kelle Sparta mentioned, having someone to talk to can make it easier to sit down and record regularly.

2. Plan your podcast content in advance. Kelle aims to be 90 days ahead on content for her show, which reduces stress and allows for better organization.

3. Experiment with different podcast formats to find what works best for you and your audience. Kelle's Spirit Sherpa podcast includes a brief personal update, a main topic discussion, and a call to action at the end.

4. Don't underestimate the power of your podcast as a business tool. Kelle shared that 98% of her business comes from her podcast, demonstrating its potential as a lead generation channel.

5. Consider using asynchronous communication tools like Marco Polo for coaching or client interactions. This approach can provide flexibility for both you and your clients, improving work-life balance and client satisfaction.

Memorable Quotes

"I am an initiatrix. I stand in the doorway of initiation. I carry the energy of transformation. I can't do anything that is fluffy bunny. I can't. I can try and it won't work."

"If you want to truly be magical, if you want to truly tap into all of your resources, you have to do the personal growth work because the limiting beliefs keep you from your power. And if you don't clear those, then you don't get to your power and your power will always be limited."

"It's not what I do. It's who I am. My mother raised me in this work. I was five years old when she started exposing me to all of these things and bringing home education cassette tapes, because I'm that old."

Connect with Kelle

Twitter - @KelleSparta

Instagram - @kellesparta

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kellesparta

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellesparta/

Resources Mentioned

Voxer -

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Ever wondered how to turn your passion for history into a successful podcast? Philip Gibbons, host of Bite Sized Biographies, shares his journey and insights on creating engaging historical content for a modern audience. Philip Gibbons, host of the popular podcast Bite Sized Biographies, joins us to discuss his unique approach to making history accessible and entertaining. With a background in Fortune 500 companies and a stint on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", Philip brings a diverse perspective to his podcasting journey.

In this episode, we explore Philip’s process for condensing 700-page biographies into digestible, hour-long episodes. He shares his production workflow, marketing strategies, and the challenges of growing a niche podcast in a crowded market. Philip’s commitment to quality content and his love for history shine through as he discusses the evolution of his show over 150 episodes.

We also delve into the importance of email marketing for podcasters, the potential of AI in content creation, and Philip’s thoughts on navigating the current political climate. His insights on perseverance and finding joy in the podcasting process offer valuable lessons for both new and experienced content creators.

If you're passionate about history, podcasting, or simply curious about turning your interests into a successful creative project, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to gain practical advice and inspiration from Philip Gibbons' podcasting journey.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

5:31 Passion for history and podcast concept

11:22 Production workflow and challenges

19:57 Marketing strategies and audience growth

25:53 YouTube presence and potential AI integration

33:03 Email marketing and audience engagement

41:51 Future goals and podcast progress

48:58 Most misunderstood aspect of the host

Tweetable Quotes

"I take that 700 page book that you will never read and digest it into two parts, less than an hour. For some very famous people, or even some oddball people you've never heard of, I kind of do that process for you in a way that makes it interesting to most people, even if they have no interest or would define history as boring."

"If you're interested in podcasting, don't try to chase audience. Find something that you really like and want to do because you're going to last 10 episodes if you're not really jazzed by podcasting. You've got to find your niche, you've got to find an audience, and you also have to find something that motivates you to keep posting this stuff."

"I wouldn't have cranked out 150 episodes if I didn't love what I do. Clearly, I have thought about other topics, yet my perspective is I've known other podcasters who've searched out other topics and they found they didn't even do as well with their second or third topic because they got so stretched thin that the whole thing fell apart after that."

Resources Mentioned

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipdgibbons/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/phil.gibbons

X - https://x.com/PhilipDGibbons

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Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of podcasting while trying to maintain your passion? You're not alone, and this episode is here to help. In this episode, I chat with Suzy Buttress, the host of The Casual Birder podcast. Suzy is a passionate birder who turned her love for nature into a podcast that connects listeners worldwide. With years of experience, she shares her journey of balancing podcasting with her passion for birding.

We dive into the challenges Suzy faces in maintaining consistency with her podcast while actively engaging in birding adventures. She opens up about her experiences with building a virtual bird club, which has become a vibrant community for bird enthusiasts across the globe. Suzy's story is a testament to the power of following your passion and the connections it can create.

Beyond her podcasting journey, we explore the evolving landscape of podcasting, the importance of community engagement, and the potential for monetization. Suzy also shares insights on how she plans to expand her reach and continue growing her audience.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that will resonate with anyone looking to balance their creative pursuits with their passions. Click to listen and discover how Suzy navigates the world of podcasting and birding.

Episode Sponsor

FullCast – https://fullcast.co/

Key Takeaways

0:00 Intro

6:59 Starting the Podcast

12:39 Passion for Birding

20:30 Listener Engagement

28:31 Community and Collaboration

37:16 Bird Club Insights

43:14 Monetization and Future Plans

49:11 Reflections and Personal Growth

Tweetable Quotes

"I feel like starting the podcast was one of the best things I could ever have done. It's really given me emotional contact with people. It's widened my knowledge of what's going on in the world."

"There's more than one way to enjoy birds. And actually there's a very long list of the ways that you can enjoy them. There's people that do mindful birding, so they will just sit and appreciate the birds that are around."

"I still have the show and it's still my passion. I move around about what kind of episodes I'm going to release, and over the last year I've struggled to be consistent. So I'm always trying to work back towards being consistent with my episodes."

Resources Mentioned

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/casual-birder-podcast/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/casualbirderpodcast/

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