Podcast Junkies - Storytelling Interviews & Conversations with Podcasters Podcasting Passionately

Rob Dionne is the host of Open Sky Fitness, a podcast with an incredibly engaged community, who are all struggling with their weight loss journey. Rob shares tips on how he was able to really, really engage his audience, and why he decided to make a shift in his interviewing style, in order to present himself as the expert. 00:10 - This show is a bit overdue, because Rob and I were suppose to have this conversation after Podcast Movement 2015. 01:50 - Rob bought his first house two years ago. 05:30 - Where did the name, ‘Podcast Junkies,’ come from? 07:05 - Who inspired Rob to start his own podcast? 13:05 - It’s not a mystery trying to get people on your show. Just be open and ask them. 15:25 - How has Rob grown as a person, since he started his podcast? 18:05 - When Rob brought his wife onto the show, his download numbers doubled. 20:55 - Rob’s lead generation has completely changed, all because he created that podcast group. 24:10 - Rob hates it when the host on Facebook Live interrupts themselves just to answer user comments. Do a separate section for that! 32:05 - People want to connect with another human being. 33:00 - Most people struggle with their weight. Rob let himself go when he was 30, and the things that kept him healthy when he was 20 years old, weren’t working. 36:25 - Rob talks about his sister. 38:45 - Write down everything that you are eating. EVERYTHING! 41:10 - Rob’s sister didn’t even know what gluten meant. 44:40 - How did Rob get into fitness? 48:15 - Rob shares a client case study, about a guy who had horrible acid reflux. 51:00 - Whenever we take medication, it messes with our inner microbiome. 54:10 - Business and nutrition are unbelievably similar. 55:15 - What’s the most misunderstood thing about Rob? 01:00:40 - What has Rob changed his mind about recently? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/rob-dionne-interview/  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Have you ever found a note on the ground that was maybe meant for somebody else? Davy is fascinated by the origins of these notes, and has since created a magazine, and then a podcast, on uncovering the true meaning and stories behind these forgotten notes. Find out why Davy has such a fascination towards the lost note, on this week’s podcast! 05:25 - How long has Davy been a writer? 07:55 - Are writers functioning alcoholics? 10:25 - People aren’t in podcasting to be millionaires. 11:05 - When did Davy first listen to podcasts? 18:25 - How did Davy distribute the magazine in the very early days? 20:15 - Were there any specific stories that really stood out to Davy? 25:05 - Davy asks me how I first got into podcasting. 34:40 - For the longest time, Davy was so curious as to who these people were that were writing these random stories and notes. 35:55 - As technology has evolved, you really have to be in a certain type of state to sit down and write a note. 40:45 - In the magazine, Davy and his team change the names and any other identifying info of the people who wrote these letters. 41:30 - How does Davy approach the people who have written these ‘abandoned’ letters after all these years? 43:20 - Davy talks about his parents. 48:50 - Davy talks about the story behind episode 6, Rent-a-Friend. 53:00 - What’s something Davy has changed his mind about recently? 54:45 - Davy will be recording one of his podcasts live! FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/davy-rothbart-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Natalie Jennings is a photographer and the founder of A Face Project, which received a 2013 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant of $10,000. Natalie discusses how aspiring podcasters can tap into their local community to get funding for their creative projects, where her love for podcasting stems from, and so much more, on this week’s episode! 03:50 - Natalie and I met at Podcast Movement. 05:40 - What did Natalie think of the talk I gave at Podcast Movement? 08:35 - Why did Natalie go to Podcast Movement? 10:50 - How does a photographer end up being a podcaster? 12:40 - Why does Natalie like Humans of New York? 16:15 - How did Natalie structure the format of her show? 20:00 - How did Natalie get a grant for her work? 28:50 - Natalie discusses the magazine she recently launched, which is an excellent companion to her photography and podcast. 35:15 - Natalie always feels slightly weird promoting her stuff. 40:35 - When it comes down to production, it’s all about storytelling. 46:35 - Where does Natalie’s creativity come from? 52:15 - Natalie wants to do this type of creative/podcasting work until the day she dies. 54:35 - What’s the most misunderstood thing about Natalie? 56:25 - What has Natalie changed her mind about recently? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/natalie-jennings-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

After connecting via the Anchor application I was excited about the opportunity to connect with Ashley. She's been podcasting straight Monday through Sunday and as of this conversation has not missed a day, 180 plus episodes and counting. After going through the ups and downs of the online marketing world, she has now found her real voice and hit her stride. She's an open book and a genuine soul. 04:20 - How Ashley and Harry met 05:40 - Why 6 figures is bullshit 07:30 - Taking the 30-day podcast challenge 10:30 - There are thought leaders and "thought leaders" 15:15 - Overnight success does not just happen 17:35 - The importance of sharing the entire journey, good and bad 20:00 - How to handle requests you can easily Google! 22:30 - Where does this out-sized personality come from? 23:30 - Why she does a daily Facebook Live 24:20 - Ashley has always been a performer 26:30 - No one is going to give you permission 28:10 - Where she gets inspiration from. 29:30 - You don't have to tell people you're going to be vulnerable, just do it! 33:00 - You don't have just be one way 34:50 - Everyone is trying to keep up with the Joneses, but the Joneses are bankrupt! 38:10 - Harry and Ashley met on Anchor 43:00 - Ashley never originally planned on having guests 45:00 - 180+ daily episodes and counting! 47:00 - What has Ashley changed her mind about recently 51:00 - Thoughts on Tony Robbins FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/ashley-taylor-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Christine Blackburn is the host of Story Worthy, a podcast about true stories from Hollywood's most interesting talents and creatives. Christine has always taken her podcast seriously, and has recorded well over 300 episodes by now. Christine believes she doesn’t have any talents, but the stories she’s able to extract out of her fascinating guests say otherwise. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Christine’s creative process, and find out more about Christine! 03:20 - When did Christine decide to take her show seriously? 04:05 - Why are stories important to Christine? 06:40 - What kind of people did Christine like to interview when she was first starting out? 09:55 - When you’re first starting out, hold off on telling people about it. Allow yourself to learn from your mistakes first. 15:10 - How does Christine keep herself organized? 16:55 - There’s a very specific person who has a passion for podcasting. 19:00 - Don’t do things half-assed. You’re just wasting your time if you do. 23:20 - Did you know you could intern for other podcasters? 24:55 - How did Christine meet Hernan Lopez? 28:30 - Christine talks about the benefits of being associated with a podcast network. 32:35 - Christine has received a lot of crazy comments on iTunes that have simply been out of line. It’s amazing what people will say behind a computer screen. 33:30 - The Story Worthy podcast has over 300 episodes. 33:55 - The stories Sugar Ray Leonard shared on Story Worthy were very memorable for Christine. 36:15 - After some time, your friends become your family. 37:10 - This election reminds Christine of high school. 39:45 - What’s the most misunderstood thing about Christine? 40:05 - What has Christine changed her mind about recently? 42:20 - Christine tries to plan out her podcast in seasons now. 45:15 - What’s next for Christine? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/christine-blackburn-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Nico Johnson has over 10 years of experience in solar project development and PV sales. Nico is also the host of Sun Cast, a podcast about the solar industry in Latin America. Nico discusses some of his struggles on getting his podcast off the ground, and facing the high-expectations of his sponsors. He admits that when you’re so well connected in your industry, it’s the fear of success that holds you back; not the fear of failure. 04:15 - Be sure to visit the Green Door in Chicago. You will need a secret passcode in order to get in. 07:00 - Podcast Movement is the number one event to go to, as a podcaster. 13:20 - Why did my interview with Chase Reeves resonate so strongly with Nico? 19:45 - Nico spends a lot of time on production, which is why he only has 13 episodes released right now. 24:15 - As Podcast Junkie fans may know, I usually only invite podcasters who have at least 50 episodes under their belt. Why is Nico an exception? 29:15 - Nico’s wife made him write out a business plan for his podcast. 33:20 - Nico has felt like a total failure to his audience. 39:05 - In February, a sponsor cut Nico a check for $6,000, to see where hs podcast would go. 43:05 - Nico realized he was letting his sponsor down, and has been working hard to get the results he promised him. 51:55 - Nico discusses the format he plans to use for his podcast. 55:20 - Nico gets between 500-700 downloads per episode. 56:30 - What are some of Nico’s favorite autobiographies? 01:01:20 - What gets scheduled in your calendar, is actually what gets done. 01:03:30 - What has Nico changed his mind about recently? 01:06:10 - What’s the most misunderstood thing about Nico? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/nico-johnson-interview/  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Matt Marr is the host of The Dear Mattie Show and the co-founder of Camp Brave Trails. With a Masters in Clinical Psychology, Matt discusses some interesting topics on this week’s show. Matt explains his two main driving forces -- the critic and the muse -- and how these two often contradict each other. He also discusses the five kinds of emotions he wants his audience to feel, and why that’s such an important piece to his brand. 02:50 - Both Matt and I will be at Podfest this year! 06:20 - I talk about the time I Interviewed Danny Peña, from Gamertag Radio, at the CBS studios. 07:15 - Matt was able to meet Aisha Tyler last year. 09:55 - Matt would ‘shit glitter’ if Aisha came on his show 10:15 - Matt asks me if I like Whiskey. 10:50 - How did Matt become one of the MCs at the PM Talks at Podcast Movement? 12:20 - Espree Devora has got her shit together, and it blew Matt away when he first met her. 19:20 - Matt used to volunteer for The Trevor Project, which is a suicide hotline for LGBT youth. 21:35 - What has Matt’s podcast journey been like so far? 30:00 - Matt explains the difference between the critic and the muse. 32:00 - Apparently, during the first 7 years of life, children can not tell the difference between reality vs. fantasy. 34:15 - Matt asks me what I think is the one overriding factor that keeps people passionate about podcasting? 36:25 - What do you do when people, whom you don’t really know, ask to be on your podcast? 40:00 - Matt believes people who hate the word ‘branding,’ actually don’t understand what it is. 47:45 - Matt talks about his camp, Brave Trails. 52:10 - You get the most out of a conversation just by listening. 52:35 - Matt recommends podcasters take an impromptu class. 55:40 - Maybe for the next Podcast Movement, Matt’s talk should be about impromptu? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/matt-marr-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Jonathan Oakes is the creator and one of the many hosts of The Trivial Warfare Podcast. Jonathan is a huge trivia buff and although there were several trivia podcasts out there at the time, none of them had the ‘feel’ of a real trivia game show. This is when Jonathan knew he struck on something and decided to start his own podcast. The Trivial Warfare Podcast has struck up quite the following and the shows ability to be so interactive is what keeps the fans engaged and coming back for more! 03:55 - Is The Trivial Warfare Podcast Jonathan’s first podcast? 06:45 - For those who are just starting out in podcast, you can always add your own flavor/personality to a podcast genre. 07:20 - When Jonathan introduced a host for his trivial podcast, that’s when things really kicked off. 12:10 - One of Jonathan’s listeners asked for the game to be more interactive, so in their already-established Facebook group, Jonathan added in a score system where the listeners can participate. 13:40 - Jonathan was scared to start the podcast’s Facebook group and procrastinated on it. 15:35 - Jeopardy contestants are now joining the group. 17:45 - Now, Jonathan is friends with several of his listeners who participate in the Facebook group. 22:00 - Have all the episodes had the same format? 30:25 - Jonathan was afraid he was going to alienate his audience by posting about a young boy needing medical help, but he knew it was the right thing to do. 34:45 - Everytime Jonathan got the right answer, his opponents would have to sing him a song. 35:15 - Where does Jonathan’s passion for trivia come from? 40:00 - Does anyone remember Garbage Pail Kids? 42:25 - Jonathan wanted to be the next Rush Limbaugh. 51:10 - Jonathan believes when his son grows up, he’ll listen to every single episode of The Trivial Warfare Podcast. 52:20 - Jonathan loves podcasting because it attracts people who like him for who he is. 56:30 - Does Jonathan plan on interviewing any of his trivia guest? 01:00:00 - Jonathan doesn’t like Boston! 01:01:30 - Where does Jonathan see his show going in the future? 01:07:20 - What’s the most misunderstood thing about Jonathan? 01:10:50 - What has Jonathan changed his mind about recently? 01:16:15 - What is Jonathan’s one guilty pleasure? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/jonathan-oakes-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Karen Koppett is the co-host of The Walking Dead Cast with Jason Cabassi. I've actually interviewed Jason a couple of episodes way back, so be sure to check out his interview right after Karen's! Karen is a water conservationist by trade and speaks to me about California's drought problem. She also notes that winters in Massachusetts is nothing like winters in California. However, the weather is not all that we talk about on this week's podcast. Tune in to hear from Karen about what it's like to get a podcast sponsored and to be starstruck by all the Walking Dead cast members! 07:45 - Coconut tastes like feet? 10:00 - Karen has been a vegetarian since she was 21. 12:10 - It was really hard being a vegetarian in Spain. 15:15 - Once you start traveling, you can't stop. 18:00 - Karen talks about her cousin, Tom. 24:40 - Lesson number one: Winters in Massachusetts is nothing like winters in California. 26:10 - Karen talks about the biggest earthquake that she lived through. 30:10 - What does Karen's emergency prep-kit look like? 30:55 - All the zombie women on the Walking Dead TV series are dressed like Amish. 34:00 - Karen and her co-host Jason dated very briefly! Before they met their respective spouses, of course. 37:00 - Karen never thought anybody would listen to the podcast. 38:20 - What caught Karen by surprise about the effect that her podcast had on people? 44:35 - You really have to educate company brands and let them know of the benefits they can receive by sponsoring a podcast. 45:10 - Karen received her first sponsor 1-2 years after she started the podcast. 45:35 - All you have to do is ask to be sponsored or ask to interview someone. When you ask, doors open! 46:15 - Karen talks about what it's like to interview all the Walking Dead cast members. 50:30 - Karen is a water conservationist by trade. 55:45 - Where else in the country, besides California's drought, are Americans having a water problem? 59:35 - Karen's job used to be mellow, but since the drought hit, it's been like a sprint to get the problem solved. 01:03:10 - The creator of Bojack Horseman is never satisfied. 01:04:30 - What's the most misunderstood thing about Karen? 01:06:20 - What has Karen changed her mind about recently? FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/karen-koppett-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ellory Wells is the host of The Empowered Podcast, where he interviews other entrepreneurs who have made the transition from unhappy employee to self-fulfilled employer. Ellory wanted to transition out of corporate America because he was unhappy from 9 AM to 6 PM and that unhappiness went home with him. Although he was successful at what he did, he needed something more out of life and his career. 04:45 - Ellory thinks I have fantastic hair. He had long hair in college. 06:45 - I eat the same breakfast everyday. 08:40 - Ellory really liked episode 100. 12:00 - All of the stuff that the cool kids were doing in school are irrelevant now that they've become adults. 13:10 - Ellory talks about being bullied in private school. 14:20 - People these days are proud to be a geek. 17:30 - Why did Ellory have the need to get his voice out there? 20:10 - Did Ellory have an inch to scratch? 21:40 - Why did Ellory grow from blogging to podcasting? 22:45 - Where did Ellory's entrepreneurial drive come from? 29:05 - How did Ellory's family react to his career shift? 30:10 - Ellory was miserable at his old job and that comes home with you. 35:05 - Did you know there are games in Excel spreadsheet? 36:50 - No entrepreneur wants to create an awful work environment. 39:00 - Do we need a world full of entrepreneurs? 42:50 - Ellory goes into a short tangent about business owners. 49:20 - Ellory talks about the power of podcasting. 54:05 - People want to be entertained before they want to be informed. 54:30 - What is the most misunderstood thing about Ellory? 58:00 - What has Ellory changed his mind about recently. FULL SHOW NOTES: http://www.podcastjunkies.com/ellory-wells-interview/★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★