I started a podcast and a newsletter in the same week. Here’s what I learned…
*Record scratch* Yup, that’s me. You’re probably wondering how I got here.
See, I never saw myself as a “podcast host” type of guy. Sure I enjoy listening to podcasts, but putting myself behind the mic trying to entertain people every week for about 15–50 minutes? Yeah, count me out. Don’t even get me started on the newsletter part — it takes all the concentration in the world to write this paragraph without having a typo in it!
It started as an ‘interview series’ (I wouldn’t dare call it a podcast). Several of my friends from high school and college were becoming successful and I wanted to learn how. So I did what any responsible Millenial would do, I decided to interview them. I was looking for the secret on how to live my ‘best life’.
As a society, I believe that we all have a built-up idea of this “Good Life”. Especially given decades of the American Dream™ to strive for, most of life seems predicated on obtaining this goal. But from what I’ve gathered in life, it’s not that simple. Looking at current events, I no longer believe that’s the case. Everyone is aspiring to something, sure. But that something is very personal to them.
Hence why I wanted to interview those in my inner circle. Sure, I could’ve called up Tom Brady and asked him “what should I do to be at my peak performance?” but 1) I don’t have Tom Brady’s number, and 2) I’m pretty sure he’s not human. So, I settled on talking to my friends.
Yet, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that these stories could help others too. And that’s where the idea of the podcast was created. My hope is that by listening to me ramble on with my esteemed guests, you’ll gain insight into how to get ahead in life, productivity, relationships, the list goes on. Whether that’s taking time to be patient with yourself, looking at life in stages, or taking the space needed, there’s at least one takeaway for you in each episode.
To complement the thought-provoking conversations on the podcast, I also released a newsletter, aptly named, “Random Thoughts”. Releasing the newsletter on alternating Tuesdays, I try to include themes that are mentioned during my interviews but not talked about in-depth. To explore these themes, I curate a simple list:
- A picture that inspires
- A random question (with a few of my personal reflections) to stir thought
- A few articles to help people get through everything life brings that week
- A quote to motivate you on your journey
- A secret link to spice up your day!
Although both projects are still in their respective infancies, this journey has taught me so much in very a short amount of time. Namely:
- Enjoy the process, not only the results — This is something so many people already preach, but it’s not until trying to push this big project out into the world did it sink in that I have to actually enjoy this if I’m going to keep at it. While I hate editing (both audio and copy-editing), learning more about and from my friends is what kept me going with the podcast throughout everything. For your own creative project(s), make sure you love the creation of it, not just the potential for fans and praise.
- Be authentic — You don’t have to be this uber-polished version of what you think people want to see (I mean look at me ☝!). Just be yourself, even if it’s a part of you that may seem scary to show to the world. When you’re vulnerable and open to the world, usually, the world is receptive.
- Forgive yourself — For me, this podcast has actually been in the works for more than a complete year! There were so many times where I thought “I’m never going to put this out, it’s never going to happen.” If you find yourself getting distracted from your goal or not putting in the work needed to get where you are trying to go, don’t beat yourself up. Simply reset and figure out the steps you need to take to get back on track. As long as you put one foot in front of the other, you’ll make it there when you need to be there.
And that’s my advice. To wrap this up, I do hope you check out my podcast and/or subscribe to the newsletter. If nothing else, you're helping to support a small dream that I didn’t even know I had.
Until next time — Live, laugh, and learn.
-Bas
