Section 1.1: My Journey into Interviewing

Over the years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the art of interviewing. My experience began in radio, where I hosted three live shows weekly for nearly a decade. One of those shows focused on jazz, and while I initially had occasional guests, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my approach dramatically.

During the lockdowns, many musicians lost their livelihoods due to the absence of live performances. I seized the opportunity to elevate their visibility by inviting guests onto my show every week, knowing they were more accessible during this time.

Section 1.2: Lessons from YouTube

Reflecting on my YouTube journey, it’s been almost a year since I posted my first video, and the experience has been enlightening.

Initially, I reached out to individuals I was familiar with, expecting to conduct interviews for just a month while things returned to normal. However, I ended up hosting guests weekly for 18 months! The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I found immense joy in these discussions. If you're curious about my chat with Kyle Eastwood, feel free to check it out; it's definitely worth a listen.

Having guests requires substantial preparation. When someone generously grants their time, I believe it’s essential to research their background thoroughly. This not only enhances the experience for the audience but also helps the guest feel more comfortable, facilitating a smoother conversation. I often dedicated hours to learning about my guests, which, although time-consuming, proved to be immensely rewarding.

Section 2.1: The Creator Economy

The creator economy is one of the fastest-growing sectors today.

In the jazz world, I had an established network, but entering the tech space felt daunting as a newcomer with few subscribers and little experience. Nevertheless, I decided to pursue interviews, embracing the challenge despite my initial apprehension.

I have a simple philosophy when reaching out to potential guests: the worst they can say is no. I typically contact creators whose work I admire, often sending them a direct message while enjoying their content.

The second video titled "12 Tips to CRUSH a One-Way Virtual Job Interview" offers valuable advice for succeeding in virtual interviews.

Section 2.2: The Shift to Video

Until recently, my interviews were solely audio podcasts. However, I discovered how to record video interviews, allowing me to share these discussions on my YouTube channel. While audio has always been my forte, video brings a different dimension to the experience. Many listeners consume podcasts while multitasking, but during the pandemic, visual engagement became increasingly significant.

In the early days, I would set up mobile recording equipment to capture interviews backstage or at venues. The pandemic necessitated a shift to remote recording, which, while more convenient, often lacked the personal connection of in-person interactions.

I’ve recently been scheduling interviews with various creators, which brings me peace of mind knowing I have several lined up. One creator I was eager to connect with was Mark Ellis from Mark Ellis Reviews.

Section 2.3: A Memorable Interview Experience

Mark and I have had a connection for some time, and when I discovered he offered coaching sessions, I reached out. We agreed to meet later in the summer, and I suggested conducting the interview in person at his studio, which he embraced.

During our session, I found myself so engaged that my usual prep notes were largely neglected. Mark proved to be an outstanding interviewee, making it easy to converse for over an hour without interruptions.

The dynamic energy between us was invigorating, and our discussions—both on and off camera—were immensely rewarding. This experience reminded me of the importance of human interaction in our increasingly digital world.

Section 2.4: Reflections and Future Plans

As I drove home, I realized how invigorating it was to step out of my comfort zone. The saying “people need people” has never felt more relevant. The isolation brought on by COVID-19 has made us accustomed to remote work, but I learned the value of face-to-face interactions.

My conversation with Mark was one of the best I’ve had, not just because of his engaging presence but also because we could feed off each other's energy in person.

While I would love to focus my channel on interviews, there’s a limitation in relying on guests’ availability. However, I’m committed to pursuing in-person interviews whenever possible. The recent experience was a reminder of the joy and inspiration that comes from connecting with others.

Stay tuned for my upcoming interview with Mark, which will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube on Saturday, October 15th.

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