Inspiring Listeners To Introspect In An Honest Way

My name is AC Fischer. I'm an inspirational speaker, an activist, a philosopher, a writer, a producer, a romantic, Host of Turn Up The AC, co-host of When The Bough Breaks, and former co-host of The Missionary Position.

Turn Up The AC is a biographical podcast of sorts. I share my insights based on personal (or personally meaningful) experiences. I don't make anything off-limits, as I hope to inspire others to introspect in an honest way. My listener base is represented by an extremely broad spectrum of people. 

When The Bough Breaks is an interview based show, dealing with the complexities of family estrangement. Listeners are typically people who are estranged from one or more family members. 

I started Turn Up The AC because my fiancee had been encouraging me to write. At the time, I was a speaker more so than a writer, so the podcast seemed like a great way to get my thoughts out there on my own terms.

I hope to inspire others to really look inside themselves with a critical eye, in the interest of self-development. We all have a story, and we can all learn from it.

Once I decided to go ahead with the podcast project, I started writing immediately. The first three episode were uploaded less than two hours after I decided to "just do it." That was about six months ago.

I try to release at least one new episode per week. Sometimes I do more. It really depends on what I have to say in the moment.

My episodes are fairly short, so recording and editing take very little time. It only takes me about 30 minutes total to produce an episode.

I do everything myself, so the only cost I incur is the monthly hosting fee, which is under $15. At this time, I don't have any sponsors but that might change in the future.

The benefits I see from podcasting involve human relationships, and personal development. I've met a lot of wonderful people through doing my shows who I probably wouldn't have met otherwise.

I learn a lot from thinking about show content as well. When I write an episode, the process typically begins with me pondering a meaningful quote or thinking about something from childhood. I'm often surprised by what I learn from those experiences.

My studio setup is fairly basic. I use dynamic XLR mics, run through a Behringer mixing board. I record and edit using Audacity. If I'm connecting remotely, I use zoom.us

I've been fortunate enough to have guests approach me. I haven't had to ask anyone to be a guest on my shows.

I prepare for each episode by lighting some incense, and taking a few moments of quiet time to reflect inwardly.

Guests can find me wherever they listen to podcasts. My RSS link has been submitted pretty much everywhere, so I'm almost certainly available on anyone's platform of choice.

I market almost entirely in person, though I do post links to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I get the most results from the business cards I hand out, or through word of mouth.

I don't want to spoil anyone's personal journey by suggesting that there's a set of universal lessons to be learned. Each of us is different, and should approach podcasting without firm expectations.

The only pieces of advice I will offer is: don't expect to get rich and famous from podcasting! Don't host anywhere that doesn't allow you to control your content, and don't use a Blue Yeti.

I'm almost entirely self-taught - which has allowed me to avoid the common struggles associated from taking bad advice from other podcasters in the Facebook forums.

People can learn more about me by following on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram by following me @acfischerpod