► Tell us about you and your podcast
I started working at the age of 8, handling profit and loss statements for local farms and exploring various projects that piqued my interest. Early on, I realized the importance of saving money for college and pursuing my passion for fundamental research. And so, I embarked on that journey, immersing myself in research labs, presenting my findings at conferences, mentoring students, and delivering lectures. Just as I was nearing the completion of my PhD program, an unknown illness struck me down. The remaining years of my college life became a constant battle for survival, preventing me from pursuing my PhD.
Burdened by overwhelming medical and college debts, I ventured into consulting and collaborated with businesses and startups, offering my expertise in marketing and business development. Within a span of three years, I managed to pay off my debts and also became an advisor for several startups. Driven by a desire to contribute to the STEM community, I embarked on a new endeavor: starting a podcast. My goal was simple yet profound – to positively impact at least one person's life.
Since then, I have founded several companies that reflect my unwavering commitment to change the world. The first is SpaceGraft, a biotech startup dedicated to developing ionizing radiation shielding derived from living organisms. The second is Genity, a tech company focused on embedding privacy and security as the foundation of Internet 2.0. The third being WorkRelm a virtual office for remote teams.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
The genesis of the "Learning with Lowell" show started when I was constantly going in/out of the ICU/ER for an, at the time, undiagnosed and unknown illness. I was told by doctors that they didn't have answers and that I was going to die. I'm not one to accept things as they are, so I read medical textbooks and journals, called research directors at labs, and flew across the country to find out how to save my life. Ultimately, I did in 3 months what doctors couldn’t do in 3 years - I figured out my illness and developed a treatment plan, finishing my Bachelor’s degree at the same time. After that I made the show to give back to the science community that so impacted my life.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I like to work, and talk with people. I find when you've got your why, then you can overcome any how.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I benefit from learning from others, and helping my audience and guests, such as it's helped raise over $100 million, generate partnerships, and fill clinical trials.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I try to automate the process as much as possible. I do everything over zoom (for the Digital interviews), and then import it into adobe premiere, edit it, and then upload it.
My guest process is probably the most simple one you'll find. Every guest I have says it's the best they've had. I basically use calendly and zapier to automate the whole process - invite, setup, reminder, paperwork, etc. It's really nice.
► How do you market your show?
I use social media (twitter, linkedin), reddit, and a newsletter. I don't like iTunes for accurate and good statistics for my audience. I think spotify or youtube do a better job in that arena.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Watch everything Tim Ferriss says on his show, spend a day meditating on your plan, and then execute said plan. Above all else, have fun!