► Tell us about you and your podcast
thlonesalesman here! I am a 4 year Navy Veteran with an IT background ranging from Cybersecurity, Networking, Server Infrastructure, and more. I stream on Twitch from time to time and edit/ create videos for personal projects and gaming. I started this podcast with my partner OHMS under the guise of OHMS Lounge and split the show to continue the series "Tales From thelonesalesman".
This series mainly focuses on my interests commentating on shows I've watched, Gaming Topics, my life in Japan, and various other things going on in my life. I keep it mostly casual and free flowing and leave the interviews and detailed research projects to "Ohms Lounge". So far my listener base is small but slowly growing. My more popular episodes are usually from my explanations and analysis of Anime move/ show such as Godzilla Singular Point and Evangelion 3.0+1.0 .
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I was never that interest in podcasts or the idea of doing one until I was a guest as a comedic character on the "Ninjas in Tokyo Podcast". I thought it was fun and wanted to more however unfortunately the show stopped running.
Later on another friend of mine asked if I'd like to help him with a podcast as he was setting up the framework for it by making a "Miro board" where we all shared our thoughts and ideas. I guess at that point I answered the call and got the ball rolling to record our first session while he was also planning an interview.
Since my pacing and desire to make episodes was a bit more I decided to start my show while still helping with the show "OHMS Lounge" while helping with setting up interviews and other research based topic videos. It took us a month to get everything prepared and I set a goal launch date to premiere 3 episodes. One interview, one with OHMS and I, and one solo from myself. We have been releasing content since May 2021.
We were also lucky one of his producer friends, Zayy, let us use one of his songs for our Intro/ Outro so it was one less thing we had to worry about.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
At the moment its been twice a month or as much as I can. Work and Dad duties have me tied down for the most part so when I have a good idea I try to set aside time to do a recording. Since I am working from home I can do light editing, jot down notes, plan , write updates, update website, make promotions, and just whatever little thing I can. So far most money I have spent is under 500 USD going into equipment and art. The most expensive item being my HYPER X mic. I already had a decent laptop and editing software so that wasn't an issue.
After recording an episode it can take a hour or so and then another hour or 2 to edit, write description, set up thumbnail and etc. Normally after I record something, I try to have it released with a week or so.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
So far no sponsors as my audience is small though I would be open to it depending on the circumstances. the podcast is definitely therapeutic and it fills my need to be creative. Its nice to have an open discussion with myself or friends about a topic I'm interested in and really dive into it. Sometimes I can't always talk about these even with people I know so this is the best way for me to let it all out. It's nice to know there are people interested in hearing my take on topics as well!
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I used a Hyper X mic, MSI laptop, Logitech Camera for equipment. Software I use OBS, Audacity, and Adobe Premiere. In the past we have done interviews over Discord.
Usually we prepare questions, talking points, and if I watched a show/ movie I reference my notes I made while watching to prepare the discussion.
► How do you market your show?
I try Twitter, Facebook, and update our blog on wordpress as well as use our linktree to distribute all our links. So far been getting good success on Apple Podcasts for the most part and a bit on Spotify.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
I would say be patient and always focus on quality over quantity. Its good to be enthusiastic but also be prepared for constructive feedback. Its good to have a team to work with and provide resources. Network as much as you can and pick up advice from other people in the industry. I'm still new to this so I take whatever advice I can get and try to improve as much as I can.