► Tell us about you and your podcast
Excelsior Journeys is a weekly interview show hosted by international bestselling author George Sirois (Excelsior, Ever Upward, From Parts Unknown). Each week, the spotlight is put on a creative person (actors, filmmakers, authors, dancers, voice over artists, screenwriters, painters, etc.) who will share the story of their success, whether it's already reached or in progress.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
I've been a listener of podcasts for years, and was fortunate to be a part of the successful Write Pack Radio roundtable podcast from 2016-2018.
I was inspired to start my own show after I looked at my list of Facebook friends and realized how many talented people I've known over the years (going back to grade school). I knew these people needed a platform to share what they've done. They need to be on a podcast. After a couple of months, it became, "They need to be on MY podcast." Using my friend David Lucas's suggestion, I named the show after the subtitle of my first book "Excelsior: Part One in The Excelsior Journey."
The show was launched in October of 2018, and I started Season 3 on January 5, 2021.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I release an episode every Tuesday. All of my interviewing takes place the previous Saturday afternoon. All editing is done either Saturday night or Sunday morning.
The podcast is self-funded. I paid for all of my equipment and pay for the monthly Zoom service and the podcast hosting on Podbean.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I do accept sponsorships, and I have a sponsorship application on my website: hesgotit.com/podcasts.
The show has not only benefited my visibility and my brand, but it's also helped my public speaking since I've reduced my "ummm's" and "uhhh's" and "you know's."
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I use Zoom to record the interview, upload it into Audacity for editing, and post it in Podbean.
I find guests by reaching out to different people on my Facebook page.
► How do you market your show?
My listeners can find the show on Apple, Amazon, Google, TuneIn, Spotify, Stitcher, Podbean, iHeartRadio, and Pandora, among other platforms.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Don't go into it thinking that your first episode will immediately bring in thousands of downloads and fans will be breathlessly hitting the Subscribe button. Take the time to make your show the best it can be, spread the word as much as you can, and make sure your listeners know that subscriptions is the most important number to build up.