OVER DEZE AFLEVERING
Welcome Back to The Beyond Condition Podcast for a Mega Episode with Fellow Podcast Host Brandon DeCruz, the Host of Chasing Clarity Podcast.
Brandon and Sarah discuss their experiences starting and maintaining podcasts in the health and fitness space. Both explaining how they began podcasting to serve their clients and provide educational content, with Brandon starting in 2020 during the pandemic and Sarah launching "Beyond Condition" after feeling overwhelmed by existing fitness content. They share similar challenges including pre-recording anxiety and technical issues, with both choosing to record authentic content to maintain honesty and integrity. The conversation highlights their commitment to intellectual integrity and responsible content creation, with both emphasising how podcasting allows them to connect with audiences worldwide while maintaining genuine educational value.
Public Speaking Anxiety Discussion
Brandon discusses his experience with public speaking anxiety, explaining that it stems from his desire to provide accurate information and deliver high-quality content rather than from imposter syndrome. He describes how he stays within his domain of expertise and carefully prepares for episodes, particularly research-based content, to ensure he doesn't disappoint guests or mislead his audience. Brandon notes that while the anxiety persists to some degree, he has learned that the benefits of sharing his knowledge outweigh the discomfort.
Authenticity in Professional Presentations
Sarah discusses the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in podcast presentations, particularly highlighting how male guests sharing emotional experiences helps normalise human vulnerability across genders. Brandon shares his experience about the value of genuine human connection at industry events, describing a meaningful dinner with colleagues Scott and Alan where they discussed their career journeys beyond their professional roles. The conversation focuses on the difference between authentic presentation and performative online personas, with both speakers emphasising the significance of being true to oneself in professional settings.
Authenticity in Fitness Coaching
Brandon shares his experience coaching a female client who lost her menstrual cycle during a competitive bikini preparation process. He explains how the client's coach at the time dismissed her concerns, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment approach. Brandon emphasises the importance of authenticity and integrity in podcasting, describing how he carefully selects guests who align with his principles and values, particularly after witnessing disingenuous behaviour from other practitioners in the space.
Podcast Guest Selection Strategy
Brandon discusses his approach to podcast guest selection, explaining how he initially built his platform for his clientele without seeking wide audience growth. He shares a specific example of meeting a business coach in person who had previously reached out to him, highlighting the importance of building genuine relationships before inviting guests onto his show. Brandon emphasises being selective about guests and maintaining the integrity of his platform, sharing that he had declined to publish two episodes due to concerns about the guests' content and approach. He also describes his preference for meeting potential guests in person at conferences before inviting them on his show, noting that this method has led to deeper connections and more authentic conversations.
Podcasting Approach and Guest Connections
Brandon discusses his approach to podcasting, explaining that he views it as an opportunity to platform experts in specific areas rather than just sharing his own knowledge. He shares examples of meaningful podcast conversations he's had with guests like Alan Aragon and Scott Stevenson, describing how these interactions have evolved from purely intellectual exchanges to deep personal connections that have led to lasting friendships. Brandon emphasises that the key to successful podcasting is genuine interest in the guest and asking questions that stimulate meaningful discussion, noting how these conversations have helped him connect with like-minded individuals and grow as an entrepreneur.
Podcasting Impact and Community Connections
Brandon and Sarah discuss the impact and reciprocal nature of their podcasting work, emphasising how it has empowered them and allowed them to serve their community while building meaningful connections with listeners. Brandon shares his personal journey from a corporate career to full-time coaching and podcasting, highlighting how the podcast has enhanced his ability to connect with clients and share personal experiences. The conversation concluded with Brandon asking Sarah about key lessons learned from her podcast guests.
Staying in Your Podcast Lane
Sarah and Brandon discuss the importance of staying in their lane as podcast hosts and not overwhelming themselves by trying to match the expertise level of their guests. They emphasise the value of authentic collaboration, intellectual humility, and learning from failures in their podcasting journeys. Both highlight how podcasting has helped them grow personally and professionally while connecting with like-minded individuals in the industry. They share their gratitude for the opportunities podcasting has provided and encouraged listeners to follow their work on social media and their respective podcast platforms.
Find Brandon on Instagram @brandondecruz_
Find Chasing Clarity Podcast by Searching on All Major Podcast Platforms.
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/FqjJBHfhuU8
🎙️ Beyond Condition brings you conversations with athletes, coaches, judges, researchers and industry experts exploring bodybuilding, performance, mindset, health and everything beyond the stage.
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Find Sarah on Instagram: @sarahparker_bb
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