► Tell us about you and your podcast
I'm a Louisiana boy who migrated West two decades ago and encountered a plethora of outdoor opportunities there. It changed my perspective and enriched my life. I want to help others discover the natural world and make it a valuable part of their lives. "G.O. Get Outside" focuses on everyday people who have made outdoor recreation a priority in their busy lives. Get to know people in the outdoor community who may remind you of yourself.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Podcasts have kept me company while working and recreating since they first appeared in iTunes. I initially created "G.O. Get Outside" as a video series. Its purpose was to provide a roadmap to pursuing outdoor activities (like canyoneering, surfing, caving, etc.). I quickly realized an audio podcast would be more effective and scalable for a person working mostly alone. I recorded my first interview in Spring 2015 in Camp 4 in Yosemite and launched the show that Fall.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Episodes drop twice a month on the 1st and 16th. The show is released in seasons of at least 18 episodes with a hiatus of 1-4 months between seasons. I am working hard to turn the show into an income stream with the help of the agency Big Pond Podcasting, but it is still primarily an unpaid side gig. My primary income is generated from freelance work in the entertainment industry. I schedule time for the show between jobs and work months ahead so I don't fall behind.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
Creating "G.O. Get Outside" has enabled me to meet interesting new people, have frequent in-depth conversations about intriguing topics, and further explore our planet. Every once in a while, someone tells me it has improved their life or inspired them to do something new. Those moments make me feel like I've accomplished something.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
My guests typically come from my extended pool of outdoor contacts I've built over the last 20 years—people I know, friends of friends, and referrals. I also receive emails from interested future guests fairly regularly. My show is typically recorded in person in a natural environment (trailheads, campgrounds, climbing crags, canyon potholes, etc.). In cases where physically meeting is improbable, we record remotely using whatever tool makes the most makes sense (previously Skype, lately Zencastr). My gear consists of a few ATR mics, XLR cables, a Tascam recorder, and batteries in a small Pelican case. I edit episodes in Adobe Audition and create all additional materials using a mix of Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects, and/or Lightroom.
► How do you market your show?
Marketing is something I am working hard to improve. It is the least interesting part of the process to me and it still makes me feel like a sleazy car salesman. I do my best to prepare useful materials: quality titles, well-written descriptions and show notes, and attractive imagery and video. I share on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, etc. and I am currently building out a YouTube page to augment the show. I encourage reviews, follows, and so on and I try to participate in podcast groups online. I am always open to new and effective marketing strategies. Please share them with me!
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
If you want to succeed at something, you have to hold yourself accountable and stick to a schedule. Define a realistic schedule as an early step. Make sure your audience knows what that schedule is. This will make you feel obligated to stick to it. If possible, work multiple episodes ahead so you have a buffer. I always try to have 4-6 episodes in the can before I publish anything.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
The online headquarters for "G.O Get Outside" is https://www.gogetoutside.com where you can find the show, YouTube page, and everything else G.O. related. Please hit up the "Help Out" section when you stop by. You can also get the show pretty much anywhere podcasts are available.