► Tell us about you and your podcast
I am a writer, story teller, comedian, actor along with many other things.
The podcast is about many different things, but the stories are made to bring you in and make you a part of the atmosphere. These stories take on a life of their own and even have universes that connect to one another.
Originally the idea was to have the readers interact and discuss each episode. I would take the feedback and either put a spin on it or take it in a direction that would satisfy the fans. That part didn’t really do much. The discord and Reddit started to bring in the listeners, but none had anything to say other than “please keep going.” I still plan to try and make that part of this podcast, but as long as they’re enjoying what I’m already writing then I’ll just continue on.
The Creep Cuts Podcast audience is made up of several different types of people from all walks of life. Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers and Computer gurus have all made themselves known and how much they enjoy the podcast. Before shutting down for a year we had a ton of listeners. I left because I couldn't figure out how to manage things. We are back now and have some more added members to help with that part. As before; we have an amazing musician who does all of the music himself, Mr. Joshua Howard. He also pitches ideas, gives notes and thoughts and is very creative himself. Blessed to have him.
This podcast originally grew by word of mouth. It’s amazing at the height we reached with that alone. This time around we hope to top that mountain. The fans know who they are. The only thing they wonder is why you’re not a fan already yourself?! ;)
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Podcast because I have a voice and because I enjoy writing. I have other outlets for creativity including comedy and social media stuff (also comedy), but this is something I feel is for everyone. Nothing here is divisive and the stories (most) are so creepy they’re good, but also nothing harmful enough that a young teen couldn’t listen as well. We have fans ranging from 11 years old to 65 years old. I listen to some podcasts. Not many.
My motivation was/is simply to entertain. Bring some joy to someone who enjoys a little creepiness in their life. I also feel like this is a great way to get my stories out there. I’ve written and sold screenplays, but know how hard it is to even get those seen. This is an automatic thing. I can write and publish the story all in the same day. It’s also made me think about writing books as well. Many fans have requested that stories be put into book form. It’s a possibility along with new stories!
I started November 2021. I was monetized pretty quickly, but it ran out very fast (was from the platform) because the audience built so quickly. “Reflections” drew a big audience then “Spirits in the Halls” made us blow up! BTW that story still isn’t finished.. ;)
I released the very first episode in 1 day. It was a now or never feeling I had so I went with it. I mistakenly regretted it around June of last year, but then I came to my senses after becoming a partner on YT for another channel. I realized I had the $$ but no product. Where with Creepy Cuts I had the product and only needed to find the $$. This is my full stone job. I have others that help, but this is where most of my energy goes.
► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
I started releasing 1 per week. I realized nobody was talking in the chats even though they were coming in big numbers. I backed down as the platform I was on let me know I was running out of room and $$ was about to cap out. I went to it every other week and slowly grew further as I worried about $$ instead of what I truly loved.
I can produce an episode in 1 day. From scratch. No story, to a story (or 20 minute of one), to recording, editing and posting. I prefer to take my time and do it in 3 days, but I’m capable of doing it all in 1.
I have jobs where I work remotely and they don’t take up a lot of my time. I review others' pitches for films, sometimes their actual scripts, and help them correct things. I also get quite a few script doctoring jobs from that. I also used to write articles for many sites. Sadly, everyone seems to be pushing an agenda and editors would use our pieces to take jabs at those they don’t care for. That was enough for me to no longer desire that type of work. It was upsetting because my name was on it with someone else’s little opinion thrown in. I also did stand up comedy up until the pandemic. After that things slowed down and I disconnected with a lot of people. Comedy became more divisive and I no longer fit into those boxes. Long story, but I loved it, was good at it, but found it not welcoming anymore. That’s a story for another time and place.
I don’t spend anything. I spent money to get the equipment. Most of which I already possessed, but I upgraded my mics, got a nice sound proof booth from a buddy of mine for next to nothing and everything else has already been a pet of my life. I have all the editing software etc. I worked in the film industry for a long, long time. Another thing I don’t talk much about. :)
I fund this podcast myself, but have recently had a good friend and colleague step in to help. I’m not sure about the funding part, but he is definitely business oriented and has a mind for it. Nick Esslinger has been a blessing, a friend, and a fan!
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I haven’t yet taken any sponsorship, but I am open to it. Right now the revenue is zero because we just started back up. When we hit the cap the show was making close to $800 monthly. We hit the top 1% narrative world wide and ended up on several top 10 lists. Definitely would share revenue. The goal is to get to a place where we have a fully paid staff. As of right now I write, host and edit. The only thing I don’t do is the music.
The first and only one was through the corner platform. The pod is still posted there as well so I don’t want to speak ill. In their defense I didn’t read the contract therefore I didn’t know there was a cap on monetization.
I’m not sure. I know that before we stopped we had close to 4K listeners monthly. Just over a month ago we were able to see that the podcast, which had been stagnant since June of last year, was still getting 600 monthly listeners. I’m not sure where we sit now, but it was a surprise to see that people were still coming to it.
No idea. If you find out, let me know. Too soon to tell. I assume it will still be close to 600. Hopefully we will grow and our fan base will find their way back.
It’s an amazing creative outlet and there are no strings to hold me down! When I get feedback it makes me so happy. I can tell the story touched them somehow. Creepy is it's name, but they’re also relatable and some familiar.. ;) Bottom line; I love it and people love to hear it.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
I don’t use guests, so that’s easy. It's a narrative. Storytelling. I already explained the equipment. If you’re looking for what works then pick up your phone. Grow and you’ll be able to get more. Don’t get more (equipment) until you grow!
I write about it. I edit it. I record it. I edit it. I upload it. I smile.
No guests. The listeners are the guests.
► How do you market your show?
Started by word of mouth. I’m not really sure, besides maybe the articles about the podcast, what caused the explosion. The only analytics I’ve seen are the number of listeners per episode. Too early to see the rest right now. We just returned this week.
All social media sites and groups you can post in. Share with others who make podcasts and they usually plug it on their pod. I try to return the favor when I’m aware.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
A ton of people listen to podcasts. I always thought the opposite was the truth. I was under the impression you needed to be seen and heard in front of a camera. That’s just not the case. More people listen than watch. It makes sense when you think about it. Listening is the only thing you can do while working, driving, etc.
Just study up on YT. Lots of tips. Make sure the person giving the tips has some substantial to back it up. A lot of people out there give advice when they have less than 1k followers. It doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have the knowledge, but it does seem they haven’t applied it themselves so it becomes a head scratcher.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
Just Google “Creepy Cuts Podcast.” There is another that only has 2 episodes from 2020 and for some reason still has crazy good SEO (makes no sense). Mine should be the first few to come up. Look for the female on the thumbnail. You can also Google my name to find my comedy, writing and film history among other things..
Email: host@creepycuts.net or fahqswed@gmail.com (cryptic, I know, but necessary)
Our HOME PAGE for the podcast is www.creepycuts.net but you can find it just about everywhere.
“Ray Reacts To Everything” on YouTube
Patreon and other stuff coming soon. All for extras and perks, but nothing will take away from the general podcast.
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