Seven years ago I picked up a microphone and recorded my first podcast for release. Granted, I didn’t have a clue of how to podcast but I was still excited none the less. Two of the three guys that helped me get TigerPrince Radio (at the time) off the ground still podcast with me to this day, and the third is coming back to the network soon. Mello Betts and Alex Cruz jumped into my dream of being a broadcaster feet first and they have made huge contributions to my network and my life. Big Mike Bell is the third friend that I started this journey with. Mike has asked me if he can return to the airwaves but I’m waiting for the right time and show to bring him back.
I don’t want to make it sound like these seven years have been all fun and games. When I started podcasting I was clueless! I had absolutely no idea how to podcast! There were not many how-to videos out there at that time so it was all trial and error. I remember just guessing at which format to save my mp3’s in and sounding like chipmunks when trying to listen back to my show through another service. Probably not my best work but it was my work and it fulfilled me.
Recently, I started a website called howtopodcast.net. I did this to share my opinions on the topic of podcasting. It’s a free service that I set up so people have a how-to resource for podcasting. I’m not doing this to cut the legs off of podcast consultants. There’s a time and a place for them and what they do. I believe that information should be free. There’s nothing worse than google searching something, heading to a page, and then being blocked from the answer. Most people don’t have time to wait weeks to hear a response on a podcast. Most people just need a little push past a tough spot and they are on their way.
TPE Network has hemorrhaged money over the past seven years and been the loss leader for my small business. Thanks to our community for stepping up and donating in order to strengthen the network. At first, I think I felt like asking our listeners to donate to the network somehow lessened what we were doing. I think my pride got in the way of asking for help. I understand now that some community members want to feel like they have invested in you, and your cause, or whatever it may be.
Our audience is not as big as it once was, due to the shows that have run their course, but our audience is more engaged than ever. I want to say thank you to each and every one of you out there! After millions of downloads, tons of laughs, and zero apologies, we could not have done this without all of you!
Sincerely,
Hank Davis