My Worst Interview Ever

If you run in podcasting circles long enough, it's easy to discover people in the industry who virtually everyone respects. A few have developed a gigantic following. Some have perfectly cornered their niche. Others have simply been podcasting since the very beginning. For me, several names always seem to come up: John Lee Dumas, Jeff Brown, Daniel J Lewis, and...Glenn the Geek. For those of us still trying to learn where we fit into the podcasting universe, Glenn is a role model. Not only has he developed a gigantic podcasting network based on a rather small niche, but he has done it with grace, with a smile, and without too many burrs in his saddle. Glenn Hebert (otherwise known as "Glenn the Geek") heads up the Horse Radio Network…which is now one of the largest podcasting networks in the world. Glenn’s network of shows have more than 7,200 interviews under their collective belts, with listeners in 92 different countries. SHOW NOTES: 0:28 - Glenn goes by many names, but out of all the options he gives us his preference. 1:24 - The Horse Radio Network is one of the largest podcasting networks in the world...but how did it start? 2:40 - Glenn actually has two "worst interviews"...including his first ever...which comes with a very valuable lesson for any interviewer. 4:05 - The second "worst interview" started with some poorly-taken advice and ended with a scathing letter from Glenn's guest. 7:10 - How do you handle it when you just don't like your guest? 11:00 - Check out RINGR (how Tim and Glenn are recording) right now for free! 11:51 - Lime disease changed Glenn's life forever in some very dramatic (and unexpected) ways. 13:31 - Glenn and his wife have decided to never "own" again...and focus on experiences rather than stuff. 15:54 - Find Glenn the Geek and the Horse Radio Network on their website or download the free app on iOS and Android.

Some people notice things. Other people do things. Some people talk. Other people act. Some people complain. Other people create. Our guest today is other people. After noticing discrepancies between what's true in Washington and what's reported about Washington--and a severe lack of transparency within Congress--Jen Briney decided to do something about it. She created the Congressional Dish podcast, which ultimately became hugely successful, and it's truly making a difference. Not only will you learn how to do interviews and podcasts from Jen...you'll learn about how to do life. Jen Briney is the host of Congressional Dish and is one of the fortunate few whose podcast is her full-time job. Jen digs into the bills being passed in Congress and reports on the important news within them that largely goes uncovered. SHOW NOTES: 0:43 - What is Congressional Dish and how did it start? 3:18 - Jen's worst interview ever involved lies, deception, and (ultimately) anger. 7:31 - Find out how to start a free, 30-day trial of RINGR. 8:13 - What did Jen learn from her worst ever interview? 9:34 - Studying abroad in Germany during college completely changed Jen's view of the world and of her role within it. 14:56 - Connect with Jen and listen to Congressional Dish at the podcast website...and don't forget to download her free Congressional Dish app on iOS and Android.

It seems like nearly every podcaster has a "day job." A job that pays the bills and provides the knowledge and/or expertise a host needs for his show. Over the course of this podcast, one of my favorite parts has been learning my guests' wide variety of "day jobs." Accountants, consultants, developers, radio hosts. Today, I talk with Buck Ballard who--in real life--is a truck driver. And he managed to turn his knowledge of the road into a successful podcast with his son. His story is fascinating and should be an encouragement for any aspiring podcaster. It is possible to turn your experience and your passion--no matter what it is--into content that others want to consume. Buck did...and you can too. Buck Ballard is the co-host of "The Trucking Podcast" (along with his son Don) and of "The Tom and Kris Camping Podcast" (along with his wife, Kris)…but, primarily, Buck is a truck driver. It’s what he loves and what feeds his family. SHOW NOTES: 0:54 - In addition to being a podcaster, Buck is a truck driver...and it's what his podcast is all about. 3:59 - Buck's worst interview ever was when he was a guest on a high profile show...and very, very sick. 6:52 - Two must-know keys for podcasters that Buck learned from Glenn the Geek. 10:41 - Check out RINGR, for free, right now. 11:50 - The moment Buck decided to stop drinking changed Buck's life forever...as did a book called "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge. 13:28 - Buck's must-remember quote from the book: "In the heart of every man is the desire for a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue." 14:07 - Connect with Buck at his podcast websites, The Trucking Podcast and Tom and Kris Camping.

As much as I don't want to admit it, I can be an "excuses guy." Miss an appointment with a client? Blame it on not enough sleep or a congested calendar. Bad night playing volleyball? Perhaps I ate too much or didn't stretch. It often feels like the last thing I want to do is admit that I'm the issue rather than my circumstances. Today's guest on My Worst Interview Ever apparently doesn't struggle with that same issue. He's blind...and yet most people would never know it. In fact, for years, his radio audience didn't have a clue. He was just "Trapper Jack", the fun-loving guy in the morning. But today Philip Keller is using his story of blindness to change people's lives...in the most miraculous of ways. Philip Keller is the host of the Blind Faith Live podcast, which is super-appropriate since Philip is blind and the show is about faith. He also used to do morning radio, which (in his own words) was done with “a unique blend of wit, civic pride and spirituality.” SHOW NOTES: 1:27 - Philip's radio career took him everywhere...as most every radio personality's does. 2:52 - Philip hung up on George Carlin?! Yep. Right in the middle of his worst interview ever. 8:01 - One listener actually thought the interview was SO bad that is was actually an April Fool's Day joke! 9:13 - At one point do you move from offering "respect" to a celebrity to pushing back at them? 10:19 - Tim and Philip are connected on RINGR. Check out a free trial now. 11:14 - Philip is blind, but for years his radio audience never knew it. 13:32 - We have a brief state capitals quiz! 14:14 - What moment changed Philip's life forever. The answer is yes, and the story is...miraculous. 16:49 - Connect with Philip and Blind Faith Live on his website.

Just like Los Angeles is filled with actors masquerading as waiters, Nashville is packed to the rafters with musicians waiting tables as well. The competition for available gigs is extremely steep and the odds for making a living are extremely long. Several decades ago, Nashville-born David Hooper realized that his skill set made him less of a candidate for playing music and more of a candidate for marketing it. So, that's what he chose to do. And he did so extremely successfully. Today, however, David has taken those marketing skills to "influencers" (authors, podcasters, bloggers, etc.)...as well as to his own radio show and podcast. The former of which left him with an amazing "worst interview ever." David Hooper is a 20-year veteran of the music marketing industry, as well as an author, podcaster and radio host. David enlists the techniques he used to help musicians to grow their fanbases, spread their music, and make money now help authors, bloggers, and podcasters grow their audiences. SHOW NOTES: 0:43 - David uses the tools and techniques he incorporated to help musicians market themselves with podcasters and authors and bloggers now. 2:03 - A legendary rock star gets in a fight with David's producer and ultimately walks out of an interview on his show, "Music Business Radio." 8:27 - Unfortunately, David is this guy's ride back to the hotel after the horrible interview. What do they talk about? 10:24 - Check out RINGR for yourself, with a 30-day free trial, right now. 11:07 - How do you get the most out of your interview guest? David has some powerful thoughts. 14:35 - Getting married changed David's life...in more ways than you might think. 16:49 - Find David online (and listen to his podcast) and his website.

They say there are two things you should never talk about at work: politics and religion. (Unless you work at FoxNews or CNN, I suppose.) There are just certain topics that divide people, start fights, and ultimately cause more problems than they solve. But don't tell that to Kenn Blanchard. Kenn adds race to the political and spiritual mix, and then talks about all three issues all the time. And, remarkably, he does it with great clarity and success. His background is something movies are made of, and his story is one you won't want to miss. After five years in the Marines and some time with the CIA, Kenneth Blanchard, Sr. is now a pastor, professional speaker, new media advocate, broadcaster, author, musician, firearms trainer, and entrepreneur. He's probably best known from his hit podcast called "Black Man With A Gun." SHOW NOTES: 0:18 - The "Black Man with a Gun" is also a Reverend! 0:53 - Kenn describes himself as "The Forrest Gump of Adventure." Learn why. 4:42 - A politician being super-political turned into Kenn's worst interview ever. He describes it as "20 minutes of pain." 8:39 -  When interviewing a person of influence, how do you best balance respecting the person vs. respecting your show and your audience? 10:36 - Tim and Kenn are connected and recording on RINGR. Check it out for free here. 11:22 - Ken's desire to be a "superhero" changed his life forever. He tells us why and how. 13:07 - Learn more about Kenn and check out the podcast, Black Man with a Gun.  

Since starting RINGR, I learned of a phrase called "first to market." Entrepreneurs and investors particularly like it because the concept is seen as a major advantage in the business world. It stands to reason that--if you can be the first company to present X product to market--then you'll have a better chance of getting and retaining a majority of the consumers who have been looking for X. Even if others come along later and try to copy what you're doing. I'm not sure I've ever heard a more convincing story of the "first to market" idea than Gary Leland's. Nearly everything he's done, he's done first. And he has been very, very successful because of it. From wallpaper to softball to podcasting, Gary's story is remarkable...as is his worst interview ever. Gary Leland is a podcaster and entrepreneur who started selling wallpaper in a retail store in the 80’s, online in the 90’s, moved into baseball and softball equipment sales, and then began podcasting in 2004. He now publishes several magazines, was one of the co-founders of Podcast Movement, and recently had the Mayor of Arlington, Texas name March 1st as Gary Leland Day. SHOW NOTES: 0:40 - Gary has his very own day on the calendar! How did that happen? 1:26 - From selling wallpaper and softball gear online, Gary's has turned his passions into a burgeoning business...in many ways because he got to the space first. 3:47 - Speaking of being first, Gary's first podcast was way back in 2004...and he's still podcasting today. And his reason for podcasting is solely to market his own products. Brilliant! 5:57 - Check out a free, 30-day trial of RINGR right now. 7:03 - After being asked to be a podcast "expert" on BBC Radio, Gary's worst interview ever involved him offending the host...and, actually, an entire industry. 9:21 - What is the future of podcasting and how does it/will it impact radio? 12:03 - Being a guest on someone's show can have a big impact on your business. In fact, Gary never says no to a podcast invitation! 15:07 - Connect with Gary, find his podcasts, visit his various enterprises, and learn more about him at his website.

I first met Matt at an investor meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio. A mutual friend introduced us, knowing that we had each spent significant amounts of time in the audio space. Matt on the technical side. Me on the creative side. Also, Matt was carrying a large rubber ducky which made it nearly impossible to not strike up a conversation. Anyway, as it turns out, Matt is a really cool (and smart) dude...and he and his rubber ducky stand on the edge of an interactive children's toy gold mine. Matt is also a burgeoning content creator, who very quickly developed a "worst interview ever." Two of them, actually. Matt Macbeth is a serial entrepreneur, co-founder of Pi Lab (featuring Edwin the Duck), and a budding podcaster/vlogger. He’s also an innovator, visionary, audio expert, and (in his words) "recovering engineer." SHOW NOTES: 0:40 - Why does Matt carry a rubber ducky around with him? 2:51 - Matt is relatively new to the podcast space, and has already had a few terrible experiences with interviews...TWO of which he shares with us! 6:54 - Get a free, 30-day trial of RINGR right now. 7:34 - If Matt wasn't creating amazing, technology-filled ducks, what would he be doing today? 8:40 - Taking things apart and putting them back together again was a staple of Matt's childhood, and he says those experiences changed the trajectory of his life. 10:15 - Learn more about Matt (and Edwin the Duck) by emailing him or by connecting on LinkedIn.

Ana Marie Cox is a political columnist and culture critic and is the Senior Political Correspondent for MTV News. She writes about politics and policy, and hosts the “Talk” interviews featured in The New York Times magazine. She lives in Minneapolis, MN and—despite frequently tweeting about cats—has more than 1.3 million followers on Twitter. SHOW NOTES: 0:36 - How did Ana get so many freaking followers on Twitter? She says it's because she "cheated." We say it's because she's awesome. 2:58 - Of all the people Ana has interviewed, an awkward, in-person chat with Senator Ted Cruz takes her top spot as "worst interview ever." 6:15 - Ana tried to get him to answer the question, "If I bake the cake for the gay people, what is God mad about?" He didn't. 8:57 - When all else fails, ask about Star Trek. 10:09 - Ana uses RINGR for her role with MTV News, and you can check it out for free right now. 12:01 - Tim tries really hard to make a compelling analogy and ends up mixing two completely different analogies together. It sounded pretty funny. 12:41 - A powerful (and fairly recent) conversation with a friend that challenged Ana to think about miracles in a different way ended up changing her view of life and religion forever. 15:01 - Learn more about Ana on Twitter or learn more about her on her website.

There are things in life we wish we could do. And then there are things in life we're willing to do. For example, I really wish I could speak Spanish. However, after taking two years of Spanish in high school, going on four extended trips to Peru, and owning a timeshare in Mexico, it's apparently not going to happen. If those things aren't going to motivate me to learn a new language, I'm not sure anything will. At this point, I'm simply not willing to put the time in to turn my wish into a reality. As a young boy, Allan Tepper's life changed when he decided to put the necessary work into learning a second language. Not only is he now bi-lingual, but he has turned language into a business. Several of them, in fact. Why did Allan decide to learn Spanish? That's a story you're going to have to hear to believe. (Spoiler alert: it involves an elderly neighbor and his grandmother's cat.) Allan Tepper is an author, consultant, pro audio/video specialist, tech journalist, and broadcaster…as well as a certified translator and language activist. Since 2008, his articles have frequently been published in ProVideo Coalition magazine and he is the director of CapicuaFM. SHOW NOTES:  0:51 - One of Allan's jobs is a "language activist"...but what the heck is that? 2:19 - Sitting down to interview a presidential candidate? Yes, but very, very briefly. 7:51 - Check out RINGR--how Tim and Allan recorded this podcast--for free. 8:34 - Sure-fire tips for conducting a great interview...especially if he or she is running for President. 11:55 - An interaction with a neighbor (when he was just 8 years old) changed Allan's life forever. 15:02 - Learn more about Allan and the many endeavors he's involved with at his website.

Since the day that I met her, the voice on my wife's phone has been that of a burly Australian man, rather than Siri. I don't know that he has a name, but I've always been kind of jealous of him...speaking all sultry-like to Noel as she drives. Anyway, Joshua C. Liston has a super-cool Australian accent that makes me jealous too. But Joshua also has an unbelievable worst interview that you just have to hear to believe. Truly, it's fantastic. Joshua C. Liston calls himself a Terminator fan, a wannabe polymath, and a anti-guru of sorts. He is from Australia and hosts several podcasts of his own—including Deadly Arnold 2.0, On the Bubble, and The Podcasters’ Survival Guide. SHOW NOTES: 0:38 - Joshua is in the middle of Australia...a long, long way away from Tim (in Illinois). 1:18 - Unfortunately, the words Joshua uses in his bio are much too big for Tim to understand. 2:59 - An "affected" celebrity guest who unknowingly turned his video camera on during the Skype interview. It's an amazing story. 7:08 - Tim and Joshua are on opposite sides of the planet, connecting and recording on RINGR. Try it out for yourself for free. 8:03 - The importance of being 100% invested and interested in your interview guest. 9:29 - What does the guest selection process look like for Joshua? (Hint: it requires a lot of reading!) 11:01 - Positive reinforcement when he was in high school helped Joshua learn that his natural curiosity should be nurtured rather than stifled. 15:31 - Connect with Joshua and listen to his podcasts here.

I never really started to feel like I was old until recently. I'm rapidly approaching 40, which is the age I remember my parents being when I thought they were old. College students call me "sir" now. And my joints hurt for days after playing volleyball. Our guest today didn't help matters when he told me that--as a kid--he used to listen to me on the radio. One one hand, that's awesome. On the other hand, seriously?! How ancient must I be to have grown adults now telling me stuff like that? Ugh. At least Anthony is doing awesome things and has a fun "worst interview ever" story to share. Anthony Witt is the founder and creator of The Champion Entrepreneur, providing valuable information and resources to help his clients become the champion that they know deep down inside that they are. Anthony not only has a podcast and blog, but also offers mastermind classes and many other resources. SHOW NOTES: 0:37 - Anthony makes Tim feel super old. 1:29 - Mastermind classes are the primary focus for Anthony these days, but there's plenty more to his company, The Champion Entrepreneur. 2:12 - Anthony has two "worst interviews ever" for us...including one where he literally had NO idea what his guest was saying. 5:58 - A combative guest who actually taught Anthony something. 7:55 - Get a free, 30-day trial of RINGR right now. 8:42 - Anthony's #1 tip for a successful interview is... 10:30 - How to be an effective spokesperson for your audience while you're interviewing a guest. 11:31 - Tim catches Anthony off guard with a question about the moment his life changed forever. 14:31 - Connect with Anthony at The Champion Entrepreneur...or on social media @aleewitt.  

When I lived in Chicago, I became friends with a guy named Manny who operated a halfway house of sorts for men who had just been released from prison. Manny was from South America, and he frequently would say to people, "I went to Yale." However, in the Spanish language, the letter J is often pronounced like a Y. So, what Manny was really saying was, "I went to jail." Which he did. Our guest today, Vasavi Kumar, doesn't need a linguistic trick in order to tell people she's an Ivy Leaguer. Primarily because she actually is. She has also battled bi-polar disorder for much of her life, and a conversation about that struggle led to her worst interview ever. Vasavi Kumar is a little bit of everything: Best selling author, speaker, vegetarian chef and former radio host. Vasavi is also Ivy League educated and a certified Accomplishment Coach. SHOW NOTES: 1:10 - Vasavi is super-accomplished AND is an accomplishment coach. 2:49 - The show is called "My Worst Interview Ever," but Vasavi's is a "Most Insulting Interview Ever." 5:51 - Tim and Vasavi are connecting and recording via RINGR. Get a free 30-day trial. 6:47 - How has battling bi-polar disorder impacted Vasavi's career as an accomplishment coach? 8:35 - What famous person would Vasavi most like to work with or help coach? 10:15 - Two people had a profound impact on Vasavi's outlook on life. 13:12 - Connect with Vasavi online and check out her free video training at her website.

"People are like teabags.  You find out what's really inside them when you put them in hot water." I have no idea who first said that, but it's one of my all-time favorite sayings. When life is going well, it's easy to appear calm, cool and collected. However, when things begin to fall apart, that task is infinitely more difficult. In a nutshell: how we handle the bad stuff in our past directly impacts the quality of our future. Heather Ann Havenwood is the kind of person who makes lemonade out of lemons. A soured business relationship could have destroyed her. But, instead, it made her stronger...and ultimately led her to build something bigger and better than she ever imagined. Heather is an author, digital marketer and sales coach who was named one of the “Top 50 Must Follow Women Entrepreneur's for 2017” by The Huffington Post. She is also known as “Chief Sexy Boss” for her Amazon best-seller “Sexy Boss™ How Female Entrepreneurship is Changing the Rule Book and Beating the Big Boys.” SHOW NOTES: 0:59 - Heather feels the pressure after a big honor from The Huffington Post. 1:35 - What does someone with the nickname "Chief SexyBoss" actually do for a living? 3:37 - The worst interview ever for Heather was like pulling teeth. Not literally, but close. 9:52 - RINGR is available free for 30 days. Start your trial now. 10:25 - Heather has some fantastic advice for learning how to be a great interviewer. 12:50 - December 5, 2005 changed Heather's life forever as her former business partner took everything they had created and left. It's an amazing story with powerful takeaways. 15:47 - Get in touch with Heather and find her book online by checking out her website.

Back in 2014, at the very first Podcast Movement, I met Daniel J Lewis. I was new to the podcast world, new to my business, and standing alone at the RINGR booth trying to meet as many people as possible. Daniel asked a ton of technical questions about RINGR that I didn't really know the answers to. Partly because I'm not a technical guy. Partly because we didn't have an actual product at the time...just an idea for one. It wasn't until after our initial conversation that I learned just how influential Daniel was/is in the podcasting world. And as it turns out, he's a super nice guy too! We met for coffee near his home in Northern Kentucky once and have kept in touch at conferences and via email ever since. However, with a new baby in the Lewis household, I'm guessing our correspondence might drop off just a tad. Daniel J Lewis is an award-winning podcaster AND helps others launch and improve their own podcasts. He designs websites; offers one-on-one consulting; speaks on technology, social media, and theology; and Daniel hosts a network of award-nominated shows of his own. SHOW NOTES: 1:34 - Daniel does a lot of stuff, but mainly helps podcasters improve their existing podcasts through his company, Podcasters' Society. 2:30 - The worst interview ever for Daniel was really freaking long. And unfocused. Obviously. 4:48 - It's no surprise, but Daniel has some immediate tips for being a great interviewer and getting the most out of your guest. 6:40 - Get a free 30-day trial of RINGR right now. 7:00 - Daniel and his wife are having a baby. Is he ready? (Hint: no.) 9:33 - A number of years ago, Daniel's world started to collapse. He hated his job. Had a broken engagement. Battled depression. And now? 13:04 - Daniel has a ton of resources available for podcasters (and aspiring podcasters) at his website, The Audacity to Podcast.

From the time I was in high school, I have loved creative job titles. In fact, while I was drawing floor plans for home builders in our area (at 17 years old), I called myself a Custom Residential Designer. (Apparently, calling yourself an architect without the degree or license is illegal!) But, I digress. Apple uses "Genius." Quicken Loans has a "VP of Misc. Stuff." Matrix Group calls its CEO the "Chief Troublemaker." Our guest today, Holly Worton, has a pretty cool title too...and a fun "worst interview ever" to go with it. Holly Worton is a “business mindset alchemist,” helping women entrepreneurs discover what their big business vision looks like and how it fits into their ideal lifestyle. Holly is also an author, speaker, blogger and host of “The Business Mindset” podcast. SHOW NOTES: 0:18 - Holly's title is so freaking cool...and so is her job. 1:52 - Sometime's it can be cute to hear a guest's kids or pets in the background. And sometimes... 6:40 - Be sure to check out RINGR. It's how Tim and Holly connected and recorded the show. 7:19 - Learn how to prevent interviews like Holly's from happening to you in the future. 9:28 - Who would Holly's dream interview be with? 10:49 - An encouragement from a friend when she was just 20 years old changed Holly's life forever. 13:31 - Learn more about Holly's books, podcasts, blogs and more at her website.

As a kid, before I ever dreamed of being in broadcasting, I love listening to my grandpa tell stories of his days in radio. He worked overnights in Detroit for a time and, every morning before signing off at 5 or 6am, he would play my grandma a love song. It sounded super romantic. However, knowing how much my grandma enjoyed sleep, I'd be surprised if she was ever awake to hear the dedications. But, regardless, the stories were fantastic. Though not nearly old enough to be my grandfather (or maybe even father), Rob Greenlee has some amazing stories. To say he invented podcasting is probably a stretch, but he was "podcasting" well before it was ever a thing (seriously), and he has made his life's work around the medium for almost two decades now. I can assure you, his stories (and takeaways) are definitely worth staying awake for. Rob is the Head of Podcast Content at Spreaker and the Adore Podcast Network. He is also a podcaster, co-hosting “The New Media Show” audio & video podcast as well as the “Spreaker Live Show.” Prior to Spreaker, Rob was the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at PodcastOne. SHOW NOTES: 0:36 - Rob has been in podcasting since before it existed. His history is fascinating! 3:39 - The worst interviews are the ones that never show up. 5:22 - What guest never called that Rob really wished would have? 6:54 - RINGR is being used to record our conversation. Check it out here. 7:31 - Rob has a few tips and tricks for getting a great interview. 10:25 - What moment changed Rob's life forever? 11:52 - What was the most irresponsible thing(s) Rob was doing before becoming a dad? 12:47 - Connect with Rob online on Twitter, via email or through his website.

The say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Which in some cases is absolutely true. Unfortunately, imitation can also be plagiarism, copyright or patent infringement, or just plain old laziness. It's two sides of the same coin, I suppose. Having been in the space since the beginning, Dave Jackson knows a lot of podcasts. He knows a lot of podcasters. And he knows--pretty much instantly--when a podcasting legend is being blatantly ripped off by someone else. That realization during an interview one day ultimately led to a confrontation...and Dave's worst interview ever. Dave Jackson has been podcasting since 2005 and—through his School of Podcasting—he has helped hundreds of people launch their own. Dave has a handful of other online podcasting tools and websites…and his personal podcast has had more than one million downloads over the years. SHOW NOTES: 0:57 - Who is Dave Jackson and what does he do all day? 2:24 - Dave's worst interview ever he was the guest on...and the questions all sounded verrrrry familiar. 5:35 - How do you know when to bail on an interview? Do you ever? 7:14 - Tim and Dave are using RINGR to connect. Tim in his studio. Dave on his computer's built-in mic. Check out a free 30-day trial here. 7:49 - Would Dave being playing music in bars today if it weren't for podcasting? 8:56 - Dave's brief stint as a grocery bagger (which he got fired from) taught him a valuable lesson...and changed his life forever. 11:02 - How do you go from wanting to start your own show to actually starting your own show? 12:29 - Be sure to connect with Dave and School of Podcasting through their website.

I spent 17 years working in, primarily, Christian radio. I had a lot of fun and probably pushed the envelope more than most do on these types of stations, though we admittedly had to operate in a much smaller "box" than most. From topics to language to attitudes, my shows lived in a uber-conservative landscape. Dave Kirby and I met while working at one of these stations during a fundraiser to help feed and educate needy kids in Africa. So, when I asked Dave to be on the podcast, I (foolishly) expected a safe, conservative story. Not boring, mind you...but vanilla, for sure. Thankfully, Dave's story caught me very off guard. Dave Kirby recently started the company “My Virtual Team”and is the host of the “One Simple Thing” podcast…currently with more than 600 episodes under his belt. Each guest Dave interviews tries to provide ONE thing that can help his listeners change themselves, their careers, or their world for the better. SHOW NOTES: 1:43 - Dave is taking a short break from podcasting and has started a new company called "My Virtual Team." It's super cool. 3:26 - This is, hands down, the most surprised I have ever been doing an interview. What a fantastic/awkward worst interview ever! 6:44 - Dave adds to the fun with a bonus interview story about the band Train. 7:30 - Tim and Dave are using RINGR to connect and record. Try it for free here. 8:07 - Is there any way to avoid what happened to Dave? He has a few thoughts. 9:44 - If Dave could interview anyone in the world--living or dead--who would it be? 11:40 - The moment in life where Dave changed forever? Becoming a dad. 13:34 - Make sure to email Dave, check out his podcast, and learn more about My Virtual Team.

From the time I was in junior high, I had a "side hustle," though that term hadn't been invented yet. First it was a paper route. Then a job at a shoe store. Then I turned my love for architecture into a drafting business. My high school actually paid me to skip study hall to go draw floor plans of the various buildings in our district. In college, I picked up radio...and then voiceover and production gigs...and, most recently, public address jobs at sporting events. It's actually a pretty sweet deal to get paid for your hobbies. Which certainly can't be said for golf or fishing. Dan Franks can relate. From building websites to podcast creation, Dan has frequently supplemented his job as a CPA with something technology-related.  And then in 2014, Dan Franks turned his "side hustle" into Podcast Movement...the biggest, baddest podcasting conference in the world. He's such a show off. Dan Franks is the co-founder of Podcast Movement, a conference for podcasters, by podcasters which expects 2,000 attendees at PM17 in Anaheim this year. Dan is also the business manager at Midroll, which helps great advertisers meet great podcasts. SHOW NOTES: 1:27 - What do Dan's days at Midroll and Podcast Movement consist of? 3:01 - Dan's worst interview ever was so bad, that it never even occurred! 8:31 - To record crystal-clear, long-distance interviews...check out RINGR for free. 9:34 - How do you optimize your workflow without coming across as a robot or impersonal? 12:07 - Learn how building websites in middle school turned Dan into the person he is today. 13:12 - The differences between a creator and a consumer. 14:55 - Connect with Dan online by going to his website. And don't forget to signup for Podcast Movement!

Every single morning, my grandpa would get up and begin cutting up grapefruit for he and my grandma. She would make oatmeal on the stove, and he would meticulously pick out the seeds and delicately slice each and every triangle-shaped piece. Once the food was ready, they would sit down, eat, and grandpa would pull out the morning paper and do the crossword puzzle. While I enjoyed the breakfast, I was fascinated by the puzzles. Only being in elementary school at the time, I couldn't help much...but I tried. And today I'm still trying. I love crosswords...thanks entirely to my grandpa's love for them. (As an aside, I really love grapefruit too!) Anyway, our guest today has a pretty incredible job. In addition to being a podcaster, Emily Prokop is a crossword and word search puzzle editor. Her career (puzzles) not only impacts her hobby (podcasting), but it changed her entire life. Emily Prokop is a trivia lover and puzzle editor, in addition to being a wife and mom and podcaster. Her latest podcast is called “The Story Behind”, which examines “the extraordinary history of the ordinary.” SHOW NOTES: 0:51 - Emily edits crossword puzzles and word searches for a living, and you won't believe what name she has to edit out of old puzzles these days! 2:42 - "The Story Behind" is the name of Emily's podcast, and is SUPER fascinating. 4:03 - An interview where the interviewer couldn't quite ask a succinct question not only confused Emily, but ended up being her worst ever. 6:50 - How do you interview someone in such a way that allows their answers to tell a story? 8:17 - Try a free 30-day trial of RINGR today! 8:51 - The art of silence. It's amazing what a pause will do to elicit more information from your guest. 10:52 - Emily's first journalism course in college not only changed her career, it introduced her to her husband! 13:03 - Find Emily on Twitter and be sure to check out her podcast "The Story Behind." 13:37 - What is Emily's favorite piece of trivia these days?

There are certain people you meet in this life who always seem to be doing something. Not talking about it. Not planning for it. Actually doing it. In the podcasting space, Chris Krimitsos is one of those people. From leading an industry conference to producing a ground-breaking documentary about the space, Chris is neck-deep in the podcasting world. And he makes it seem like business as usual. But the story of how he got there? It's anything but usual. Chris Krimitsos is the Chief Creative Officer for the Podfest Multimedia Expo, which attracts hundreds of podcasters from around the world each year. He is also a filmmaker, currently producing “The Messengers: A Podcast Documentary” which is set to release later this month. SHOW NOTES: 0:56 - Chris and his team are working on a podcast documentary called "The Messengers." 2:11 - A guest showed up for a live interview in front of an audience not dressed for an audience. 4:58 - Chris used to host a TV show too...and that is WAY more difficult than it sounds. 6:58 - Tim and Chris are using RINGR to record this interview. Check RINGR out for free here. 8:19 - Six months off--and a move from New York to Florida--changed Chris' life forever. 10:15 - A chance meeting at a random dinner party opened the door for Chris to get into media...and never look back. 13:43 - Learn more about Podfest or email Chris directly at chris@podfest.us.

In late 1988, my dad began looking for a new job. It wasn't the he didn't like his job as a high school teacher and counselor, but since he also was involved with the music at our church and as a marriage and family counselor at a private practice, he was stretched thin. I was in 5th grade at the time, but I remember him saying that he was searching for a job that combined all the things he loved about his current jobs (music and counseling and teaching), but in one job. That's why, in the Summer of 1989, we moved to Illinois so he could become a pastor and worship leader. In most every way, it was a perfect fit. Talking to Joe Saul-Sehy about his worst interview ever, I thought about my dad. Over the years, Joe realized that there had to be a way to do all the stuff he loved and very little of the stuff he didn't...all in one job. And, today, it's clear Joe was right. Joe Saul-Sehy is a former financial advisor (for 16 years) and represented American Express and Ameriprise in the media. He’s now the host of the award-winning "Stacking Benjamins" podcast which has been recognized recently by Kiplinger, Entrepreneur, and US News and World Report as one of the top podcasts about finance. Show Notes: 1:06 - The long road to "overnight success." 1:53 - Joe is giving advice already. (He's good like that.) 3:38 - A Harvard professor was Joe's worst interview...but it wasn't exactly the professor's fault. 6:39 - Joe recommends a book called "Out On the Wire." 7:51 - Try out RINGR free for 30-days. 8:21 - How did Joe get where he is today...and what else (if anything) would he be doing if not podcasting? 10:35 - A letter from a mentor changed Joe's life forever, making him realize that there truly were "other mountains to climb" other than working in finance. 12:53 - Like his mentor did years ago, what would Joe put in a letter to others today to encourage them to chase their dreams? 14:30 - Check out the "Stacking Benjamins" podcast.

Shortly after my family moved to Illinois, I remember my dad mentioning that "the new guy on the radio" had started going to our church. His name was Doug Hannah. In Jr. High at the time (early 90's), I had no interest in radio as a career yet...but I could still tell that this guy was going places. And a few years later, he did. To Chicago. And then Houston. And then Nashville. A decade later--and in radio myself--Doug called and offered me a job, giving us the chance to work together at WAY-FM for a few years. Now it's been another decade (or more), and I'm honored that Doug agreed to be on the show. If you had told me 25 years ago that "the new guy on the radio" would one day be on my podcast, I would have said "no way." Also, I would have said, "What's a podcast?" Doug Hannah is a long-time radio veteran who is currently heard on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s “The Message.” He is also a well-respected voice talent for companies including TNT, O’Charley’s and Steak N Shake. Doug also hates the new iPad Pro, has a serious addiction to Diet Pepsi, and is a relatively new grandpa. Show Notes: 0:39 - Another "offended" guest by the title of the show. :-) 1:26 - Does Doug get products in exchange for doing voiceover work? 3:16 - Was Tim really Doug's worst interview ever? 3:37 - The real worst interview used to be on "Saved By the Bell." And it wasn't Screetch. 5:40 - Is there a way to save an interview where the guest is 100% checked out? 8:17 - Doug and Tim are connected on (and recorded by) RINGR. Free 30-day trial here. 9:07 - Could Doug have joined the pro bowling tour if radio hadn't worked out? 10:30 - Moving in with your in-laws after losing a job? Yep. Doug did it. And it changed his life. 12:31 - Connect with Doug on his very own website or on Twitter.

Some people find it extremely hard to focus. I know this because 1) it's fairly common knowledge and 2) I'm one of them. (Hey look, a duck!) Todd Uterstaedt, however, is not one of those people. As you'll hear, Todd is laser-focused on a very specific audience, and he does it both well and unapologetically. Todd doesn't talk to startup founders. He doesn't talk to CEOs. He only sits down with current CEOs who founded the company and had to make the transition from creating a company to maintaining and growing it. But, today, he sits down with us...and shares his worst interview ever. Todd Uterstaedt is a CEO coach and the host of the “From Founder to CEO” podcast...as well as a former military intelligence officer. Todd has interviewed well over 150 CEO’s on his show (from small companies to large publicly-traded ones) based in Cincinnati, Ohio.  SHOW NOTES: 0:44 - Is Todd a prima donna? 2:23 - Todd's worst interview ever was with a "big catch" guest...and involved the s-word. ("Skype.") 7:01 - Thankfully, Tim and Todd connected and recorded using RINGR. 7:42 - How do you get the information you want out of the people you interview? 10:05 - A late night with the US military in South Korea changed Todd's life forever. 13:29 - You can find Todd and From Founder to CEO here.

Before "My Worst Interview Ever" began, I put a list of people together who were "dream guests." Essentially, they were leaders in the industry who I didn't expect to get on the show, but I sure hoped to. Each had to fulfill all of the following requirements: A thought leader in the business, entrepreneurship, podcast and/or broadcast spaces Having done (or been a guest on) a ton of interviews Have a great/painful "worst interview" story to share Lead a passionate tribe of people who would naturally benefit from hearing their interview story Chris fit all of those perfectly. And, miraculously, he agreed to be on the podcast. As he mentions in the interview, he does his best to serve others through his life and his business. And today he served us very well, indeed. For most, Chris Brogan really needs no introduction. Put simply, Chris helps people and companies use media and community to attract customers. He’s an author, a speaker, a blogger, and business owner…and has a ton of free, helpful resources on his website ChrisBrogan.com. SHOW NOTES: 0:52 - Chris wants to interview Matthew McConaughey (and has a plan to lure him) 1:29 - Learn more about Owner Media, which Chris runs. 4:41 - We get an interviewing tip before the actual story...because, Chris Brogan. 5:42 - Chris decided to have a little fun with a guy who was interviewing him. 7:53 - In an attempt to ruin the interview, Chris gave some really ummmm...awkward responses to questions. 9:17 - Tim tries to get a takeaway or two...and Chris has some great ones. 10:55 - Tim and Chris are connected on RINGR, with Chris on his smartphone! You can get a 30-day free trial right now. 11:17 - What was the moment in time that changed Chris Brogan forever? 14:03 - Connect with Chris online at either his personal website or his business website. And don't forget to sign up for his newsletter!

Many years ago (though not too many, 'cuz she is super young), Elsie Escobar and her family emigrated to the United States from El Salvador. As you might imagine, it changed her life. Not only was she in a new country with a new language and new customs...but she was presented with new opportunities that simply didn't exist in her home country. To say Elsie has made the most of those opportunities would be a massive understatement. She turned her love for yoga into a podcast and that podcast into a career. Today, Elsie is a leader in an industry that is seeing explosive growth...partly due to the trail she blazed all the way from El Salvador. Elsie Escobar does a little bit of everything. She works as a community manager for Libsyn, hosts her own podcasts—including “She Podcasts” (a podcast about podcasting from the female perspective and FOR women)—and also teaches yoga…which, ironically, is what first got her into the podcasting space to begin with. SHOW NOTES: 1:32 - Elsie has a lot of podcasts. And is very bendy. 4:00 - A live event (and a very dull guest) set the stage for Elsie's worst interview ever. 7:37 - How do you decide between bailing on an interview and pushing forward? When is it worth it? 9:19 - This entire episode was recorded on RINGR. Tim in his studio. Elsie on her phone! 10:05 - As a little girl, Elsie and her family came to the United States from El Salvador. Learn how that changed her as a person and as a podcaster. 13:51 - Elsie loves her some Twitter. Check her out @yogeek, @shepodcasts, and her employer @libsyn.

In early 2015, mere months after starting RINGR, I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio for six months to join a business accelerator called OCEAN. Being somewhat new to the podcast industry, I had heard Cliff Ravenscraft's name...but I didn't fully grasp how influential he was, nor did I realize that he lived about 10 miles from Cincinnati. However, I quickly learned about both and proceeded to send Cliff a completely unsolicited and unabashedly selfish email. Long story short, the guy known as "The Podcast Answerman" miraculously agreed to meet with me to talk podcasting and check out RINGR. We chatted for about an hour at a Chipotle in Northern Kentucky after Cliff's daily workout. He was gracious--especially considering we had a few difficulties with the RINGR beta--but while leaving, I felt sure I had completely wasted The Answerman's time. Perhaps I did. But Cliff, dripping with graciousness and sporting a stunning new physique, still agreed to be on the podcast today. He was fantastic. And now I have a hankering for some Chipotle. Cliff Ravenscraft is probably better known as "The Podcast Answerman." He started podcasting back in 2005 about the TV show “Lost” and has turned the hobby into a very full-time career. In addition to hosting several podcasts himself, Cliff speaks regularly at podcasting conferences across the country and has committed to working out six days a week for the rest of his life! SHOW NOTES: 1:45 - Cliff turned $35 into a podcasting career...and is now more than 3,700 episodes in! 2:32 - The Podcast Answerman didn't quite have all the right answers during his worst interview ever. 7:29 - What should Cliff have done during this disaster to help avoid the problems? 8:40 - Get more info on RINGR (how Tim and Cliff recorded this). 9:18 - What was Cliff doing before he started podcasting? How did he make the switch? 11:38 - The moment that changed Cliff's life involved the distinct potential of disappointing his dad. 12:47 - Hear the episode Cliff referenced that tells the full story behind leaving his job to start podcasting. 15:02 - If you're thinking about starting your own podcast, make sure to sign up for Cliff's newsletter.

Several years ago I emceed a fundraising event that was being headlined by a well-known, well-respected public speaker. Since we were both seated at the head table, I had the chance to chat with him for a bit during dinner. To say I was surprised (and disappointed) by his demeanor would be a gross understatement. From stage, this man was articulate, passionate, and a pillar of kindness and grace and selflessness. In person, um...not so much. As best I could tell, this man played a role when he got behind a microphone. One-on-one he was disinterested, short, and rude. In front of a crowd, he was...pretty perfect. Though not a politician, he certainly could have filled  those shoes rather nicely. Unfortunately, I think it's fairly common for public figures (and maybe all of us) to have two personalities. Which is why it's so stinking remarkable when you come across someone who is genuinely authentic, no matter what is happening or who is watching. Lisa Williams is one of those people. I knew of Lisa long before I actually knew her. She was the radio star at that big station in Orlando...and then at that big network in California. Then, one day, she became my morning show consultant. And then my friend. And I can tell you--beyond a shadow of a doubt--Lisa is as real as they come. Her heart is always on her sleeve. And always in her voice. Lisa Williams has been on the radio for the past 26 years, and is currently the host of the nationally syndicated radio show (and podcast) “Life with Lisa Williams”…heard on 62 stations around the country. During her career, Lisa also spent time on the K-Love radio network and Z88 in Orlando and as an on-air talent consultant. SHOW NOTES: 0:32 - Lisa is happy to learn she is NOT our token female. 1:29 - How Lisa's podcast kinda-sorta turned into a nationally-syndicated radio show. 2:47 - It was in the early 1990's when Lisa had her (very long) worst interview ever. 8:05 - What did Lisa learn from that interview and how would she deal with it now? 10:20 - Lisa loves RINGR. You can try it for free here. 11:08 - Lisa almost didn't graduate from high school. Hear how a teacher--in 30 seconds--turned Lisa's life around. 14:14 - You can find Lisa on the web here...and you can learn more about the sponsor of her show, Cure International, here.

There is no shortage of inspiring quotes about dealing with setbacks in life: "Make lemonade out of lemons." "It's not how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get back up again." "Losers quit when they fail. Winners fail until they succeed." "When a door is closed, a window is opened." And I could list hundreds more... But far more powerful than any quote is the story of someone who has actually proven these proverbs to be true. Someone who has squeezed every last drop of juice out of the lemon they were handed and produced a tall, cold, sweet glass of lemonade. Todd Cochrane is such a person. After a swimming accident put him in the hospital for several weeks, Todd made a career decision that not only changed his life...it landed him in the Hall of Fame. Todd Cochrane is a published author, speaker, and the CEO of Raw Voice and Blubrry…representing 75,000 audio and video content creators, providing advertising opportunities, distribution, hosting and more. Also, Todd lives in Hawaii and was inducted into the Podcast Hall of Fame in 2015. SHOW NOTES: 0:55 - How does a person get into the Podcast Hall of Fame? 1:39 - What does Todd (and Blubrry) actually do? 4:10 - Todd's worst interview ever was live...at a tech show...with a foreign guest...and the rest is history. 7:17 - Get a free 30-day free trial of RINGR Premium. 7:50 - After 3,000+ interviews, how does Todd prepare? What's important? What isn't? 9:32 - Todd lives in Hawaii...and wants to move back to the mainland. WHAT?!?! 10:45 - A terrible accident left Todd in the hospital for 13 days...and it changed his life forever. Learn how. 13:30 - Connect with Todd on Twitter, Blubrry on Twitter, or visit him at Geek News Central.

When you spend as many years on the radio as I have, you're bound to have embarrassing moments. The funny thing is--right now--I honestly can't think of any. Not a single one. I can, however, think of plenty for my long-time co-host, Pam...and let's be honest, telling other people's stories is way more fun anyway. I'll narrow it down to two: Pam once called the NCAA Tournament, the NAACP Tournament. (She's black, but still...those are two entirely different organizations.) While collecting shoes for a non-profit, Christian organization, Pam exclaimed on the air, "We have a shipload of shoes here." (It's boatload or sh#!load...but I don't think shipload is a thing.") Anyway, ship happens to all of us...though I'm not sure either of those examples quite compares to the embarrassment felt by Dr. Colin Gray during an interview for his podcast. The story is hilarious...and borderline unbelievable. Enjoy! Colin Gray is a founder, a podcaster, an online educator, and has been teaching podcasting and online business skills for over 7 years. Colin’s mission is to help businesses connect with their customers and to grow an army of fanatical fans through broadcast. SHOW NOTES: 0:19 - Is Colin Gray a real doctor? 1:31 - So what does Colin do all day? 2:26 - This "worst interview ever" is one of our favorites. SO good. 5:46 - And the hits just keep on coming...Colin has TWO stories! 6:49 - Tim and Colin are connected (across the pond) on RINGR. Learn more here. 7:11 - Tim guesses where Colin and his cool accent are from. He is wrong. 8:48 - The good doctor shares a few tips and tricks for avoiding his past mistakes. 12:27 - Colin shares the moment in time that changed his life forever. 14:53 - Follow Colin on Twitter or visit his website "The Podcast Host."

I once had a boss tell me, "You haven't really worked in radio until you've been fired at least once." That made me a little nervous for two reasons: 1) I had never been fired before and 2) He had the power to fire me. Apparently, I left the company before he could get around to it. The odd thing was, my boss was right. Broadcasting, as an industry, is notorious for its employment carousel...and it wasn't too many years before I found myself asked (nicely) to step off the spinning wheel of fun onto the steady (albeit scary) ground of unemployment. I thought about that fateful day again while talking to Jeff Brown today. After more than a quarter century in radio, Jeff got fired...and (in hindsight) it was one of the best things that ever happened to him. Instead of getting up at 4am to work because he has to, Jeff now gets up at 5am to run because he wants to. Instead of sitting through four hour air-shifts and eternal staff meetings, Jeff now hosts a 30-minute (ish) podcast once a week and leads his own mentor and training sessions. Plus, he'll never get fired again. Jeff Brown is a podcaster, blogger, mentor and speaker who spent 26 years in radio before starting the "Read to Lead" podcast. He has interviewed a ton of big-name guests including Chris Brogan, Seth Godin, John Maxwell, Gary Vaynerchuck and Simon Sinek. SHOW NOTES: 0:46 - Tim offends Jeff right off the bat. 2:28 - Jeff's worst interview ever was shallow enough and bad enough, that it never got heard. Ever. 6:30 - Learn more about how Tim and Jeff connected via RINGR, and try it for yourself. 7:24 - How do you successfully go after getting big guests to agree to be on your show? 11:26 - Jeff's life was forever changed by a former boss who unknowingly pushed Jeff to read again and, ultimately start the "Read to the Lead" podcast. Jeff even gets a little choked up talking about it. 13:01 - Find Jeff and the "Read to Lead" podcast here...or check out Podcaster Academy. You can connect with Jeff via email too.

Growing up, I considered my best friend's dad to be the nicest adult I knew. Gary was strict, to be sure, but he was always kind, polite, and generous. Plus, he and his wife always kept the house stocked with Dr Pepper and salami. Two staples for teenage boys. Looking back, Gary always seemed to genuinely care about whoever it was he was talking to. He looked you in the eye, smiled, and didn't let anything distract him from the conversation. I also noticed that--despite being a rather influential and accomplished individual--Gary rarely (if ever) talked about himself. He was way too focused on the other person's well-being to be concerned with his own ego or achievements. I thought about Gary today as I was talking to Shawn Smith. Shawn comes in a close second for "nicest person on the planet." (And honestly, he's just a Dr Pepper and package of thinly-sliced salami away from a tie for first.) Whether it's through his role in the business world or the mission field, Shawn's goal is to better other people's lives. He'll better yours today. He did mine. Shawn Smith may be better known as "The Mobile Pro"...spending his days equipping, training and inspiring entrepreneurs to create content and manage their businesses from anywhere in the world. Shawn and his wife spend an average of three months per year in Guatemala, serving children and their families who live in poverty. SHOW NOTES: 0:45 - Tim is forgiven. 2:07 - Shawn tells the story of his worst interview ever...with his former music teacher. 7:10 - Learn more about how Tim and Shawn connected for their interview on RINGR. 7:30 - The importance of authenticity. 9:16 - Shawn's tips and tricks for successful interviews...especially newcomers to the industry. 10:53 - A lesson Shawn learned from his dad that changed his life forever. 13:32 - Shawn is giving MWIE listeners a free copy of his e-book, "5 Ways to Record Podcast Interviews with an iPhone." Get yours by going here.

When they were younger, my boys used to ask me "why" a lot. Why do we have to go to the store? Why are clouds white? Why can't I stick my sandwich in the DVD player? Stuff like that. If you're a parent, I'm quite sure you can relate. And while some of my kids' questions had perfectly logical and easily explainable answers...many of them did not. For example, I was never really sure how to respond to "why is our car blue" or "why is the cat's tail so fluffy" or "why does the bathroom at Target smell like Fruit Loops" other than with, "just because." When it comes to Brant Hansen, I find myself trying to explain his likability in similar ways. He's funny and relatable and real, but there are other people who are those things too. Brant is different. And despite my best efforts, I can't articulate exactly why he's so stinking enjoyable to listen to and interact with. So, I'm forced to leave it as, "just because." You'll see. Brant Hansen is a nationally syndicated radio host heard on more than 200 radio stations across the country. He is an author, a speaker, an advocate for Cure International…and he also loves toast. A lot. His talents include playing the accordion and telling amazing stories (including the one you'll hear on this episode). SHOW NOTES: 0:24 - Brant is slightly offended at being the "worst interview ever." 2:23 - The story of Brant's interview with the National Whistling Champion. 6:36 - Learn more about RINGR. 7:08 - Brant's tips and tricks for rescuing a bad interview. 10:01 - What moment in Brant's life changed him forever? 13:01 - Get in touch with Brant at his website.

Most of us like to pretend that "the worst" doesn't happen to "the best." The Kardashians never get pimples. Lebron James never misses a layup. Seinfeld never tells a joke that falls flat. Right? Despite knowing that our assumptions are largely incorrect, our brains are reluctant to let us fully comprehend the truth: celebrities are humans too. And if ever there was a celebrity in the podcasting and entrepreneurship worlds, it's John Lee Dumas. On the debut episode of "My Worst Interview Ever," John pulls back the curtain a bit to let us see what really happens (at least from time to time) behind the scenes of his top-rated podcast, Entrepreneur on Fire. His story involves an international superstar. A near-missed connection. And an attitude about it all. John Lee Dumas is the host of Entrepreneur on Fire and founder of Podcaster's Paradise. From his new digs in Puerto Rico, JLD is also an author, speaker, and champion of podcasting worldwide. On his award-winning show, John has interviewed more than 1,500 entrepreneurs about their lives and businesses.   SHOW NOTES: 2:04 - John shares the story behind his worst interview ever, a few memorable minutes with rock legend Gene Simmons from the band KISS. 6:59 - Learn why JLD decided to play the bad interview anyway, and hear how he managed to use it to help his audience. 8:38 - Tim and John are connected on RINGR. Learn how it works and how you can get a free 30-day trial. 9:36 - Get a few tips and tricks on how to rescue a less-than-stellar interview. 11:37 - What was the one moment in time that changed John's life forever? (It was actually a quote!) 13:30 - Get JLD's new book, "The Mastery Journal", here.

The best conversations in life always seem to be the ones where you learn something new about the person you're talking to. Whether it's the cashier at the grocery story store, a colleague at work, or even your spouse...getting to a level you've never gotten to before is good. Special even. Today, while talking with Rob Walch from Libsyn on My Worst Interview Ever, we got to that level. It was unexpected (for both of us, I think), but it was good. After discussing his "worst interview ever", Rob shared a story that few people have heard before. It involved an airplane. And anger. And a stupid decision that almost cost him everything. It changed his life, and I'll bet it could change yours as well. Rob Walch is the VP of Podcaster Relations at Libsyn (the world’s largest podcast network). He hosts or co-hosts several podcasts himself (including Podcast411), co-wrote the book “Tricks of the Podcasting Masters”, and has been the podcast consultant for a number of big names including Tim Ferriss, Senator John Edwards, Jack Welch, and many others. SHOW NOTES: 1:05 - What does Rob Walch do all day? 1:31 - Is Rob really that terrible of a basketball coach? 3:36 - Rob cheats and has TWO worst interviews ever! 7:48 - A couple tips and tricks for a successful interview. 8:39 - Learn more about RINGR. 9:23 - You've got a great interview...now how do you best promote it? 10:39 - Rob nearly thrown off an airplane and arrested. Learn how it changed him forever. 13:09 - Email Rob at rob (at) libsyn (dot) com or connect with Libsyn here.

Like Richard Gere in "Pretty Woman" or Tom Cruise in "Jerry McGuire", certain people have lives made for movies. You look at the places they're going and the things they're doing and think, "Man, that can't even be real, right?!" Paul Kemp is that guy. Imagine a young man living in London, working for the Queen's stock broker. He's wearing pinstripe suits, living downtown, making bundles of money (for himself and Her Majesty), and living the dream. Now imagine that same young man willingly walking away from it all...and starting a podcast. Today, he's a family man, working for himself (both from home and from exotic locations around the world), and on occasion fending off wild monkeys. Paul Kemp is better known as “The App Guy”, and his podcast has featured more than 500 interviews with app founders around the world. He lives in the U.K., but has been known to podcast from the sparkling shores of Bali every once in awhile (thanks to RINGR). SHOW NOTES: 1:26 - Paul tell us about recording and producing his podcast from around the world. 1:55 - Monkeys! (Seriously.) 2:59 - The App Guy's worst (and first) interview ever. 4:09 - The dumbest question Paul asked his first guest was...? 5:28 - Paul shares the tips and tricks he uses to avoid repeating his original mistakes. 6:52 - RINGR mention 7:33 - Where would The App Guy be if not podcasting? 9:08 - What one moment in time changed Paul forever? He tells us... 11:59 - Want to get ahold of Paul? Start here!

All of us have had an "interview gone wrong." Probably more than one. Connection issues. The wrong bio information. A guest who wouldn't stop talking. The "yes/no" guy. Prima donnas. Terrible content. Weird distractions. Heck, I once interviewed a guy for my radio show who was running on a treadmill! At RINGR, our goal is to make your recorded interviews sound better and connect easier...but we fully realize that there are plenty of elements out of our (and your) control which can totally derail a conversation. So, rather than sweep that stuff under the rug and ignore it, we thought it might be fun to talk about it. Three times a week. In our very own podcast. That's why we've launched "My Worst Interview Ever"...a podcast where I talk with the world's all-time greatest interviewers about their all-time worst interviews. Our first guest is none other than Entrepreneur on Fire's John Lee Dumas, who tells an incredible story about his worst interview (with a legendary rock star)...and then shares some personal details on why he is who he is today. All in less than 15 minutes. In the coming days and weeks, we'll also talk to Podcast Answer Man Cliff Ravenscraft, The Mobile Pro Shawn Smith, The App Guy Paul Kemp, XM Radio's Doug Hannah, Blubrry's Todd Cochrane, Libsyn's Rob Walch, syndicated radio host Brant Hansen, Dave Jackson, Dan Franks, Jeff Brown, Daniel J. Lewis, and dozens of others. You won't want to miss their stories! In addition to listening to the debut episode of MWIE, please be sure to follow My Worst Interview Ever on Twitter and Facebook...and then share the podcasts you like. We trust you will have many favorites. You'll also find us on iTunes, Stitcher, and many other fine podcast distributors. Happy recording (and listening)... Tim