The Enthusiasm Project

Send a text message to the show!I'm gearing up to bring back the show at the beginning of 2025 (with video!) and I need your help! Let's work together to figure out ideas for show topics, segments, and more! What do YOU want to hear? What makes the show enjoyable and what would make you excited to tune in each week?Here's how you can help:1. Use the link at the top of this description to send a message directly to the show!2. Use the SpeakPipe link to leave a voice message at https://himynameistom.com/3. Send an email to tom@enthusiasmproject.com4. Reach out to me via @sodarntom on Instagram, Threads, or Bluesky!I can't wait to hear from you!TomSupport the show

As of 2024 I've been producing podcasts for 10 years and while a whole lot has changed during that time, there are definitely some key lessons that have always remained relevant.

Transparency between a content creator and their audience is a tough thing to build. What happens when a brand asks a creator to violate that trust? iPhonedo's video:https://youtu.be/5GuO7AWJl5o?si=VlydvNlatkA3kjzf

Heather joins the podcast this week to talk about an often ignored and minimized group of creators who aren't just starting out, but also aren't "mega channels" with huge teams and budgets– creators who have much more in common with local small business owners than Mr. Beast, despite both sharing the title of "Creator."Heather's Video:https://youtu.be/NAg4LDhRNGg?si=sXVLSsmTq4S1Kk4k

NAB 2024 was an absolutely incredibe experience. I made a recap video that shares a bit about the conventiopnm, but then dives into some of my more personal feelings related to all of the amazing people who have helped me to feel contextualized as a person. This episode dives into what I learned when trying to make an event recap video along with some of the cool things I saw and learned at NAB (keeping the choked-upness to a minimum

I left my full time teaching job just over 3 years ago to be a full time content creator. My wife Heather joins the show this week to take a look back on lessons learned and some of the lesser known aspect of this job.Check out Heather's Channel:https://youtube.com/heatherjustcreate

It's time for the Season 12 Q&A episode!

I completely gutted and rebuilt my studio for the first time in 6 years and would you believe it– some valuable lessons were learned along the way!

(This is an AI generated episode description just for fun

Can you be authentic and concise at the same time? Is it possible to share your personality while also staying on topic? This week's episode dives into the how's, why's, and huh?'s  of scripting vs. improvising content on YouTube.

It's a new season! Let's kick things off with a discussion of what it means to know your limits without creating self limiting beliefs.

It's the Season 11 finale! After not only a season, but an entire year of some pretty intense self reflection both creatively and professionally, I wanted to share some of what I've learned along with some goals and ideas for the coming year.

I've been waiting over a year for this: you can now import an existing RSS feed as a podcast to YouTube! This means that YouTube is essentially available as a podcast directory and anyone with an existing audio-only podcast can take advantage of everything it has to offer.But of course as the monkey paw curls, it's not perfect. There are definitely some issues and caveats to  be aware of, especially if you want to incorporate a podcast into an existing channel, so let's cover it all from start to finish!

I hope you don't hate me after this one. From drones and gimbals to wireless systems and computers, it's time to get geared up for some unpopular gear opinions!

The A/V Helpdesk returns! This time we'll dive into some in-depth trouble shooting and case studies about sound treatment, audio quality, camera picture profile settings, and more!

I want to try something new this week with what I'm calling a "Community Podcast." This episode dives into some YouTube behind the scenes, creator-related updates, and even general personal updates about what I've been up to. It's almost like a vlog podcast...a vlogcast!

It's once again time for a Q&A episode, so join me as we discuss everything from video codecs and podcast production to hair products and Stanley Cup predictions!• How to remix audio in Adobe Audition:https://himynameistom.com/setups

Adding video to your podcast can be a huge challenge, so this episode breaks down the different components of a sustainable video podcasting workflow to help you decide whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze!• Here are some recommended podcasting setups:https://himynameistom.com/setups• Use promo code "ENTHUSIASM" for 10% off of my podcasting and video editing courses! https://himynameistom.com/courses•Ecamm Live (my preferred podcasting/streaming software):https://geni.us/ecammtom

Have you ever thought about starting a podcast but don't know where to begin? This week's episode walks you through the basic process to get your show up and running! This is essentially a very condensed overview of my DIY podcasting course, The Podcaster Playbook. Use promo code "ENTHUSIASM" for 10% off if you think it's a good fit for you and your podcasting journey. 

This one goes to 11! This first episode of Season 11 covers a bit of gear talk (including the new Shure Sm7dB) and then dives into the absolute nightmare that is YouTube's Invalid Traffic issue.• Daniel Batal's awesome Twitter post: https://x.com/Daniel_Batal/status/1706674029778674040?s=20• This article explains the issue with YouTube advertisers claiming to be misled. Interestingly enough, it appeared about a month before the recent surge of channels being struck with "invalid traffic." 

Chris Raub joins the show for this final episode to share his experience as a ska fan and musician from the 90's through today. For me, hearing from truly talented musicians on what stands out the most about ska is fascinating.We also discovered that we were both at the same Aquabats show I talked about in Episode 3!•Chris has his own podcast that you can check out!https://www.therecoveryjunkies.com•Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode! ska@himynameistom.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Patrick Boberg joins this week to talk about his ska journey, playing in bands, working in the world of film/video, and crafting the delicate tune that would become this podcast's theme.•Connect with Pat!ResponsiblyWild.com@PatBoBomb••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Mike's back on the mic with me and this time he's been doing some research to take us on a journey through the different "waves" of ska, beginning with early roots in 1940's Jamaica all the way through the current scene and everything somewhere in the between.•The Spotify playlist from this episode•Check out Mike and his Bands:The Toy YodasGood Luck Ugly!Holy Schnikes @mikethealvarez on Twitter or X or whatever it's called now, if it still exists.•Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode! ska@himynameistom.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

This week I want to take a trip back in time to October 25, 2002 when I went to an Aquabats concerted that literally altered the course of my life and set me on the path to be where I'm at today. It was an incredible experience that solidified The Aquabats and ska as not just something I enjoy, but a core part of my DNA. That sounds more scientific than it probably is.

The Ska Journey continues with Mike Alvarez, one of my best friends for over 20 years, professional music educator, and active musician in the ska scene. Last week I shared how ska came into my life, and now I want to hear another story about what happens when you discover ska during your formative years and how it can impact every other part of your life. Mike also recorded The Ska Podcast/Enthusiasm Project theme song, which was first composed by upcoming guest Patrick Boberg. •Check out Mike and his Bands:The Toy YodasGood Luck Ugly!Holy Schnikes @mikethealvarez on Twitter or X or whatever it's called. •Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode! ska@himynameistom.com ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

It's the inaugural episode of The Ska Podcast! To kick things off I thought it'd be a good idea to dive into my personal “ska journey”. Everyone has a unique story of how hugely influential things came into their lives, and this is mine. Hopefully this gives you an idea of where I'm coming from when I say that I love ska music and how it's been wildly influential throughout my life. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Here's a quick update about what to expect during the break before Season 11 of The Enthusiasm Project. I hope you enjoy a special “mini series” presentation of The Ska Podcast, a passion project that was a ton of fun to create!If you're interested in any of my 3 available courses, head on over to https://himynameistom.com/courses and use promo code "ENTHUSIASM" for 10% off between now and October 9th!Support the show

It's the Season 10 finale! And what a journey it's been! Before wrapping things up, I wanted to take a look back at the unexpected (but incredibly rewarding) creative journey/evolution that's happened over the past few months and attempt to reach a conclusion that helps keep it all in perspective. I can't thank you enough not only for supporting the show, but also for all of the kindness you've shown me as I've tried to figure all this stuff out. It genuinely means the world to me. Thank you for 10 amazing seasons!

Whenever you create something, it's an investment of time, energy, and resources. Feeding algorithms and platforms can quickly start to feel like you're just tossing these unique creations into an indifferent machine to keep things churning along. At what point does that become disrespectful to yourself, your time, and the thing you created? 

This week's episode kicks off with some follow-up to one of the tech problems we looked at last time in the A/V Helpdesk, and then I ask for some tech support of my own before diving into a huge creative change– perhaps the biggest one I've ever made– to the way I approach YouTube. 

In the first ever installment of The A/V Helpdesk we'll dive into some in-depth trouble shooting and case studies about saving ruined audio on client projects, choosing editing software, and dealing with mic bleed in close recording quarters!Adobe Enhance Speech: https://podcast.adobe.com/enhance

When does something become art? When does someone become an artist? It's easy to fall back on stereotypes of tortured painters or musicians laboring away at a great work, but what about the rest of us? My wife Heather joins the podcast again this week to take a look at what it means to be an artist, the importance of creativity within every facet of life, and how traditionally non-artist types are able to share their creativity through YouTube. Here are the two books we talk about and share quotes from:•The Creative Act: https://geni.us/TYSWH (Amazon)•Flow: https://geni.us/NO9YvAV (Amazon)

It's time for the Season 10 Q&A episode! Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to send in questions!

For the first time in 6 years I took an actual break. No YouTube, no analytics, no social media, emails, or anything for 15 days.  Suffice it to say I learned a lot, and Heather is here to help process some of the most important takeaways.

I haven't taken a break in 6 years. When your main passion/hobby becomes not only a side hustle but also a full time career, the idea of taking a break can feel overwhelming, scary, and just plain wrong. So in addition to a bit of gear talk and some awesome listener messages, my wife Heather joins me this week to dissect a bit of what's been going on creatively lately and why now is probably the best time to step away for a little bit.

Many YouTube creators have unwittingly put brands in the driver's seat of their channels, which I think has lead to a lot of fatigue/burnout from both creators and viewers alike. This week's episode dives into that transition a bit more and explores what it would mean to re-evaluate the way we approach YouTube to rediscover creating and consuming from a place of genuine passion and enthusiasm.

So much has happened between seasons that I want to take some time to catch up on all the crazy new A/V gear releases that have happened including Final Cut Pro for iPad, new cameras, Rodecaster clones, and a ton of new gear from Rode.

Have you ever felt embarrassed to admit you don't know something? I've taken on a lot of new hobbies and endeavors over the past year and it's been...humbling, to say the least. But it's also taught me the importance of admitting what you don't know and learning to "not be afraid to be seen trying."

Is every new product really "revolutionary?" Is this year's phone so different form last year's that it's really going to change your life in a meaningful way? Probably not. Marketing is nothing new, but in the world of Creator Marketing, things are evolving fast and it seems like companies are putting themselves in the driver's seat more often. My awesome wife Heather joins the podcast this week to help me dissect some recent releases from Sony and Rode to better understand how companies use creators as major parts of marketing plans, why viewers are starting to get fatigued buy it, and how to view things through ha critical lens to find what's really the most helpful info for you. Check out Heather's channel here:https://www.youtube.com/heatherjustcreate

Get set to talk sets! Whether it's YouTube, podcasting, or even client work, a lot goes in to creating an awesome set design.

"You need to have your own website!" This is pretty common advice that you may have heard many times. But why? Let's talk about not only why it's a good idea to carve out your own corner of the internet with a website, but also how to do it– from hosting, domains, and content/structure, this week's episode covers everything!(Or at least "everything" as much as I can as very much a non-professional website builder person.)

We all probably know that there's a big difference between "beginner" and "pro" audio/video gear, but how big is that difference really and how do you navigate choosing the right equipment for your needs? What about upgrades– do you really need the latest and greatest?

It's time for the Season 9 Q&A episode! This was a really fun batch of questions, so thank you so much to everyone who took the time to submit!

It's time for a camera quest! If you've decided to dive into the world of cameras with interchangeable lenses, things can quickly become confusing. So let's talk about some things to consider when searching for the "perfect" camera, along with some of my specific favorites/recommendations.

Being a beginner is scary and learning new things is hard. But with the limited time we have on this planet, I think it's incredibly important to explore our curiosities and give ourselves permission to learn and explore new things. So before we dive into more concrete topics with future episodes, let's take some time to talk about how to learn and all the different ways you can indulge your interests!

Video editing can be both incredibly fun and overwhelming. If you're looking to get started editing, and even you've been editing for a while but want to brush up on some of your skills, let's dive into the technical and philosophical sides of video editing, along with listener questions!•Check out my Final Cut Pro video editing course!https://learnfinalcutpro.com•How to Film with Two Cameras:https://youtu.be/VYZB75B1Qk8•Scoop 'dem Mids:https://youtu.be/5kYJ7vAe3vI

It's the first episode of Season 9! My goal this season is for each episode to have a clear purpose and tangible takeaway (and of course hopefully be enjoyable and at least mildly entertaining). So with that in mind, it's time to revisit my Creator Ethics Statement!Steal my ethics here: https://himynameistom.com/ethics•Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!tom@enthusiasmproject.com or use the audio submission button at himynameistom.com!

Record studio-quality remote interviews from anywhere. Sign up for free recording with Riverside.fm!  Use promo code "TOM15" for a 15% discount on your subscription.It's the end of another season! To wrap things up, I wanted to take some time and share a few updates on some of the topics we've covered over the past few months, including microphones, YouTube, camera bag dilemmas, and creating a new course.•Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!tom@enthusiasmproject.com or use the audio submission button at himynameistom.com!••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Record studio-quality remote interviews from anywhere. Sign up for free recording with Riverside.fm!  Use promo code "TOM15" for a 15% discount on your subscription.I made it almost 3 years, but the beast finally caught me a few weeks ago. Fortunately I'm feeling better now, but it was definitely a rough time.  On the days when I wasn't desperately trying to escape my own body, I gained an entirely new appreciation for YouTube. After binging a ton of videos from channels outside of my niche, I came to a few important realizations and even put together an entire template for how I want to try structuring my videos, and now that I've been back to work, it's turned out to be a ton of fun!•Here's the first video I made that incorporates what I learned: https://youtu.be/bx92bK4NY54•Send a voice, text, or video message to be included in a future episode!tom@enthusiasmproject.com or use the audio submission button at himynameistom.com!••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 

Record studio-quality remote interviews from anywhere. Sign up for free recording with Riverside.fm!  Use promo code "TOM15" for a 15% discount on your subscription.There's no denying the rise in popularity of video podcasting, and as a lifelong audio/video production enthusiast I feel almost obligated to be excited about that…but I'm not. While I definitely enjoy and appreciate video podcasts, I do think there's a sense for many podcasters that it's a requirement if you want anyone to enjoy your show, which can be hugely limiting. Adding video to an audio workflow is a huge undertaking that can easily become a barrier to entry. So this week I'd like to explain why I personally prefer not to create video podcasts, just to provide a counter perspective for anyone who needs it. •Here's the article with podcast statistics: https://www.demandsage.com/podcast-statistics/