Send a text message to the show! Thanks to everyone who’s been listening and sending me awesome messages of support. Let's wrap up Season 2 with a dive into all the ways that comparison can negatively affect your attitude and accomplishments. Whether it's against yourself or others, comparison has a way of devaluing our successes and planting the seeds for insecurities. Ultimately, it's important to stay keenly aware of the present moment and give ourselves a bit of kindness/credit for what we d...
Jun 22, 2020•54 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Send a text message to the show! Don’t get me wrong, I love you guys, and the YouTube camera/tech space is fairly diverse when it comes to race/age/orientation, but have you noticed that the gender split is wildly uneven? This week Heather and I dive into the issue and explore some of the possible reasons why female creators aren’t often found in this niche. If you’re like me, this might be something you didn’t notice until it was pointed out, but once you notice it, you can’t ignore it. If you ...
Jun 15, 2020•59 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Send a text message to the show! This week I wanted to share some of the unexpected places I’ve found inspiration for my videos and how that has helped me to develop my personal style over time. I think that anyone who creates anything often struggles with where to find inspiration and how to be inspired without plagiarizing, so it’s a valuable discussion even if you’re not someone who makes videos specifically. Here are the videos I talk about in this episode: •Break Our of Your Creative Rut: h...
Jun 08, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Send a text message to the show! As my YouTube channel grows, there are more opportunities to work with brands for sponsored content- which also means there are more opportunities to damage the relationship between me and my audience or put my credibility at stake. This week I explain what that’s like from the position of a relatively small channel that wants to create a strong foundation for future growth. I also go over some of the pitfalls that can come with the wrong partnerships, and explai...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Send a text message to the show! This week I interview Heather all about her professional and personal journeys. It just so happens that we recorded this the day before our somewhat impromptu quarantine wedding at the county office, so it was a ton of fun! If you haven't heard last week's episode yet, Heather interviewed me and we tried out a simultaneous podcast recording and video live stream because why not? So you can check out the video replay on Heather’s YouTube channel here: https://www....
May 17, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Send a text message to the show! This week we’ve flipped things around– Heather interviews ME. Eek. We dive into YouTube, teaching, and life in general. It was incredibly fun, and I'm very grateful to Heather for leading the discussion, managing our live stream, and moderating the chat all at once! We tried out a simultaneous podcast recording and video live stream because why not? So you can check out the video replay on Heather’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fyUdn2_Yp...
May 11, 2020•57 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Send a text message to the show! Over the past 8 years I’ve had quite a few of my digital media students level up their skills in incredible ways. Despite all the differences in their circumstances, personalities, skills, and interests, this week I wanted to share the top 5 lessons I’ve learned from my students when it comes to digital media. I also open the episode with an update on the LLC that Heather and I started earlier this year along with some of the more “interesting” situations I’ve en...
May 04, 2020•54 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Send a text message to the show! Our insecurities are often barriers in our own mind. This week I wanted to explore how accepting the fact that I’m a “video production guy” and not a “filmmaker” was oddly freeing and how it allowed me to better enjoy what I do. Follow The Everyday Dad on Twitter: https://twitter.com/every_daydad And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqvULRRboZeXVezSm_XduLQ Leave a message and be included in a future episode! https://anchor.fm/enthusiasm —— Gear of the We...
Apr 28, 2020•42 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Send a text message to the show! With the entire world being thrown into an unprecedented situation, how do you handle it as a creator of online content? Do you stop making stuff, do you continue as usual, or is there another strategy? Leave a message and be included in a future episode! https://anchor.fm/enthusiasm —— Gear of the Week —— Animal Crossing New Horizons on Nintendo Switch - It’s not camera related (although you can use a camera in the game…), but it’s the best bit of escapism we’ve...
Mar 30, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Send a text message to the show! If you find yourself with a little extra time at home lately, it might be a great time to revisit your YouTube channel, or to finally start that channel you’ve been thinking about. These are the 6 things I’ve found to be the most important when it comes to building a channel that feels consistent and complete: Niche Banner (free template www.himynameistom.com/downloads ) Profile Icon Thumbnails & Title Home Page Video Description —— Gear of the Week —— C-Stan...
Mar 16, 2020•48 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send a text message to the show! Let’s take a look “behind the curtain” at what it really takes to create a work/life balance, especially when building a side business in addition to a traditional day job, including some of the creative sacrifices and tough decisions that sometimes have to be made. Definitely check Out “Essentialism” by Greg McKeown. It’s an awesome read that’ll help guide you to examine what really is essential for your own happiness and success. Leave a message and be included...
Mar 02, 2020•40 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send a text message to the show! This week we’re taking a close look at the production process that I’ve developed for my YouTube videos. While everybody’s process is going to look a little different, this is what I’ve organically come up with over the past 2.5 years, and I think there’s a lot of helpful info here that might be able to save you a few tears and gray hairs. Leave a message and be included in a future episode! https://anchor.fm/enthusiasm —— Gear of the Week —— Super Cool Lap Desk!...
Feb 03, 2020•45 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send a text message to the show! This week I share my biggest regret when it comes to my YouTube channel and offer some thoughts and advice to anyone who may be in a similar situation. The lesson is, you can’t get better until you get started. Leave a message and be included in a future episode! https://anchor.fm/enthusiasm —— Gear of the Week —— The Sony WH-CH700n headphones have made my workflow a DREAM! They’re Bluetooth, but also have the option to be used as wired headphones, which makes th...
Jan 27, 2020•50 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Send a text message to the show! This week I’m taking YOUR questions from Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. I’ve never done a Q&A before, so thank you so much to everyone who sent in questions and helped make this more of a two way conversation. I’m loving the community we’re building here! Here are a few of the links mentioned in the episode: Artlist (2 months free): http://bit.ly/enthusiasmartlist Epidemic (free trial): http://share.epidemicsound.com/enthusiasm Leave a message and be includ...
Jan 20, 2020•55 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Send a text message to the show! Over the past 2.5 years my YouTube channel has started to organically generate revenue, which is kind of amazing. So this week I go through the ways Heather I make money on YouTube and the different ways you might be able to effectively monetize your own channel. We also dispel a few myths about that sweet sweet ad revenue. Heather’s Channel: https://youtube.com/heatherjustcreate Leave a message and be included in a future episode! https://anchor.fm/enthusiasm ——...
Jan 13, 2020•47 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send a text message to the show! It’s almost cliche advice at this point, but learning to build your brand lets you take effective control of your narrative and drive your story forward on your terms. After spending the past few weeks fine tuning and in some cases, redesigning my “brand,” I wanted to share what I learned and why it’s something worth your time. I also discovered that Anchor lets people leave voice messages, so I’m VERY excited to share a few special messages from listeners this w...
Jan 06, 2020•45 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send a text message to the show! This week I wanted to take some time to explore a bit of insecurity that’s popped up along the journey to start a business, and share a few stories/examples of how a bit of ignorance and naiveté can sometimes be exactly what you need to succeed. After all, you can’t get better until you get started. I also discovered that Anchor lets people leave voice messages, so I’m VERY excited to share a few special messages from listeners this week. If you’d like to leave a...
Dec 16, 2019•45 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send a text message to the show! It’s time to take the next step in formalizing this idea to start a business. Heather and I are teaming up for the next step, and this is our chance to explore some of the finer points. Check out Heather’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/sharesparkmedia —— Gear of the Week —— Heather loves the Switchpod, which is a lighter and more durable alternative to the Joby Gorillapod. It’s pretty awesome: https://amzn.to/2E0hCpK And my recommendation is the PolarPro Peter...
Dec 09, 2019•54 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send a text message to the show! Heather is back in the studio as web talk about what I think is a critical missing piece to The Enthusiasm Project: community. Eric Wen and I had an incredible conversation about how to build a channel that appeals to others while maintaining authenticity. It was rad. Check out Heather’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/sharesparkmedia And here’s Eric Wen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbzQenlv8ct8bHTJluoxDcw —— Gear of the Week —— Livestreaming cam...
Dec 01, 2019•43 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send a text message to the show! Last week we talked about my journey to start a business and the fact that I have no idea what I’m doing. This week I share the story of why I chose to spend all of my free time creating a “media kit” for what first appeared to be no good reason at all. And it was all because of a 15 year old kid in New Zealand. Check out the media kit I put together: https://www.himynameistom.com/media 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-b...
Nov 24, 2019•40 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send a text message to the show! Season 2 kicks off with a bang as Heather and I talk about the role of failure in starting a business and growing as an entrepreneur. I share a few of my recent failures and Heather provides her feedback as a veteran business owner. Connect with Heather: Instagram @heatherjustcreate youtube.com/sharesparkmedia —— Gear of the Week —— My gosh, this light absolutely lives up to the hype and is worth the investment. It’s ginormous, but the build, design, and quality ...
Nov 17, 2019•59 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send a text message to the show! It’s the last episode of Season 1! Bet you didn’t know these were seasons, huh? Me either. I wanted to take a moment to look back on this season of episodes and explains the how’s and why’s of what’s coming in Season 2. I’m super excited about it, and I think you’ll really like it too! Thanks for listening! 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com •••...
Aug 02, 2019•24 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send a text message to the show! Is age really nothing but a number? This week I want to share an example of someone who isn’t afraid to jump headfirst into the world of YouTube and new media. Monty McKinnon on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGOapB2PVB0mbERvPnbHGnQ Peter McKinnon’s Video About Monty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbZL6NgVOZI&t=10s 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://...
Jul 21, 2019•42 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send a text message to the show! Last week I signed up for a one hour session with Video Creators to critique my YouTube channel. In this episode I recap some of what was talked about, what I learned, and whether or not I think it was worth the $200 (spoiler alert: yes, it was absolutely worth it). 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••...
Jun 30, 2019•45 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send a text message to the show! YouTube’s Trending Page is an interesting glimpse into what the platform values and the culture of YouTube. As I’m working to be strategic about my own channel, I thought that taking a look at what I DON’T like would be a helpful way to find out where I DO want to go, and I think that’s an interesting thing for anyone who has or is thinking about starting their own YouTube channel. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-ste...
Jun 23, 2019•51 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send a text message to the show! It’s the beginning of summer, so I wanted to take a bit and give some updates about what’s been happening. From getting a new camera and developing a YouTube strategy to wrapping up the school year and learning to be more optimistic about the future, it’s been a busy few weeks! 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybook.com •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••...
Jun 16, 2019•49 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send a text message to the show! Starting your own business is hard (or at least I’ve been told and witness to), and sometimes you can be your own worst boss. Heather is at a crossroads about where to take and grow her business. So we decided to fire up the microphones and work through the discussion together! I think this will be a really helpful conversation for solopreneurs, or anyone who is thinking about striking out on their own. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster P...
Jun 09, 2019•43 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send a text message to the show! Earlier this week I was honored to be recognized as Riverside County Teacher of the Year. Out of 20,000 teachers, 4 are selected each year, so I’m still wrapping my head around the entire thing, but it’s incredibly exciting! @HeatherJustCreate wanted to spend this week’s live stream talking about my career teaching digital media. I thought it was a really great conversation, and I wanted to share the audio here as a podcast episode. So it is a little difference t...
Jun 03, 2019•56 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send a text message to the show! I’ve got a major case of Influenca, meaning that I’m sick of influencers. This past week saw the rise of a massive influencer campaign for a new photo/video product that I personally find overpriced and under-designed. Unfortunately, because so many reliable sources are pitching this product, I fear that many people may spend a lot of money on something that isn’t right for them. At the same time, “influencer marketing” is a fast growing segment of the economy an...
May 26, 2019•43 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send a text message to the show! Two years in to my YouTube journey I’ve had a startling realization: developing a strategy is not only necessary, but it can actually be…fun? What. In this episode I breakdown the strategy that I’ll be implementing on my channel, and how that might be helpful to you if you’re working to grow your own YouTube channel. 🎙Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, a step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show: https://podcasterplaybo...
May 19, 2019•43 min•Season 1Ep. 13