Authentic Media Podcast
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Podcast Production by: Julia McCall
Authentic Media Podcast
The TRUTH About Building A Podcast ft. Levi McCall & Caleb Anthony | Ep #16
Ever wondered how to build a podcast that’s real, raw, AND ridiculously funny? In this episode, I sit down with my good friends Caleb and Levi, the creators of the That’s How You Feel podcast — and let’s just say, things get hilariously real REAL fast. 😂
From going viral over a conversation about kiwis (yes, kiwis) to navigating harsh internet comments, Caleb and Levi open up about:
- How to start a podcast without all the fancy equipment
- Why authenticity is scary but powerful
- What it’s like to grow a show from scratch
- The worst (and wildest) internet comments they’ve received
- Creating content that’s relevant without losing yourself in trends
We talk about building your brand your way, finding your voice, handling criticism, and why sometimes the smallest moments (like a Costco trip!) become the biggest stories. If you’re a creator, podcaster, or someone who’s just trying to be bold and show up as yourself — this one’s for you.
👀 Plus, Caleb reveals why he really wants to be famous (spoiler: it's the money 😂), Levi drops wisdom about grief and growth, and we all agree that confidence is key—even when you’re wearing questionable jeans.
🎧 Tune in. Laugh with us. Learn from us. And be reminded that your voice matters.
👇 WATCH NOW and don’t forget to: 💬 Drop a comment with your favorite moment
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[00:00:00] This week on the Authentic Media Podcast,
follow. You can follow the trends, but make it your own. You can see something that's gone viral. If we were to film it and then share that it's already outdated by then,
what's like the most craziest comment that you guys have gotten?
He doesn't like his wife.
They're gonna be divorced in two days. What? I could never marry a man like this. Like it was bad.
So how did you handle that? 'cause I'm sure that affected you, yet It
did. I never want to lose sight of who we are. I don't think I have a lot of wisdom, but I want to share wisdom. It may not impact 99, but if it impacts one, then you're good.
Have you ever wondered how to create real, relatable and a. Authentic content. That is very true to you. If you ever wondered how to do it and you don't know where to start this episode's for you, because I have my good friends here, Caleb and Levi, from That's How You Feel podcast joining me [00:01:00] for the first time here.
So excited to have you guys, because you just told me it's your first podcast where you are being interviewed, you're like on the other side of the seat of the mic. How do you feel?
I am excited. Yeah. This is the first official time I think where we've went onto someone else's show and they presented us, like with questions and, and kind of an outline of what the show would look like.
And it's,
you're like famous.
I wouldn't say that, but I mean, hey, if you wanna follow our show. So, um, that's how you feel show, um, on all social media platforms. But first follow authentic media. Oh my gosh,
Caleb, how you feeling over there?
Um,
I'm a beall's
hype man.
I love
this.
I just, I feel, I feel, uh, humbled.
I'm like, why would you want me blessed?
Yeah. No, I talking with you. Not at you.
Oh my God. Okay. Forewarning, if you know anything about their podcasts, like they are jokesters, they love to have a great time, which is why I was like, you know what? I think you guys need to come on the auth, on the, on the Authentic Media podcast because one, I think you can speak [00:02:00] from the standpoint of what it's like to build a brand authentically.
And I was really inspired by the way that you guys like just have different types of, I dunno, just like different types of episodes. And they're very funny. Like you're very real, raw and authentic. Yeah. And so I said, okay, you guys gotta like, basically share your formula on this podcast because there's a lot of creators out there who are afraid to be themselves.
Mm-hmm.
That's true. Um, and I, I know we're probably gonna get into it and I, it, it, it terrifies me like every episode because building a brand and building this podcast and building this platform is so scary to me. Mm-hmm. Because,
oh yeah.
I follow podcasts that are already like. Big and famous. Yeah. And I struggle so, so deeply fighting the instant gratification.
Mm-hmm. Like where's my million followers?
Yes. Where's
my brand advertising? Where are my brand deals? And every episode I'm just like, ah. Like, [00:03:00] wow. The pain of the slow grind and the slow build is so, it's so real and I have to fight it all the time.
Yeah. It's
so tough. So I know, but I'm getting ahead of myself though.
No, that's good. I love that. Well, let's, sorry, go ahead.
No, it's not that point. I was gonna say, I just love you. What I like about the what I agree. Caleb
Caleb's over it. Caleb is over it. Well, and
I've already lost my train of thought because I
threw me off. I didn't even
do anything. No. The,
okay.
Yeah. So let's just, let's cut that part.
No, we're gonna keep all of it. Good. We're gonna keep all of it. Okay. I learned that from you guys because I was on their show last mm-hmm. What, couple weeks ago?
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
So if you haven't, like, I'm sorry, tuned into that episode, definitely check it out. Me and Michaelaa. It was a phenomenal
episode.
Yeah. Talking about masculinity and femininity, so, mm-hmm. Definitely check it out. Okay. But I wanna go into your origin story. Okay. So, be authentic as you want, but I'm curious, like, first of all, let's [00:04:00] start with the name. Where did, like, that's how you feel. Name, podcast. I say
Levi, I was thinking, well, what?
Oh, Kayla's. Like,
what is happening?
Caleb, why don't you start with that? 'cause you
the name, that's how you feel. Yeah. You came to me
with the name.
Yeah. I was, I was hoping you weren't about to start talking. I was like, this was my idea, bro. Like, go. You
better talk about it. No, because,
okay. So, um, I, I have, or my friends will say that I suffer from a DD.
And I don't believe them.
D-O-C-D-A-D-H-D. All of them. All of them,
yeah. So I have a problem with, you said something to me a couple weeks ago about like my filter, about how the filters reverse what I shouldn't say. I say in the things that like, I leave in the, in the head. Yeah, that's probably what I should have said.
But I often, um, have wild opinions and wild just thoughts and the rare moments when I let those like known to people, when I let them known people go. [00:05:00] That You shouldn't say that out loud. I'm like, but that's how I feel. I'm like, that's my thought. Yeah. So, uh, just, I've always kind of wanted to, it sounds kind of selfish, but I've always wanted to have a small platform to be able to voice the things that are important to me, that bring up issues that I care about.
Yeah. Um, and I thought about it and I was like, I'm gonna, I'm gonna do it. And then, and then the thought of there's a million podcasts that are already out there. Like, why would, why, why do we need another one? Mm-hmm. And I was listening to a motivational speaker, I won't remember the name, but they were talking about why it's important to start your own business if you feel like that's something that you can't, you can't like shake.
Right. And he said when you go down the bread aisle, how many different brands of bread are there and how many different
Yeah.
Brands and makes are within the bread that people, like how many different types of Sara Lee Bread are there? Yes. How many types of Wonder Bread are there?
Water.
And yet there are still more brands coming out with bread.
The bread aisle is [00:06:00] almost two aisles long now.
Literally. Amen. And even then there's,
and even then there's, on top of the bread aisle, there's a bakery section where you can get other bread.
Yeah.
And so that was, that kind of speech kind of like, gave me the courage to go, okay, I can be another person on the bread aisle, I can be another brand out there.
Mm. And so then I thought, who am I gonna get with it? And I was like, let me get my best friend. I love that. And so I came to Levi and was like, Hey, how do you feel about starting a podcast? And he said, yeah. And I was like, oh, I was gonna tell him truth that I said, no, really?
Wait, you first said no. No, I didn't.
No. Okay, okay. Yeah,
he, I, in, in my head, I remember he just was like, yeah, let's do it.
Yeah.
But then the, the, the fear of, okay, we agreed to do it, but like, let's, let's actually do this thing. Mm-hmm. And so I was ready to go by the time I pitched it to him, but he needed some time to like. Sort that thought out and really flush out that idea.
Like, do I really want to do this? Yeah. And then I gave him a deadline. I was like, Hey look, you got to the end of the month to, let's pick a [00:07:00] day. Let's just film an episode. Let's just see what happens. Yeah. But I wanna get something on the books. I want to get like an episode pr let's do, at least let's start with one.
Right.
And I gave him a deadline of like, you got to the end of the month to pick a day to film.
Oh my. And, and the thing is, if he wouldn't have done that,
yeah. You were just gonna procrastinate. 'cause when he told me
it sounds like a great idea. Yeah. You're like, yeah, sure. I mean I wasn't ready to commit, but he's like, when I do it, I was like, yeah, I'll do that.
Yeah. I've always thought it'd be great to do a podcast. 'cause there's so many things in this world, I think. Mm-hmm. Is really, um, everyone has a really. Their own perspective, their own voice, and your voice can really impact other people, um, just by a normal conversation you're having. Right. Honestly, that's what this is, is just talking with your friends.
Mm-hmm. And it seems a lot more intimidating than that. Mm-hmm. Um, especially going into it. But, um, it's been really, really cool. Yeah. But I, had he not pushed, I probably wouldn't have.
Yeah.
Like, thought like, Hey, let's, let's get this going, let's do this.
Well, I love even too, like how you guys have [00:08:00] orchestrated your entire podcast, right?
Like it's just, it seems random, but it's very like organized and structured in a way to where it's like it's light. It's funny. And then it's also like you have moments where you have like these heated conversations on like current topic events. Right? And so I'm curious, like what was the process behind like creating your episode topics?
Because I think there's a lot of people out there who wanna start a podcast. Like you said, there's so many different brands, but then they're like, I don't know what I wanna talk about. Mm-hmm. Right? So it's like, how did you guys get to that space of like nailing down your topics?
That is, that's kind of where I struggle with.
'cause like there's a, there's a lot of things that I so desperately just wanna follow. Like what are, what are other people talking about? Yeah. And just like mimic their episodes and just do those sorts of things. But I'm like. Let me fight that urge. Yeah. And just do what's ever on my mind. 'cause a lot of the topics are just whatever is on my mind.
If he sends me a text or says something to me that I, that makes me wonder or makes me think, [00:09:00]
yeah,
let's flush out that thought in an episode. Mm-hmm. Like we, he asked me one day, do you think you might be a narcissist? And I said, that's a question worth flushing out. Wow. He, he's asked me, um. We've talked about bullying before.
Well,
he didn't really ask, he didn't say, let's flesh that out. He stewed on that comment mm-hmm. For probably two, three weeks. And then he was doing message notes and that was his, his notes like that, that powerful, that episode. Yeah. But then
there, there are also topics that are passionate to us. Health and nutrition is, is something I'm really important of.
And like that was one of the first episodes that we did. Mm-hmm. Don't cover your stomach. As soon as I said health and nutrition was like, it's real passionate for me. He's
like,
so that was like, that's one of the things that I'm passionate about. So I had my brother who is a, uh, he's a health coach that I had him on there.
Um, mental health is very important to Levi. So we've done several episodes on mental health. Mm-hmm. Um, and therapy and things like that. So it's usually kind of whatever is just on our hearts and minds at that moment [00:10:00] in Right the time. And sometimes I'm like. What are we gonna talk about next week? Lemme Well, that's an
ongoing thing.
Yeah. 'cause that's one of the things getting into starting a podcast. Mm-hmm. When you have like, oh, I think it'd be cool to start a podcast. Mm-hmm. You have a vision of like things you would want to talk about. Right. But I think when you don't realize, 'cause there's a statistic that most podcasts don't last past, what, 20 episodes?
Yeah. 10, 10 episodes. Mm-hmm. And I think that's because, yeah. Yeah. In my mind, if I was to have my own podcast, it would be in regards to like mental health and grief and stuff like that.
Right.
But then you have to think you're putting out content weekly.
Right.
Do you have enough thoughts like on that specific thing to come up with fresh content?
Right.
Also mimicking other shows.
Mm-hmm.
One, yeah. That's not authentic. Yeah. But two, you can see something that's gone viral right now. Mm-hmm. If you were to film that and the way that we film, we film ahead of time. Yeah. So maybe like a week ahead of time or two weeks. Mm-hmm. And so if we were to film it and then share that, it's already outdated by then.
Right. And so [00:11:00] I would encourage you, like Yes. Get ideas from others. Mm-hmm. Um, of what you can implement into your show, but don't like take their whole show.
Right.
And use it as yours because it's. Never gonna be the same. Exactly.
Um,
if you use what you are passionate about and what you really like, yeah.
It's gonna come across better on camera anyways.
Exactly. And I think that's why I love how you like, talked about, like I just talk about whatever that's on my mind, but I think a lot of people are afraid mm-hmm. To like, put themselves in front of a camera and on a mic and talk about their real thoughts.
But like, that is the significance of being authentic because I think you find it more relatable. So, okay. Cliche question, but like, what does authenticity mean to you?
Um, authenticity is. It's frightening.
Mm.
Uh, and to, to walk in it is takes a lot of bravery. I, I always, I, I'm, I'm kind of a hypocrite sometimes 'cause I will tell people, be aggressively, authentically you.
Yeah. Uh, let people know who you [00:12:00] are because I firmly believe that when you start doing that, the people who need to be around you will be around you. Right. Uh, and folks that don't like who you are, when you become your authentic self, they will leave. Hmm. Uh, I had a beautiful friend tell me the other day that.
They feel like they don't have to perform when they're around me.
Wow, that's so good. And
it, it's a, it's a blessing and, and, and a curse. 'cause like I love that they are comfortable enough to be themselves around me.
Yeah.
But also it's like, oh, can you sit up straight when you're around me though? Like, come on.
Like, no, this, I'm not the the guy. But again, like I say that as a joke, but I love that people, you can come to my house. You don't have to perform, you don't have to have your hair done. You can just come and Crocs and a shirt with holes in it for all I care. Yeah. And just, and say, Hey, I'm having a day right now.
Yeah.
And they know that it's okay to be that around me. You can tell me. Mm-hmm. That you don't like the way that I dress. And I'm okay [00:13:00] with that. And I love that you're okay enough to tell me that.
Yeah.
You can say you don't like my jeans, to be fair, we don't like his outfit.
Before the show, we were like, Hey, is that what you're wearing?
And then I
admitted to him, I was like, those jeans have always been terrible. I'm sorry. He
is like, is this a safe space? I don't like your jeans. Never.
Yeah. But Caleb, you are being your authentic self and it's great. Oh my God, you are. We
love it.
Confidence is key in outfits anyways. Yes,
all the time. But first of all, can I just say, I just loved your answer.
I was not expecting that. Like, wow, friend, I got gems over here. Y'all just don't, don't I don't. Listen, I was not prepared for this. Okay. Levi's, your turn. What does authenticity mean to you?
Authenticity. Well, um, I had an answer. It's so funny. I'm getting all sidetracked. Did it go out? It does. Okay. You know, see I, are you
getting nervous?
Yeah. No.
You wanna read
authenticity? I think so. For me, it's really coming as you are, and I know that's a generic statement, but I mean, and kind of what you said, if you're having a bad day or if during your [00:14:00] day you've ran across a situation that really stumped you as far as something that like you really need to talk with others about.
Mm-hmm. That's where I think, especially in a podcast format, authenticity, like, don't hide that completely. Now there is, there is a line to it.
Yeah.
Um, so you do wanna be authentic? Authentic because in our podcast we would talk about a lot of sad stuff
or when I don't think I've seen that. Not sad. Or I would say
like more on grief and mental health.
Okay. Yeah. Of situations I've been through. Mm-hmm. Um, there's just stuff I wanna pour into, but we want to stay. Up with the times and relevant. And there's plenty of time because there is so many like, consistent weeks to have episodes like that. And so we want to, you know, be able to share the, um, important things, you know, or things that matter to us.
Um, but also bring up things like we did an episode about the Grammys and the Oscars and like sharing our opinions. You know, just kind of realizing Caleb [00:15:00] knows nothing about pulp culture. Um, doesn't know anything. I'm with you there. Um, so yeah, just lots of things. But I think if you, if you're coming into a podcast, co podcast, sorry, you're gonna stumble over your words.
Um,
but you gotta keep going.
Yes. And you're gonna make, make mistakes. Right. But what you said, you've gotta keep going. Yeah. Um, and when I think the hardest thing is comments. Mm-hmm. You're always gonna see comments. Mm. This has been a thing for years. You're gonna see comments that are good, bad, and just down.
Right. You gotta get into
that. Yeah.
Um. And I think that if you let those run your mind mm-hmm. Um, that's gonna affect how you come across. And I don't think you'll be au authentic, authentic.
Yeah.
Because I think you'll be more worried about what I know I have at times for sure. What everyone else is thinking.
I,
I wanna get into the comments, but before that part, I do wanna address like, the whole like, process around creating content. When it comes to staying up to trends. Like from your perspective, do you guys create episodes that are focused on, let's say, like the [00:16:00] Grammys or the latest topic that's going on so you can, you know.
Maybe go viral or you can keep up with the numbers. Like if someone is just starting a podcast and they're trying to get in the flow of being consistent, would you recommend that they, you know, do podcasts that are very trendy and up to date, or do, would you recommend that they stay away and just focus on being consistent?
Hmm. Um, I would say 80 20. 80 20 Of just whatever's on your heart and whatever's on your mind, because that's where, yeah, that's where the authenticity will flow from. That's where the ideas will flow from. Right. Like I have a friend who's wanting to start a podcast and she is sort of heavily in like the dating scene.
And I was like, you could start and just run with dating stories for days and days. That's good. And just how your life is just kind of just unraveling. And she said, that's a great idea. I was like, you don't have to chase any trends. It is cool to do like a, like a, a trend and pick a, pick a trend or a hot topic.
Mm-hmm. You know, we did one on politics, [00:17:00] like in, in the midst of election, election season. Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
Um, when I pitched, Hey, we should do like a Grammys episode. Like the Grammys are coming up. Mm-hmm. We can, we, we can pull the nominees that, that they posted. 'cause those come out. Yeah. And just weigh in on it.
And it's fun to do that and just talk about those sorts of things.
Right. Uh,
but also, again, that, but you can talk about current topics mm-hmm. From your perspective. Mm-hmm. And that's what makes it authentic. That's what makes it original. Yeah. Right. But if you're just out there spewing the same things that everybody else is saying, then there's really not much fun in that.
Mm. And then there's nothing that sets you apart if you're truly just following the trend. Right. But like we were talking about how, like in the Grammys episode we were, I was talking about how I want Beyonce to win. Yeah. Um, not because she was just black, but like low key and you were wanting somebody else, you were wanting like somebody else to win because of talent.
He didn't know
anybody. He didn't know anybody in the category. Beyonce, Beyonce, all day fiance, Beyonce, and so, oh my gosh. It was, no, I had no, no [00:18:00] problem with that. And so
it was, it, it was a fun way to kind of follow a trend mm-hmm. That everyone's talking about the Grammys, but also from my perspective and my point of view on who I think should win.
Yeah. So you can follow, you can follow the trends, but Right. Make it your own.
Mm-hmm. Yeah. Well, and I think, um, so you mentioned we did a pol political episode. Mm-hmm. So one thing I wanted to kind of always steer clear of is like politics mm-hmm. Because it's such a divided issue. Mm-hmm. I think if you put your stamp on it, either way it's so divided and so, yeah.
But this last political season was so toxic. Mm-hmm. Um, and so I, we, that's what we talked about was the toxicity of it, um, in election years. And so it's just like, yes, you are staying consistent with the times, but again, you're pulling it from like, yeah. Why, why is this so frustrating? Right. And then like, let's have a conversation about this.
Mm-hmm. Because other people are thinking about it.
Right. And okay, so back to the whole like [00:19:00] commentary. When, when you're putting yourself out there, like you mentioned it, Caleb, it's frightening, right? Mm-hmm. Because you are having to now really like, deal with people's comments. Mm-hmm. And some, sometimes people just don't hold back.
Like they do not care. They will express like their opinion. Mm-hmm. And obviously we live in that country, so it's fine, right? Mm-hmm. But I'm curious what's like the most craziest like, comment that you guys have gotten on your episode, on your, obviously
the
Kiwis are on sale, obviously. I, I brought up a moment, I brought up a moment in my life and my marriage where I was talking about, it was a, a quick moment about my wife asking, or we were talking about, I was going shopping.
Mm-hmm. And I, we were talking about Kiwis and I. First of all, I told the story poorly because what? Because what really happened was just a quick little moment, a quick little conversation. Yeah. And then, but that moment got blown wildly out of proportion. Mm-hmm. [00:20:00] And people weighed in on my life and my marriage and my character.
We still make comments on it. The video is still getting refresh comments. Mm-hmm.
Every day. Like tearing you down or, oh yeah, a hundred percent. We'll see
30 seconds. Oh
my gosh. Yes. Of your life. And they think you
have, they have you figured out too. It, they had my number
down and every, every comment was, he doesn't like his wife, they're gonna be divorced in two days.
What? Like, are you kidding
me? I could
never marry a man like this, honey, get out of there and run. Like it was, it was bad. Yeah. And
so how did you handle that? 'cause I'm sure that affected you at some point.
It did. Um, initially I was like, I was so excited because. We got a viral clip. I'm about to be famous for being, and there's day, like, that's
why we're creating content.
Why? I mean, we want people to see
it. I mean, I could, any other con, any other clip would've been fine. But this is the one that's like getting so many views. It got picked up by Buzzfeed. Wow. Buzzfeed like reached out and was like, Hey, can we write an article about this? And then that gained [00:21:00] more traction, more comments.
He doesn't like his spouse. This is a sham. This guy is the worst husband ever. Like, may this love never find me. Like the, like it was bad. Okay. Uh, and then I had people, that's crazy. But you know, it gave us views and gave us followers. And like my family had, who had never even known I had a podcast like, texted me, bro, is this you?
And then would send me the clip. I'm like, yeah, that's me. Oh my God. So it was, it was great for that, for the exposure. Yeah. But the comments really took a toll on my mental health where I was like, oh my goodness. Like it, like I felt some type of way. I felt the need like. I need to come on and like, justify my marriage.
Yeah. I, and justify like I was gonna say, did you love my sp I did. Okay. I didn't want to because I feel like if you have to go on and like defend yourself mm-hmm. If I have to come on and explain that I love my spouse mm-hmm. It's obviously not evident enough that I do just in my day-to-day living.
Yeah.
And so I wrestled with that motion. Mm-hmm. That, that, uh, emotion.
[00:22:00] Yeah.
But there came a time where I, I kept looking at all the comments and like, they really affected how I was feeling. Yeah. And then I just decided I'm not gonna, I'm not gonna look at another comment on the video. I don't care anymore. You know, let, I, I liked a bunch of 'em.
'cause I, I gotta interact with your viewers now. Right. Even though they're tearing you down. Oh my
God.
Because a lot of them were just funny. Mm-hmm. A lot of them were like, ha ha, this is funny. But like, it was repetitive.
Oh my God. But
the great thing about having the negative comments come in and pour in and affect me was that I also had the circle of true friends that knew who I was.
Mm-hmm. That saw that. But they were in turn speaking life back into me. Yeah. If I didn't have Levi, if I didn't have my friend Joel, if I didn't have my circle saying, we know who you really are. Mm-hmm. Don't let this get to you. Uh, I think it would've been a lot worse for me, honestly. So. Right. I'm, I'm in no way, shape or form any kind of famous whatsoever.
Yeah.
But the [00:23:00] scrutiny that like real celebrities get when they have any kind of like mm-hmm. Scandal. I could never, I don't, I like
you can imagine,
I can't imagine what that must be like. Yeah. And like we weigh in on celebrities lives all the time. Right. Not knowing how that, anything like.
That's why like even when it comes to just like pop culture, I think that's why sometimes like even for me, I had to like stray away.
'cause there was a time where I like had an opportunity to get into like entertainment reporting. Mm-hmm. And I was like, for my mental health, I think I'm okay. Like, I think I'm great. You know, like not going down that path. And so like by the grace of God, I've just been kind of like, let's just steer away from that.
Yeah. 'cause like you said, you only know three seconds or even like half of the story, right? There's always like the truth, like two sides of the truth and then like the real story. Right? So, wait, did I say that right? Yeah. Yeah. Two sides of the Well, and the thing is, is
I think what, what kind of, so it was great because it did get a lot of followers and attractions and Yes, that's not like a.[00:24:00]
It's a weird thing to say sometimes when you're doing this. Yeah. Because you do it, you do it 'cause you love it. Mm-hmm. We actually enjoy coming and hanging out and just filming and having fun with friends. Yeah. Um, so it seems weird that like, yes, you want to get views, but that's how eventually the goal would be to, you know, make a living out of it.
Mm-hmm. I will say with that clip, he said, you know, if it would've been any other video, you post so many videos that you're like, this one's gold. This one's gonna go, this is gonna be it. This is our big moment.
It's like, never the one that you think. And then it
was avocado, uh, Kiwis, Kiwis, and then it was Kiwis.
So what
exactly did you say in the video? Oh God. Yeah.
We're not gonna, yeah, no, no.
I'll tell the story. I don't care. Okay. I was, go, I'll, I'll try to paraphrase it, but you can also say, I'm a bad spouse for this. So I'm standing, I'm in the kitchen with my wife. I'm saying, Hey, I'm about to go to Costco. And she's like, oh, Kiwis are on sale.
And I'm like. Okay. And then like I was about to leave. I was like, wait a minute, did you want me to get Kiwis? She was like, yeah. And I was like, well, why don't you just say that then? Yeah. She's like, oh. And [00:25:00] like literally how I told you it was very conversational like that. Okay. I was a little snot like snippy with them.
And I was like, why don't you just say you get Kiwis then? Yes,
you were. And it started out, am I in the wrong if I don't buy my wife Kiwis after she said that. Gotcha. Like, I was gonna get them. That was what people, because that was
something so small. Yeah. And people so small that were small, crazy. He didn't
buy the Kiwis.
The funny thing is, is he did, I bought the Kiwis anyway, and the Kiwis
were for him. They weren't even for her. They were, she was thinking about me thinking I was gonna want Kiwis. I didn't, but she was just, she, she was looking out for me. Yeah. And it was just like this, like as soon as she said Kiwis are on sale, I knew, I was like, she wants me to get Kiwis.
And I was like, why don't you just say get Kiwis? Gotcha. We were kind of like low key in the middle of a fight, but Right. Like we were kind of beefing. So that's kind of why like I snapped back at her a little bit. Like Yeah. But, you know,
yeah. It
truly was like a, a quick moment, a small thing in our, in our, in our daily life.
And I told that story. And, uh, the internet. A authenticity
can be hard too sometimes.
Is that, I mean, you said it could be frightening. I mean, literally I think that stuck with me. Like I wasn't scared
to tell that story. 'cause [00:26:00] I was just like, this little, this, this is a throwaway clip.
Right. But
our producer chopped that up and made me look like a jerk.
No, no, no. We're not gonna be talking
about Juliet. Well, I was gonna
say, we haven't even got to mention Julia, which I know she Yes. Edits your lovely podcast as well. Mm-hmm. But we wouldn't be anywhere without her.
A hundred percent. Always like to give love to Julia. Yeah.
Um, and another thing about podcasts, this is something that we were talking about earlier, kind of mm-hmm.
Starting a podcast. So you see your podcast mm-hmm. You see ours and it has a video format to it as well. Mm-hmm. And I think for me, just alone, like, 'cause I've thought like, oh, what's, what would it be like to do a podcast? Right. You do not have to have all this equipment.
Oh my gosh. If you
do, that's great.
Yeah. And yes, it, it will, you know, turn out great. Mm-hmm. I, we are lucky. We got lucky. Yeah, I'm married to someone who has some talent and a, and some good equipment. Yeah. Um, but, but I was gonna say, even if you don't Yeah.
I was gonna say, you married someone who had no experience doing this. Oh, correct. She self-taught herself.
Wow. She's self-taught
powerful. Yeah. She, she [00:27:00] became
passionate about it. Yeah. Um, but, but I
agree. I like how you talked about you don't have to have everything. 'cause when I found out that you guys are recording on your cell phones, I'm like, what? Yeah. I'm like, you're doing this on your cell phone. Like there's no excuse why you should not be creating content nowadays.
Yeah. Like, there's no excuse.
No. And especially you have a voice. Make it matter.
Mm-hmm.
Um, yeah. And you can't do that if you don't take the chance. Yeah.
Well, I will say like, I appreciate you sharing the story, because like I said, I think that, um, one thing that we have to like just remind people as creators is that it comes with having tough skin, and I think it does make you stronger, you know?
Mm-hmm. I think that's what the news industry did for me. A lot of people are surprised when they're like, oh, have you ever gotten bad comments? I'm like. Honey, do you wanna know what people used to say about my hair? Okay. But now I laugh about it, right? I look back and I was like, you know, I shouldn't have been wearing those wigs.
I should, you're have been right a little bit.
You know?
They were right. You know? That's the thing. And
there's always a way people should actually [00:28:00] say things anyways.
Yeah.
And they probably shouldn't have said anything, so, right.
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Okay. So I love that we're continuing the conversation about authenticity being true to yourself. Um, you guys are being very good about like letting our. Audience know about how to create a podcast from scratch. Let's talk about how do you prepare [00:29:00] for an episode?
Prayer?
Pretty much we need Jesus. We're like, can someone, um, I think we're, so the thing with a podcast is you're not gonna have it figured out day one.
Yeah. And you're gonna consistently learn. Yeah. We have learned so much. We are still learning. And I think the way that we prepare for our episodes is something that we can always improve on. Um, just to, you know, different ways. I will say Caleb has come up with a really good format. Mm-hmm. 'cause when we do have guests on, I love it.
Yeah.
Um,
we will have a note section. Mm-hmm. And so when you were on, we were able to send it to you. Yeah. And it goes over the different segments. So it'll talk about kind of like the intro and like, yeah. This is why we do this question of the days. This is kind of icebreakers, you know? Mm-hmm. Lighten it up, get used Before we dive into the topic.
Yeah. Um, it was birth
outta fear.
Oh, well, it, it was burnt out, out of fear,
out of like not wanting to have a lull in a conversation. Mm. Like there have been so many times where, like in our podcast where we get off topic so [00:30:00] far, and
Yes, we, we've
done episodes where we never even get to the topic. Yeah.
It's like, oh well. We poor we now. But that's good because A, we got another episode in the, and and we got one in the chamber now. But those, I created the, just like an agenda. Mm-hmm. Just so everybody can kind of stay on board and stay on brand. Stay on. Just focus with, Ooh, I, that what the plan is because I was afraid of a lull on a conversation.
Mm-hmm. Like, yeah. When I first pitched the idea of the podcast, I was afraid. I was like, can we even talk to each other with purpose? I remember For what? 30 minutes? For 30 minutes? Yeah. Could we do that?
And when was the first episode? What, like an hour? Hour? And we were like, we could've went longer. What?
Yeah.
We like, we have to like, stop the episode. Like, 'cause we, we can just keep going. But it's a good thing to prepare like you want mm-hmm. Like when you're starting, I, I, I, I love the passion behind just hit record and go. Yeah. But I also love the, the note. The note of. Hey, take the time. Mm-hmm. And just do it.
Well, yes. If you're gonna do anything, put [00:31:00] some effort behind it. Mm-hmm. Have an outline, have a plan. I told her I, yeah. Like my friend that's starting her podcast, I said, why don't you just write down like three or four topics Yes. That you could just talk for maybe 30 minutes about Right. And she's done that.
And so I was like, those are your first four episodes right there. Yeah. You don't have to really like, you don't have to overthink it, just kind of go with it, but. You, you at least know what you're gonna talk about. Yeah. Yeah. And so that, that's kind of, because nowadays
like long form, you know, episodes are like key.
They're gold, right? Mm-hmm. Like you said, talking for 30 plus minutes, like people are attracted to that. And then of course you have like the short form. Mm-hmm. And so I agree with your strategy, like four episodes at least, if you're starting from scratch, like they need to be 30 plus minutes long. Yeah.
Um, and then cut them into short clips and then, you know, they go into shorts and things like that. Mm-hmm. So, yeah. What are some other things that you guys like learned along the way that you wish you would've known? Like in the very beginning?
Uh, a lot about each other. Oh my gosh. Shoot. [00:32:00] I mean, we probably wouldn't have chosen each other.
I would, it's easier to do it.
No, I'm just kidding. You guys have like really good chemistry.
The fact that I think that we're, so, we're, we're easygoing about what annoys each us about each other.
They're like, brothers, you guys are we easy?
Look
at
a little bit. Seriously. Look, look before record gets pressed and then after record gets pressed, there's a lot more colorful dialogue that goes on.
So, uh, but oh my God, the thing that I've learned the most is just how to be flexible, because I'm kind of, it's so kind of funny. I'm more of like a stickler to the agenda. Like, let's stay on topic. Let's come on guys. We got show notes to heal. We got points, right? And Levi is so fine and I'm, my authenticity with Jesus just taking the in the wheel.
I, like I told, where are we going? I, I have kind of warned other guests like, Hey, Levi's kind of a fly by the seat. So just, which
I'm not, it's just, it's so different from you that that's a, because I'm just like, we can stray a little bit, we'll [00:33:00] get back. But you want it to flow naturally. Yeah. I told you we were gonna have different answers.
Yeah,
no, I love this. But,
but the other side of that coin is that when we talked about like content and creating content and creating topics mm-hmm. Levi, when he has a show topic that he wants to do, it's usually a more serious episode. And I am the one that's like, I wanna talk about cartoons for an hour.
Yeah. Like, I, which is
weird because I think it's the opposite.
Yeah. Oh really? Yeah. No, no, no. I'm the joker. You know, Caleb, I'm the one keeping the podcast lighthearted. 'cause Yeah. Kind of, you know, tense moments make me uncomfortable. So when Levi's talking about something like his father passing away, I'm just sitting over here like, don't make a joke.
Don't make a joke. Keep it serious. Keep it serious. But
see, and my thing is, is make make the joke. You know, make it so,
but because that makes the episode even
like now we're getting to talk about grief. Yeah. But even if like you're talking, someone's talking about a series that. Read the, I mean, yeah, read the room
for sure.
I'm trying to, [00:34:00] but get into the, um, strategy around Okay. A duo, right? So like, I will say there is a lot of power in like, having a partner with you. Yeah. So that's why I'm like, you guys have a huge opportunity and benefit because you have each other in case you don't have a guest. I mean, typically nowadays, I think you guys do have a guest like every single time.
Yeah. But before, did you guys start out, just you guys, right? Mm-hmm. Yeah. So,
so episode one and episodes one and two were just us. Okay. And then episode three was my brother. He was, he was our first guest. And then
from then it's been like guests consistently most of the
time. I like having just us sometimes, um, Caleb does not, Caleb likes when there's a guest or something, which I do like, it's fun either way.
But there are times where I like to just have us, because it may be something that's on my heart where I feel more comfortable talking it through with Caleb.
Mm-hmm.
Um, and. You know, that's, and I like
company
and you wanna have a safe space when you're creating these. Yeah. Obviously if you're gonna talk about topics that you're passionate about, don't invite things in the room that are gonna make you uncomfortable For sure.
You know, obviously. Yeah. So, um, [00:35:00] yeah, our guests are, are never is hard enough, so. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah.
Well I'm glad you touched on that 'cause I know there's a lot of people who are doing podcasts solo, like I myself, right? Mm-hmm. And so I think like one of the things I do find a challenge is doing solo podcasts.
I can do, I could talk forever, but I love talking to people. And then also too, like the videos like, um, 'cause I've started over from scratch, um, from my previous podcast and I've noticed like the viewership is higher with. Guest versus like just one person talking because people just don't like really listen to a one singular voice.
Which is weird because Omar elt Corey talked about that too. Like if you are gonna do a solo podcast, like maybe like include one of your friends to like ask you questions. Mm-hmm. Or something like that versus it just like be you talking the whole time. I like the What are your
thoughts? I like the idea of a solo podcast.
Like really one of my, one of my podcasts that I listen to regularly is just one dude. Who is it? His name is Dusty Slay. He's a comedian. Okay. He tells funny like stories [00:36:00] about on the road, but he also just has opinions that he just wants to just flush out. And yeah, he's got my whole attention when he talks.
I'm just like, this is crazy. 'cause it's just him. And he has said many times on his podcast, I hate talking. This feels weird 'cause it's just me in a room with a laptop.
Yeah. Yeah. But it's just weird and listen
religiously. Mm. Um, and then there's another podcast where it's like four guys and that can be intense 'cause it's four people.
Yes.
You know, kind of waiting to get their funny thing in. And so it's kind of like, it's something that I fight because I want to have as many people in the room as possible. I think a lot of company makes for a good time. Mm-hmm. And then Levi comes in and is like, can we just do like just me and you?
Can it just be
That's
so sweet. Can just be us? And I'm just like. Can we invite somebody? Can I get two of us? And I just, I want, you know. Well, and the thing
is, is we have realized for the flow, the timing of editing and everything, three guests, like having one extra guest is good. Is good.
Okay.
Um, two extra guests.[00:37:00]
Guest is probably the max. Um, I'm plotting like four and five. I'm like, oh my gosh. Yeah. Just because
you're not even thinking about the editor. I was gonna say, oh my gosh. The
producer. Yeah. And I, and I mean, I am at home and I see. The hours that she edits. Mm-hmm. And she loves it. She does it with a joyful heart, which I love.
Yeah.
Wouldn't, shouldn't say that. 'cause now I want
some more people on.
No, I wouldn't. We're gonna get a panel.
We're gonna,
I wouldn't do this. We have a whole panel's. Like, I went home every night and she was, you know, but it definitely has adjusted our life in general. Um, I was, um, going to say, well, you talked for a while.
He forgot his Well, no. What was the que the last question you asked?
Um, what were we talking about?
No, I'm sorry.
Now you made me forget my train of thought.
Well, I just wanna say no, I'm
just
three times I will say one thing I've noticed mm-hmm. About starting podcasts. People do not like the sound of their voice.
Yeah. I hate the sound of my voice. Oh my.
Don't like it. And I
have, [00:38:00] so I've done some videos for work. Mm-hmm. Um, where I've had an inter. Interview people, and then obviously with our podcast,
and now you're an expert.
I don't know about that. Fake it till you make it, but No. Um, but every single person was, oh, I hate hearing my self doc.
And I was like, me too.
Yeah. But
don't let that stop you. Mm-hmm. Because you won't even notice it, honestly.
Right. You
may, for the first few minutes you watch yourself on camera, but then you get into the topic and you're good. And you're
good. Yeah. Yeah. And you gotta make also understand like, those are your words.
And so like, whatever you are, like, you know, saying and speaking out loud, it's like true. Like that's what you believe. So definitely making sure that you're speaking like life into yourself. Mm-hmm. And not like just, you know, negative talk.
Yep. I was, I just said that like 30 minutes ago. I was like, Hey, we were outside and I was like, Levi, I don't really like when you talk negatively about yourself.
Oh my gosh, I don't.
Okay. So how has your podcast impacted your personal life, if at all?
I can't go out in public anymore. I know it's a mad house out there.
I'm just kidding.
That is not what I thought he was [00:39:00] about to say. No, he canceled his Costco membership. He can't be sitting, oh God. He can't buy Kiwi anymore.
No. Lemme tell you something real quick.
It's okay. Zepi send him So
that, so that Kiwi video went so viral That the crazy. Yeah. We did not tag that company. Like I just said, Costco and Kiwis.
Yeah.
But the distributor of Kiwis that, that sells their Kiwis to Costco found that clip and sent us like product.
It was like, Hey, can we send, I remember that.
Yes. It was
the, I was like, what is happening?
Wow. But.
That, that is the, the pendulum on the far, far, far right. Right. But my life ain't no different. I just, I have people
That is, that is not even true. That's not true. I, life is not any different. That's even true.
I would say
think about even Sundays here at church.
Yeah. Sunday you get recognized. Now you do. And
since we've started the podcast, there's been multiple times just here at church where we're in the lobby and people will be like, Hey, I watched your show, or I ran across you on TikTok. And I, for me, I'm like, [00:40:00] oh wow.
Thank, I mean, thank you. Yeah. I mean, no, it's weird. It's weird. I know. I probably thought little, it is weird. It is weird when people, it's weird every single time. I don't think it'll ever will, but I don't con I mean,
no, it, yeah. Okay. You're right. If I'm being true, it, it is weird. Like, it's weird because when you, when when I'm doing this, there are people that I expect will watch it.
Mm. And they don't tell me anything.
Yes. But then
there are people that I would never have even guessed you. You pay attention. Yes. They're the ones that tell me, I love your podcast. And I'm like. You watch it.
That happens to me all the time. That's, that's the crazy thing
about, like, that's what makes me feel like, so like me, like Alejandro, my friend Abby, like I don't ever interact with these people on a, on a, any kind of basis whatsoever.
Right. Maybe in passing and I'll say hello to you, but like to know that these are, there are some people who I sad I don't think about all the time.
Yeah.
And they were like, Hey, I love your podcast. My brother, my younger brother. Yeah. I know that he watches, which is like, really? Yeah.
I [00:41:00] told you he watched, you didn't think he watched.
Exactly.
There are the people who you expect will support you. Mm-hmm. Sometimes don't. And it's the people that you least expect will place an order for. Some merch will share your podcast. And it's like, wow. But like my family and friends don't. Yeah. But then I got like random people like sharing my podcast on Facebook.
I'm like. Thank
you. But it's hard. I mean, now that I've put, we have put out stuff, I will say it's, I can see why it would be hard to support it in the way that I think we envision. 'cause I think when you ex see your friends and family, like you want them to share all the clips, you know? Yes. And help get it going.
Yeah. But make me famous that, I mean, oh
my
gosh. I can think there's probably people who don't like my feed now because all they see is my podcast clips. Mm. Right. I mean, it's just, I think you don't want to overkill it. Right. As long as they're showing up, I think that matters. But yeah. Lemme
tell you something.
McDonald's has over 1 billion, trillion served, and [00:42:00] they're still putting out commercials. Don't ever, don't, don't ever stop sharing your, your content. Yeah. Don't ever stop promoting yourself.
And that's a good point. And I will say like, you know, I've had comments towards me from people that they'll say like, yeah, like, I'm just confused about your brand 'cause like, is it all about you?
And I'm like. Yeah, it is. But like Truth Office was, it's my brand. I'm like, it's my brand. I, I'm not in a space where I have a team yet. But I think that like, that's why for me, the brand is being authentic though. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And it sounds very cliche, but again, if you go back and watch, you know, you know, previous episodes I talk about like how I got here.
And so it's interesting because yes, I feel the same way that sometimes I'm like, dang. Like that comment has like been in my mind, like, is my social media feed all about me? And it's like, yeah, but I'm also showing you like what I'm doing and how I'm doing it, because these are the same people asking questions about how did you get to a space where you're creating a podcast?
Mm-hmm. Or, you know, how'd you get to the space where you're doing photo [00:43:00] shoots and things like that? And it's like, I'm telling you through the content, so I agree. I think you just have to be just annoying. Yeah. I mean, seriously you do. But in the beginning,
I don't, I don't even think about it as being annoying anymore because Yeah.
Yes, I am promoting myself a lot. Yes, I'm sharing my stuff a lot. But the other, uh, I keep saying the other side of that coin, but there are some moments where people who will come up to me and say, Hey, because you started it. Yes, I'm starting it. Yeah. Like there are people That's true. Who have told me and I it this, I don't believe to this day.
I see you post and you're in the gym so much. I started going to the gym because of you,
dude, I was telling you that. I was like, keep going. Literally. And so like, I've
had friends that have started their podcast because of me. Mm-hmm. I've had friends that like picked up their fitness journey again because of me.
Yeah. Um,
I don't believe it when I hear it. Like, you don't believe it when you hear it. Yeah. Like, I don't like
Yeah. There's,
I cannot believe that I could ever motivate somebody to do anything. Yeah. Or someone started something because of me. Like [00:44:00] that, that does not compute in my head. Yeah. Like, I'm nobody.
It's interesting 'cause it's like, I think sometimes when I do posts, like I'm not really even thinking about me. I'm thinking about the person I could help. Mm. Like you said, you know, and so I think it has everything to do with, like, this is why you have to create, because your story is not about you. Mm.
It's about like showing people what is possible. Right. Like what they could do. And so like that's what I'm thinking about is like I'm thinking about the person who is afraid to start. I'm thinking about the person who's afraid to like, you know, not get in front of the camera. Mm-hmm. Or take photos. Like I'm thinking about you honey.
So we can encourage you. That's why
we're a little different. I'm trying to be famous. I'm not thinking about who I can tell I You
appreciate your honesty. Which is why
I'm surprised when I find out I help somebody. I'm like, oh, it helped you. I'm trying to be famous. Whoa. I'm trying to make money. Like which, and I
mean, where Thes at
humbly.
Humbly is he is trying to be
famous, which,
and so for me,
I am wanting,
he's like, let get signed today.
I do [00:45:00] want to put my voice out there and Yeah. Um, speak on things. 'cause when we talked earlier about like the funny versus the deep Yeah. I, so I've just been through a lot of different scenarios. I work in hospice as it is full time.
Um, and so that's my, been my day to day for the last 14 years. And so there's a lot of stories from that. There's also, um, I have lost some family members pretty close recently and I, there's a lot to talk about grief and so, um, it is hard though because those are such heavy topics. Mm-hmm. I think that's what has helped us balance is we kind of keep it light and we keep, we can talk about the serious because, um, if you drown it in that like deep heaviness.
Yeah. Draws people away because they can't handle that.
Right.
If that makes sense. Yeah.
You guys have a good balance.
So you do want to be authentic, but you also want to think about your audience.
Yeah.
Um, and is this too much for them or
Yeah. Does
it need to become in a different way? You know?
Mm-hmm.
Okay. So you guys have been doing this for almost a year?
Just over a year. Just over a year. [00:46:00] February 27th. 24, we put out our first episode.
Wow. And you guys have taken off that literally you guys have taken off like truly inspired.
Well, it was the Kiwis.
Thank you Kiwis and appreciate it. And I do say that as
a joke, but that was the start where I think it really did because it really was as much hate as he got.
You got us a couple thousand followers. Yeah. So he
said thank you. Yeah. Oh my God. Is your wife doing okay though? She's fine. Okay.
His wife was like, I told you not to talk crazy to me. Yeah.
Like, because like
I can see her say that too. When, when I
found out, like, or when I noticed it was like there was like, oh, this is a moment.
Yeah. Like I came home and I was like, Hey, uh, I'm kind of like a little viral. She's like, over what? I was like, so remember the Kiwi thing? We talked, she was like, yeah, what about it? I was like, that's the con's that's coming. She like, I told you not to talk to me. Crazy. People
was
God making
videos, asking their husbands, Hey, if you're going to the store, they say, no way.
[00:47:00] There was a response. There was like a kiwi
trend,
like, like where
people, trends setter. Wow. Look at you, friend. I'm proud. Okay. Making that impact all the, all for the
wrong reasons.
Hey,
you did great.
Okay. So what's next? What is, that's how you feel, podcast goals, what's coming up?
So we um, we have a Patreon now, um, Ooh, thanks to our lovely producer.
'cause we, I love that we, obviously we've a lot of, it's due to her, but, um, we are wanting to like film more content and it would go on our Patreon, we're calling it Side Quest. Mm-hmm. Okay. So we did an episode side quest. Yeah. Where we, okay. So where we went to Vegas last year and we filmed, so basic content creation, but
yeah.
Shortened videos of that, um, us trying different types of foods.
Wow.
Um. You know, I, I know Caleb's talked about wanting to do a solo podcast without me. Uh, are you gonna
do that?
I've thought about probably not doing one without him. It it would, it would be You guys
would miss each other. You'd be like, this is boring.
No, no.
We would still do, like,
that's how
you feel would be the main
Oh, okay. Okay. I would have to
leave the church if I wanted to do the podcast. I [00:48:00] really wanted do. Oh my gosh. I would have to, I'd have to walk away from the church because there's, I cannot stuff I wanna get off my chest, but
I cannot. Hmm.
Uh, so yeah, he talked about like our Patreon. Yeah. Uh, you know, just some more other content creation things. The end goal for me, honestly, like other than this
athletics. Athletics, other than like brand sponsorships, athletic, and like,
really like, having like fun with this podcast. This podcast becoming maybe a full-time job.
A hundred percent. Uh,
there are even bigger things that I envision for this podcast. Like, I like that there some buzz words like multimedia studio, there's some buzz words like, you know, company like there, there, this could be come something. Way bigger than I ever even thought it could be.
Yeah.
And this, the funny thing is, is that I didn't even think of that until our beautiful producer put that bug in my ear and I was like,
wow.
Oh, this could, we could really blow this up.
Don't be telling people our business. Oh my God. I'm not trying to, but she asked What's next? And I'm like, bro, like, I'm [00:49:00] like, well, just
let me know when it's time. See, you can, we'll probably have a call
and tell your story. Our producer has a really good business venture that she's taking very seriously.
Mm-hmm.
Wow. I'm super excited for, I'm not saying much because I
don't want y'all to steal our idea. Yeah. But I
mean,
what's yours? Is yours real like downtown
corner offices? Like board meetings and conference rooms for sure. Very nice swivel chairs.
Yeah. Okay. I see that. Like nobody can steal your anointing.
Okay. Don't even to worry about it. Well,
my bit, my thing is, is. I do want us to retire. I want retire. My wife. Yeah. I want to, um, us to retire and be able to do this. Well, is she gonna be retired if she's still editing our podcast? No, I wanna get to the point where she just oversees it. Oh, yeah. Oh, okay. You know what I mean?
Yeah. Um, but she, she's like the managing, I never editor, she's in editing
room, like Uhuh. Oh gosh. Cut that part. Right? CEO. But she's not doing the clips, so she's not she's not moving her, she's not moving the mouse anymore. Yeah.
Yeah. No, but I mean, where we can That's awesome. Just, I know it sounds, it seems weird.
A year ago, I would not have said, I want to be a content creator. I know. But to [00:50:00] buzz, to we create content. Content for a living. Yeah. Um, I, we couldn't do it without her. Um. But I definitely, getting us to retire would be pretty cool. I never want to lose sight of who we are though. Yeah, I do. And the, that's, I wanna, I wanna forget myself.
I wanna forget my friends.
Stop. Never wanna lose sight of my heart for people. And I always want to strive in in our podcast. Um, I don't think I have a lot of wisdom, but I wanna share wisdom and I never wanna lose. That's so
good. Lose
get outta your, your mindset so much that you lose your wisdom. Um, because there's a lot that you can share and you never know.
It may not impact 99, but if it impacts one, then you're good.
You're good.
And I just wanna change my number and just text
back who is just, wants to be famous. He's done. I wanna walk in
rooms with sunglasses on. See, that's the hard part about a podcast is I don't want him making me look bad. You know?
Wait, based on I want the accusations of a
hostile work environment. Like, is it true that Caleb wont let you, you look him in the eye eye. Can you [00:51:00] talk about I like,
oh, he doesn't like eye contact.
I don't what still why it, okay. This is not a part of your plan. I realized that eye contact I'm wearing, if I'm wearing sunglasses, I can look people in the eye, but if I'm not, then it's, it's very difficult.
Wow. For me to make eye contact people it like when I talked to them. That's
so interesting. Yeah. Mm-hmm.
It's just something he's just, thank
you for sharing that.
Yeah. I just realized that that's what this is
for, for you to share your thoughts. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Your authentic thoughts.
Thank you. Thank you for creating a space.
Oh my gosh.
Okay. Any last words for people out there who are interested in starting a podcast? Or maybe they've started one, but they've kind of like put it down and they're like, you know, lost momentum, lost hope, because there is a lot of work that comes behind it. Mm-hmm. And being consistent is very, um, it's hard.
Yeah. I
think for, for folks that have stopped. Give up. You're not gonna just keep,
I was like, is
it scary? You're not made for this. No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
No, you're
[00:52:00] okay. Um, no, just
remember what I just
said. If, if, if you have stopped, but you find yourself give unable to shake the thought. Like, if you're unable to, like, really, like let that idea go, let that dream go.
It is worth pursuing. It is worth picking back up until you are sick of it. Mm-hmm. Um, right now I'm not sick of this. And yeah. I will continue to do this until it's no longer fun. Mm. Uh, or until I'm no longer like, passionate about it. I love doing this. I love thinking about it. This consumes my thoughts all the time.
I'm always texting them new ideas and they're always like, what are you talking about? Don't worry about it. It's, it's an idea I'm working on. Uh, but for those, for those who have stopped, but they still can't shake the, they, they can't shake the passion. Yeah. Pick it back up. That's cool. Uh, for those who are on the fence about it.
Just go like, mm-hmm. There's nothing to be afraid of. Like, you will have support, your friends will encourage you. They may not watch, but they will. They, [00:53:00] they'll definitely encourage you. Right. 'cause like I said before, like the people that turn that tuned in always surprise me. Yeah. Because like the close friends that I have, I'm like, y'all don't watch.
And they're like, I haven't launched one episode. I'm so behind is what they all say. I'm like, you ain't even, but I get it. It's, it's a lot
for some people too. I don't
care. I do because I
understand people's lives.
I don't care. I, as I, as a close friend of mine, oh my gosh. I love your podcast. What's the title of my podcast?
No, I do. I will say, I don't like if someone comes to us wanting to come on the show, just because they, just because we have a podcast. Just 'cause we have a podcast. They don't care about it. Yeah. So there's, I get that too. You know, it happens. I'm like, what would your
topic be? And then I say, okay, I'll get back to you.
Mm-hmm. Is what I normally say.
So Nice. I actually had to tell somebody, no, I had to like write a professional. No. Yeah. Like, or
just it doesn't align with the podcast. Like there's nothing wrong with saying it doesn't align with it. You know what I mean?
I'm gonna have to steal that. Yeah. It doesn't align.
You don't align with our podcast.
Okay. In [00:54:00] the most like, professional best way. No, I'm gonna be authentic.
You don't align with where we wanna go.
Levi, any last words for the people? Yeah. What,
what would you say to someone that's on the fence? Or someone that's, that stopped their podcast?
Find, make sure when you start a podcast you find people you wanna do it with for a while and pray for me.
Um, but no, I'm just kidding. Um, I will say, um. Definitely know that it takes some time. And if you're gonna, if you're gonna do it, don't let anything stop you. But like he said, if you get to the point where it becomes a chore or a job or you don't find the joy in it, don't force yourself to continue to do it, because then you're gonna have bitterness.
You're gonna have, um, there was time, there was one time where we had to take a week break. Mm-hmm. Um, we really took a two week break 'cause we did a, um, yeah. Like a taste test episode.
Right.
Um, but that was me adjusting to like getting into this role things. Yeah. Um, one thing earlier when you said, how has this effect [00:55:00] changed our lives?
Like I. When I, so with my full-time job mm-hmm. I'm go, go, go. So I can't really respond during the day. Right. That's when Caleb is fully into planning mode.
Yeah. Yeah.
And so he's texting left and right and so then by the time I get to it, I'm just like, I don't even know at this point. Which
he's like, I'm just gonna show up.
I'm just gonna show up. But then I know it
f So learning each other's communications is hard. Right. But it That's good. It definitely is. It does add things on your plate. Um, but I've also let my job know, like it doesn't affect my job, my day job, but yeah. I have
let them know that it does. I've called your boss and said, Hey, Levi is unavailable sometimes now.
Oh lord. Okay. But I would say don't be afraid to be yourself. Yeah. And don't be afraid to start. That's the, the biggest, right. The biggest thing holding you back is you,
can I add one too? Mm-hmm. I would say, um. Keep going even when you're not seeing momentum.
Thank you. Yes. Right.
Because I had someone, um, share on their [00:56:00] podcast.
It was Myron Golden actually. And he talked about how, you know, the time we're, the time you're in right now where you have like, the most least amount of followers is like the biggest time where no one is watching you. Mm-hmm. And so this is your time to like, create, mess up, you know? Mm-hmm. Just go crazy to learn.
Learn yeah. To learn. Mm-hmm. Like, nobody's watching you right now until you fully get to that space where, you know, the audience gets bigger and every, you know, the doors open up, like, but in the meantime, keep going. Even when you don't see the momentum. Yeah. You don't see like the numbers. And that can be
hard.
It can be hard, but
push through it. Yeah. And what we've said, like to just kind of put a bow on it, like Chase. Authentically you like Chase. Yeah. Your, your voice. Fight for your true self throughout like your journey. Because again, it's so tough to want to just like hop on trends. It's so tough to wanna mimic like who, like what podcasts you follow.
Mm-hmm. Um, like I would desperately [00:57:00] love to be Mr. Beast. Yeah. I would love to be him. I would love to have just 1,000,008 subscribers and do giveaways where I give away 10 cars and crush one. But
Wow. That's
not really what, that's how you feel podcast is about. I would love to do, you know, like the basement with Tim Ross.
I would love to do his podcast. Mm-hmm. I would love to do, you know, this podcast that I follow called Nate Land where it's just four comedians being just really funny.
Yeah.
And I have to fight so hard to just do what feels right to me because that's where I find the joy. Mm-hmm. That's where I find the peace.
Uh, and that's where I find where I'm my true self is just being who I am with my best friend.
That's good. Levi, Caleb, thank you guys. Thank you. Thanks for having us. Is that, that's it. I have one more question. I dunno if we have time.
No, we got time. Julia, we got time? Okay. Yeah, we got time. What's up?
Okay, so my question is like, I'm curious, like going back to this, I know we joke about it, um, about being famous, but I think there are people out there who [00:58:00] are wanting that.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
Like they're wanting the subscribers and the followers, but that could also be detrimental. But I'm curious, I'm not saying your thought process is detrimental, but like what is, why do you want that for yourself?
Why do I want to be famous? 'cause there's money behind it. There is revenue wasn't a Bills paid.
I love this. That's a little bit what's hard about Yeah. Starting a podcast that you learn a little bit getting into it, is that in order to make any type of money mm-hmm. You have to have followers. And it's not just like, oh, I can get a couple followers and then I'll start making money. Like
Yeah.
On TikTok you have to have at least 10,000.
Yeah. And then there's other stipulations. And so that's when you realize, okay, I do need to put content out there that mm-hmm. Does, um, attract people to it or utilizing hashtags. Yeah. I know that seems like we've been doing hashtags forever, but I will tell you on TikTok Instagram, it works, it makes a difference.
Posting daily like that makes a difference there. There are times where we. [00:59:00] Um, and weekly. Yeah. Yeah. Um, because there's been times where we haven't done that. Mm-hmm. And we've noticed And you notice. Yeah.
Yeah. I know. I, I, I, I joke about wanting to be famous, but the, the truth is, is that. He does.
And there's nothing wrong with that here.
I'm just like, I
wanna be famous, but I'm a whole introvert. I, which
is why I'm asking you this,
right? I, I don't make, I'm a whole hypocrite. 'cause I want, I say I want fame, I want like the notoriety, but like, I, he wants the money. I hate people in my business. I don't
want people talking
to me sometimes.
Like, I can imagine Caleb in a f like in a room full of people with his glasses on, not talking to anybody.
Oh, that's a hundred percent who I am.
I just like, literally like that's what I imagine you
is, she so fooled. He you, she thinks you're a good person.
Oh yeah. I know she does. He
is a good person, Levi.
He is a
great human being. I'm a whole villain. Oh my gosh. I am a villain.
Stop it. But
no, but like, it's, it's weird. Like I say, fame, he's a good, yeah, but I don't think I, I really don't think I do because I [01:00:00] don't like, I don't like attention. Like when people are looking at me, I don't like it. Yeah. Well, which is, which is dumb.
'cause I do a podcast, but like.
And fa like if the more views you get right, the more chances your videos are to go viral. Mm-hmm. And when it are, when it is things like, yeah. Kiwi, kiwis or something so simple that people take the wrong way. I know the Internet's cruel and they will literally, they will destroy you.
That's why I don't look at the comments just, or read every one of them. We read all of them. We,
I, we see
every comment or we just delete them. Okay. Do you guys ever delete comments that you don't like?
We did delete, we did delete one video once where it was like you,
a video or a comment, A whole video.
Mm-hmm. Because it, we, it was a clip taken out of a, out of an episode and it just, it was, it was kind of cut a little weird to where it didn't give like the pre story to it. That's, I'm not blaming Julia. I'm just saying it was cut a little weird, but even, even though it was cut with care, um. Immediately as soon as it was posted.
Like, yeah, negative comments. This guy's an idiot. He can't get out of his own way. Saw the video ahead of time. I had
asked him, I was like, Hey, this might be one that [01:01:00] does. Yeah, because it comparison to the Kiwi, I'm not gonna lie,
I delete comments that have nothing to do with like, don't that cause harm? I deleted one that cause harm.
You know, like, oh yeah. Something like that. Like you're not gonna insult like people on the video, so. So mine
was someone just commented gay. Oh, okay. Did you deleted that comment that one time? Yes. 'cause I, I was bullied when I was younger. Yeah. Um, it's some, it's been an insecurity of mine because Right.
My voice isn't as deep or manly. Mm-hmm. And so, um, I was like, this is stupid. But yeah. Honestly, that I don't care, like, let people think how they're gonna think, because if they don't like me, they don't really know me. Yeah. They don't know my heart. So
I just like certain comments. If you feel like, you know, they just don't align mm-hmm.
With your podcast and like, if they're not helping, then I think it's okay to delete. There
are tons of like, negative comments that come in and I will comment back. I agree with you. He is dumb. Stop it. They're talking about me. Like, I have some friends that'll come in and like tease me. I'm like, oh, you need to get a new host.
I agree. That host is terrible. Like, I, I'll comment back. Yeah. 'cause I know who's [01:02:00] making the comment.
Right. But
even then, sometimes I don't know who's making it. I'm like, you know what? Thank you for your comment. Yeah. Even though, like, whatever, it's not positive. I don't care.
I, most of the time I don't care.
You guys are funny.
Thank you. I'm
excited.
I didn't. Well, and one thing about podcasting is we've got to connect with some amazing people. Yeah. We've got to know you. Oh my gosh. And that's been really cool. We finally made
this happen, which is amazing. Mm.
Yeah.
Okay. I don't think this is gonna be the last time, so,
oh, I hope not.
No. What we're
the episode that like just skyrockets you up? Like, just like into It might be, and then, then you gotta like for uplift our podcast. He,
he really thinks that. Stop it. He's something over here. We, we know. Look, you got Missouri. Lemme tell y'all something. Houston,
I'ma be, I'm coming Topeka soon,
y'all.
I, I'm gonna be in Topeka in a couple weeks. Oh my gosh. Top city.
Thank you guys for watching.
Thanks for watching the Authentic Media Podcast, YouTube at Authentic Media Company. Our mission [01:03:00] is to help you develop an authentic brand so you can make the impact that you are called to make. If you've got anything from today's episode, make sure you drop a comment down below. I'm interested to see what your takeaways are, and if you haven't already, make sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel so you can be the first to know when we drop our newest episode.
In the meantime, have a great day.