MY 2023 JOURNEY

I know some of you better than I know others. Today I was reflecting on the past year and I wanted to share this story with you. I had no clue where this all was going - and I hope to encourage you if you’re unsure of where you’re currently headed.

September 2022: I quit my job at Oracle. The travel weighed on me and an internal hiring freeze prevented my transfer to sales. I had no backup plan.

October 2022: While interviewing for a new job I decide to start podcasting. I found used podcast gear on FB Marketplace and picked it up in Oklahoma.

December 2022: A month of rejection and growth. No jobs after 12 interviews. I dedicate my time to learning audio production, branding, and design.

January 2023: The Talk to People Podcast LAUNCHES! It is on Apple Podcasts Home Page. I call my mom to celebrate and notice she has a lisp - 48 hours later and I'm in Oklahoma and learn of her cancer diagnosis.

February 2023: I start a 4-week podcast program with the local Boys & Girls Club (BGC). I start working with my church part-time as Groups Director. Several trips back to OK. Podcast listenership is growing.

March 2023: I interview an Olympic Gold Medalist on the podcast. I run another 4-week program for the BGC. I start to speak on the online broadcast for my church.

April 2023: I buy cameras and begin filming the podcast. I speak at the Women in Tech Conference about the power of podcasting. I start saving up money to buy a computer that will let me edit video.

May 2023: I invest in my first photoshoot and rebrand the podcast. I create Capture Connection Studios, a podcast production agency and launch the Boys & Girls Club podcast. The podcast receives full funding from a sponsor. I buy the computer and begin editing video episodes & shorts. A YouTube video gets 100+ views!

June 2023: I start a newsletter called Social Fitness Lab, the first copy is sent to 19 people. I begin attending Spotify Podcasting Masterclasses. I have Dr. Omri Gillath on the podcast. We start a podcasting internship for the Boys & Girls Club.

July 2023: My mom comes on the podcast. I produce a podcast with Chef Pyet, the winner of Gordon Ramsey's Next Level Chef. I begin guesting on other people's podcasts. I start to attend video editing webinars.

August 2023: The podcast hits 10,000 downloads! I step down from the church job into a volunteer role - I double down on podcast production.

September 2023: I start producing the CruiseLine Podcast and grow a new Instagram 1,000+ followers in one month from just podcast clips. I make my first post for Capture Connection Studios. I train a podcast editor.

October 2023: I record my first solo podcast episode. The agency website is built. First YouTube video that exceeds 250 views. 64 newsletter subscribers.

Nov. 2023: We begin producing another nonprofit podcast, NAMI KS. I solidify our nonprofit podcast package. I experience my first "viral" video.

Dec. 2023: I facilitate my 1st communication consulting program. We celebrate 50 podcast episodes. I host our first virtual podcast. We double down on YouTube.

A lot of "I" and "my" in this post - but there are too many people to thank for support, opportunity, and love.

I would love to hear your story for 2023! Respond with your story.

👨‍💻 I Got You Covered!

Thanks for reading! When you signed up for this newsletter, my promise was to connect you with resources that will help you become a better communicator so that you can live a fuller and better life.

Thanks for reading.

See you next time!

Chris