3 Things I've Learned From 200 Shows

I'm a podcaster. I consult, create, produce and host shows. I've advised numerous clients, I've interviewed my heroes, and now my title show, the Break It Down Show, has surpassed 200 episodes.

The number 200 was impossible when Jon and I were sorting out #1. Yet, here we are, hands on our hips, amazed at what the journey has given us.

Along the way, we added a wonderful friend and co-host Mark Valley. We’ve met over a thousand new people. Our worlds have broadened, and we continue to be astounded at the unforeseen benefits of creating a show.

As I look back at the experiences and lessons, 3 specific thoughts have emerged and influenced how I now see the world:

1. Curate--people/brands/companies must tell their story. Don't miss the opportunity to curate your brand/niche/market's narrative. Curating enables the storyteller to gather, swap and display influence--even from/with their competitors. Further, the storyteller gets to push the narrative, innovating while the silent portion of the marketplace struggles to hold on as the curator accelerates.
2. Great ideas are common--everyone has them. Great ideas are < Implementation. Think about it this way, EVERYONE has a great idea for a movie; so what? Making something of that great idea separates the thinkers from the doers. Next, implementation is < repetition. It's one thing to start a project, but the real task is doing the work, constantly improving, until an opportunity arises; while simultaneously accepting that there are no guarantees. Finally, repetition < Multiplication. Multiplication means reaching a mastery of your genre, as well as others, becoming a beacon that guides/leads in your field. Once one solves multiplication, opportunities follow.
3. Gather Wisdom and Insight--From Dres from Black Sheep I learned that our words must rise to the level of our legacy.  From DeVone Boggan I learned that urban upbringings correlates well with conflict zones. From Mic Gillette, I learned to not wait. From Sly Stone I learned that if my work isn’t good enough, I don’t deserve to eat. From Jay Mohr, I learned to keep doubling down on Love. From James Earley, I learned that our journey from 200 to 400, if it’s anything like the previous 200, is going to exceed our wildest expectations.

Tell your story and tell it often. Help others tell their stories. Those of us that do this, discover a never-ending stream of enriching experiences—finding this stream has changed my life and I am grateful.