First Blog: What I am thankful for (podcast edition)
Nov 28, 2019
I wanted to save my first "fullbuddycast" blog, to be when I hit 10,000 streams or downloads all-time (currently at 8,294), but I felt today would be the best day, as today is centered around being thankful while being surrounded by your friends and family.
When I started "fullbuddycast" over 3 years ago, it was more of an excuse for me to get together with my friends and family, and record stories with laughter. I always told people, when they asked "what is the podcast about?", that it was just catching up with a friend that you may have randomly ran into at the grocery store, gas station, etc, where you spend several minutes catching up and sharing some good memories. This was and will be a hobby to me. I like people. I like asking questions. I also love to laugh. This is why I record.
This podcast is not for everyone. It's not the greatest podcast ever made. It's not for me to become famous or stroke my ego because I always will have the fact that I was the first underclassman to win Mr. EHS to fall back on. Not to mention, being on Homecoming court. I also was on the front page of Courier Herald in 1st grade, but its whatevs bro. NBD.
I am thankful for the first 2 years of recording with random friends and family. Whether it be in my living room or at "Avalanche Delite" (thankful for Rachel Heater for that), it would always be fun to see old friends and share a fun time talking. I am thankful for the guests that would accept my invitation, sometimes they would reach out to me first, but then would come on to the show and be open. We've heard from those recently divorced, battling mental and physical afflictions, and even losing a beloved van (Aaron Mayer and his she-rod) because of a best friend accidentally got it stuck on a beach and the tide came in (That episode is my highest downloaded and streamed content with 586). Sidenote: I need to mention Tyson Gamblin here, as well, as he is second all time with 349 and all we did was just talk about him and his bunnies. Side sidenote: 3rd place is Rhonda Harrison Fisher with 345, she openly talked about her life and recent divorce at the time. Also thankful for my brother Adam for hooking me up with artwork, as well as helping me get started (Mat too) and being my first guest.
I am thankful for the past year. In January, I wanted to use "fullbuddycast" in a different way. I wanted it to host several recurring shows, put on by my buddies. This would require me to record more, edit a LOT more, and push me to continually provide content. But remember, this was a fun hobby and it was just like someone spending nights rebuilding a classic car or taking cooking classes. So I had reached out to some of my past guests and friends on what I was thinking. Some accepted, while others passed as it was a commitment.
I am thankful for the original buddies that said yes to recurring shows. Bobby, Mark, Corrine and Amber, you helped in blazing the trail for putting on recurring shows. Thankful for your energy, flexibility, openness and friendship. Also for the laughter. Also to Corrine for telling one of the most awkward stories that will forever be etched into my mind (gooch $20).
I am thankful for Zach Peterson as he took time out of his busy traveling schedule to visit a low traveling person like me. It was fun recording with him and catching up while drinking 4lokos, going thru yearbooks, and cutting it up. We had so much fun that his cousin Joey wanted to get in on the action and well, then "Hollerin' with Hollenbeck" was formed.
I am thankful for Joey as It has been fun creating these episodes with him. He also brought in a mini fridge, which he regularly stocks, upgraded the equipment and also brought his wife, KT, who's episode generated the most downloads in a week for us (100+).
I am also thankful for Rhiannon, Mike, Adam, Sara, Teon, Aaron and Adrian for jumping in making sporadic recurring shows with me. It is always a fun and funny time recording with them. I am excited to see how these develop and hope to continue to create more content.
I am very thankful for my wife, Jamie, as she is flexible in my recording times and editing times. She is always so supportive to this hobby. She is also a very loyal listener and will even drop in to listen to us record live. I am also thankful for my 4 kids that are also flexible and enjoy when I record because that means they get to have the TV to themselves.
Finally, I am EXTREMELY thankful for all the listeners and their support. Seeing the most downloads in a month for "fullbuddycast" hit this month (1,383 for November and counting) AND receiving countless texts and messages from friends of how they enjoy the show is where all the hours spent recording, editing and posting content pays off. Just like anything people do, there are haters ("Why does he have a podcast?", "What is so interesting for us to listen to?", "Cool, it's just a bunch of Enumclaw people, how exciting..."), but when I get messages from others that say "Loved your last episode", "I look forward to your show", "Here's a question for (insert name)", that's where it gets fun and exciting. I am so thankful for every single download. Every "like" on Facebook for that episode I just uploaded. When you tell me you shared it with your coworkers (shout out Camila) or you listen while you work nights (shout out Veronica) or you've listened to every episode (shout to Kellen). I appreciate everyone who has clicked on, listened, shared, gave feedback, joined the group, and supported me in my hobby. I am truly thankful.