Podcast 360 Episode 1
Podcast 360 Episode 1 - Getting to Know Donald Albright of TenderfootTV
Host: Amanda B. Nazareno
Amanda: Welcome to Podcast 360, the show that takes you behind the scenes of the podcasting world. I'm your host, Amanda B. Nazareno, and in this episode, we're kicking things off by interviewing Donald Albright, co-founder of Tenderfoot TV. We'll delve into his journey and insights into podcasting, but before we do that, let's start with Donald's two truths and a lie.
Donald: Thanks, Amanda. So, my first statement is that I've been featured in a television series. Second, I've flown on a private jet before, but I've never flown first class. And lastly, I once had dinner with Drake.
Amanda: I'll take a wild guess and say the lie is that you've never flown first class despite having flown on a private jet. But I'm eager to find out the truth by the end of the episode.
Now, let's jump into the interview with Donald Albright, co-founder of Tenderfoot TV.
Why did you decide to focus your entrepreneurship energies into podcasting?
Donald: My journey into podcasting was somewhat accidental. I began my career in the music industry, working with artists and helping them achieve their dreams. However, after years of hard work, I realized I didn't own anything. The record labels owned the masters, the publishers owned the songwriting rights, and I was left with service contracts. I felt burnt out from making other people's dreams come true. My partner, Payne, who had been creating music videos for me, suggested we make a documentary. However, we chose podcasting instead because the barrier to entry was lower. While I wish I had known more about podcasting at the beginning, I wouldn't change a thing because learning from our mistakes has been invaluable.
Amanda: It's amazing how an accidental entry into podcasting can lead to such incredible success. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places.
What skills or insights from your achievements in the music industry transferred best into your leadership at Tenderfoot TV?
Donald: I believe everything I learned in the music industry has been valuable in podcasting. Marketing skills, including my experience with street teams and mobile marketing, gave us a unique edge when promoting our podcasts. We did things in the podcasting world that no one else was doing at the time. Additionally, the aggressiveness and creative approach we used in the music industry helped us stand out in the podcasting space. Managing talent in the music industry also prepared me for working with podcast creators, and I found it much smoother. So, I would say marketing and management have been my two key skills from the music industry that have transferred well into podcasting.
Amanda: It's fascinating how your background in the music industry, from marketing to talent management, provided a strong foundation for success in podcasting.
What do you wish you'd have known when you first started Tenderfoot TV?
Donald: When I reflect on our early days, I realize I knew very little about the podcasting industry. I hadn't even listened to a podcast before starting our journey. If I could change one thing, it would be to have more knowledge about aspects like distribution and monetization, especially in sensitive topics like true crime. However, in hindsight, I wouldn't change anything. My lack of knowledge allowed me to approach the podcasting world with a fresh perspective and learn from our mistakes. Experience is the best teacher.
Amanda: That's a great perspective, Donald. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by jumping in, making mistakes, and adapting along the way.
Now, let's circle back to those two truths and a lie. Donald, could you reveal the lie?
Donald: Of course. The lie is… listen to the episode to find out 😉
Stay tuned for the next episode of Podcast 360, where Donald Albright will be sitting in the host chair, interviewing another founder in the podcasting industry. Don't forget to follow Tenderfoot TV on their website and social media to keep up with their exciting shows.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Podcast 360.
Shaping the podcast industry!
Executive Producers: Brittany Temple and Adell Coleman
Editor: Brittany Temple
Brought to you by DCP and The Podcast Academy
Follow us on Instagram @dcpofficial and @theambies