Get to know me

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

Analytical

Ok, what’s the second word?

Pragmatic

Growing up, were you involved in the arts/music? In what ways?

Not always. I played the trumpet in the Humboldt school band system from grades 5–12. I was in chorus for a short period of time, but I’m not much of a singer, so that didn’t last long.

I started playing guitar at 16 or 17, but didn’t play much after high school. It wasn’t until I was about 27 that I actually started playing guitar seriously.

What do you most enjoy about making/playing music?

It’s a great escape from the monotony of regular day-to-day living. It helps me shut everything else off in my life and be in the moment with my musical peers.

What made you decide to get into marketing/podcasting?

It wasn’t until recently that I realized my talents could be put to use in marketing. Now I’m producing five separate podcasts, two of which I host, and one of which I co-host.

What do you most enjoy about your podcast work?

I’m not always a social butterfly, but I’m a person who is generally curious about the endeavors of others. I enjoy not only learning what people are doing, but why people do the things they do.

Podcasting helps me get outside of my comfort zone socially and provides insight into the individuals who help shape the communities they are in.

Tell us about Audible Farm podcast. Where did the idea come from?

About 6–7 years ago, I noticed there weren’t many avenues for musicians and artists to discuss themselves and their passions. I started the Audible Farm Podcast as a way to help communities within Iowa get to know their local musicians, artists, entertainers, venue owners, and more.

What have you learned while working on your 200+ episodes?

Everyone has a story. Some are more willing/eager to tell their story, but everyone’s story has merit. I’ve found myself enjoying hearing the backstories of the individuals who I’ve interviewed.

I also learned the importance of branding and marketing a product in a fashion that is organized and easily digestible.

If you could trade places with one person for the day, who would it be and why?

I’d love to trade places with my past self to the time where I had my first “a ha” moment learning the guitar.

What an electric feeling it is when you finally wrap your brain around something that had previously perplexed you.

If I’m not allowed to say myself, I’d have to say Jeremy Ober. I’d love to see what it’s like to grow facial hair that fast.

You are stranded on an island, you can only listen to one musician/band for the rest of your life… who do you choose?

Since my teenage years, I was always a fan of Iron Maiden. They seemed to blend a lot of things I liked about music, culture, history, literature, mythology, and more. Through the years I’ve discovered and rediscovered my love for the band in new ways. Their longevity has taught me that having a passion is one thing, but producing things from that passion over a long period of time creates something undeniably steadfast in a community and in culture.

What do you most enjoy about the art and culture scene in Fort Dodge?

After talking to roughly 200 different entertainers across the state of Iowa, I’ve come to realize how special the Fort Dodge area is. Regardless of location, musicians, artists, entertainers, et al. would be nothing without a community to support them. The Fort Dodge community is easily one of the best communities in the state for fostering the growth of these individuals and their passions.