The Table Read Interview
I was interviewed by JJ Barnes (@JudieannRose on Twitter) for The Table Read (@the_table_read on Twitter), an independent online entertainment and creativity magazine based in the United Kingdom.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am an expert on Hypnosis, Influence, and Persuasion. I am also a critically acclaimed entertainer.
For over 30 years, I have been a consultant, speaker, and writer focusing on hypnosis, influence, and persuasion. I have helped hundreds of thousands of humans communicate effectively, ethically influence others, and get what they want.
"Think 'How to Win Friends & Influence People' but updated, hipper, and more effective."
I am an expert on how humans interact. For example, individuals in a group are influenced by one another's behavior making them more predictable and suggestible. I teach how to use this phenomenon to influence others. (Note: A group can be as small as just two humans, so what I teach applies to any human interaction that you have.)
I am also a critically-acclaimed entertainer. I had the #1 rated show out of 60+ shows in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee region for many years; the #1 nightlife attraction on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and the #1 performance across the United States as rated by the VIP guests of Diamond Resorts.
How and why did you start podcasting?
The how is easy. I purchased a high-end microphone, connected it to my MacBook, and began recording. Over the years, the equipment and software have been upgraded. For example, I started by using Audacity as my editing software. It is open-sourced and free. As my audience grew, I upgraded to Adobe Audition. The difference in sound quality is significant.
I started my first podcast in 2016. It was called Hey, Look at Me! At the time, I owned a comedy club on Hilton Head Island. Each week, I interviewed the comedian who was playing at the club. (NOTE: This podcast has since been scrubbed from the internet.)
My current podcast, Hypnosis for Humans, was started for two reasons. Number one, I wanted to produce content to help humans build their communication skills, expand their comfort zone, and make them better human beings. Number two, I wanted to get my ideas and material to as many humans as possible, allowing me to help others that I have never met.
What is your current podcast called, and how did you come up with the name?
My current podcast is called Hypnosis for Humans. The name is easy to remember, and it's also the name of my website and business. The name came from my realization that most humans will never experience formal hypnosis — the close your eyes, relax, and listen to the sound of my voice sort of thing. But we are all hypnotizing others and being hypnotized every day. For example, every interaction you have with another human being involves hypnosis. When you start to cry while watching a moving scene in a film, that's hypnosis.
These are everyday moments of hypnosis that all humans can begin to recognize and use to their advantage. So, Hypnosis for Humans is meant to bring awareness to what is unconsciously happening in your mind all the time.
What platforms can we find your podcast on?
Apple Podcasts
Anchor
Spotify
Google Podcasts
Overcast
Breaker
Castbox
Pocket Casts
RadioPublic
Stitcher
And RSS Feeds
What is your podcast about?
From a hypnosis point of view, Hypnosis for Humans gives tips, techniques, and real-life advice to help you build your communication skills, expand your comfort zone, and make you a better human being.
With every episode, you will get better at confidently approaching any human anywhere, holding intriguing conversations, being more influential and persuasive, developing your charisma, and building strong interpersonal relationships.
You'll also learn how to run your own mind.
Do you host alone, or have guest hosts/partners?
Primarily, my podcast is just me. There are a couple of episodes from other podcasts I have appeared on. I recently started to receive inquiries about being a guest on Hypnosis for Humans. I have a few upcoming episodes that will feature guests.
Do you edit your own podcast or have someone who does it for you?
I edit my podcast. I also have a few clients for whom I edit and produce podcasts.
Do you script your podcasts, or just chat as you go?
The episodes of Hypnosis for Humans that are only me explaining a concept and offering advice are scripted. However, when an episode has a guest, there is no script — we have a conversation based on the guest's expertise or interest.
How has your podcast changed or developed since you began?
In the beginning, I hadn't found my voice. In other words, I came across as very uptight and proper. But, now that I'm reaching episode 100, the feel of the episodes is like I'm having a conversation with the listeners.
Early episodes were designed to teach listeners techniques and skills that they could use in everyday situations. Now, the content contains many more stories and accounts from my life journey. By telling my story, listeners learn from my successes and failures. So I'm still teaching my listeners, but it's in a much subtler way.
What are your biggest challenges with your podcast?
The biggest challenge with my podcast is growing my listenership. I came into podcasting with the mindset that I was developing content for myself. I have no expectations of having millions of listeners. If Hypnosis for Humans explodes in popularity, it would be a great thing. But most humans will be let down if they believe they will start a podcast and suddenly have a large listener base — unless you're already a celebrity.
When I record each episode, my mindset is that I'm doing it for myself. I imagine that I will suffer from amnesia at some future point in my life. Therefore, each episode is designed to help me relearn what I currently know in simple terms and in a short amount of time. With that strategy, I can explain complicated concepts to the general public that can be implemented as soon as the episode ends.
What are your favorite podcasts to listen to?
Any program in the TWiT.tv family of podcasts.
Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald
Penn's Sunday School
Literally! with Rob Lowe
How and where do you promote your podcast?
I promote my podcast on my website, HypnosisForHumans.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and in my newsletter (Tranced-Out Tuesday). When I appear on other podcasts, I promote my podcast to their audience. I promote the podcast during my live appearances as well.
Do you earn money from podcasting, or is it a hobby?
Hypnosis for Humans is certainly not a hobby — it's a lot of work and time to produce each episode. I currently don't have advertisers on the podcast. Indirectly, money comes from listeners who reach out for private coaching or to have me appear at their events.
What's something you never expected about podcasting? What have you learned that surprised you?
Each episode forces me to teach my material to humans of all ages. As a result, I've learned how to explain complex concepts in the simplest of terms that everyone can understand and implement. I've become more effective and efficient in helping others.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start podcasting?
Create the podcast for yourself with no expectations that anyone will listen. And keep doing that. If your content is good, you will gain listeners. It's a process, so stay consistent.
And, finally, are you proud of what you're accomplishing with your podcast? Is it worth the effort?
My life goal is to help others and leave a legacy. If I can help one human become better, I am proud to be able to make that happen. It is worth the effort I put into each episode.
Pop all your work, website, and social media links here so the readers can find you:
My social media and other links are on my website, HypnosisForHumans.com.
