The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
19
Hustle (job)
Podcast Host.
What do you do?
My podcast is dedicated to my favorite cities and the people who live in them. I focus on the story and inspiration behind influencers, entrepreneurs and nonprofit businesses. Season 1 included some of the open call artists for the Shine Mural Festival, including Melanie Posner, Zulu Painter and Saint Paint Arts himself, Derek Donnelly. Season 2 will continue to focus on our talented artists, as well as entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
Why do you do it?
I love St. Pete. Even though I wasn’t born here, I basically grew up here. From punk rock shows at the State Theater to now working in property management in the heart of the EDGE District. Every person you meet in St Pete is inviting and welcoming, and it’s the reason why I do the podcast. I want to let people know about this wonderful city and the people who live in it.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
Over the summer I was starting to get antsy about not having a creative outlet. On my way to work I was listening to a podcast and thought, wait a minute? Why not have my own podcast? The concept of Chat City came about because there was a lot of times I’d been called Chatty in my adolencent years, and I figured I would hear from the people who inspire me everyday. Everyone is always looking to social media, but no one takes the time to find it around them every day. I was lucky enough to have friends who would jump on and share their stories, and now it’s been word of mouth.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Podcasts can tend to be gossipy outlets, but I prefer to tell a story or a struggle about how someone got started and what inspires them everyday. My hope is that it influences listeners in a positive way, and that everyone can find their passion and what they’re meant to do.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Scheduling. Because I have a 6-year-old and a full time job I have to be two weeks ahead for scheduling interviews. Sometimes people will back out at the last minute so I will have to create an episode on the fly where it’s just me.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
In my interview with Zulu Painter he told me, “When you’re on the grind, and it’s a positive grind, everything will start to fall in place.” Opportunities will arise, and you will just see the doors open up for you.
