Switching Gears - New Podcast Shows On The Way

In 2009 and the early part of 2010, I blogged about events in and around the Fox Valley area. I scoured the internet and newspapers for every listing I could find in order to maintain the most comprehensive event calendar in the area. I believe I achieved that goal: I listed 80 to 100 events happening each weekend.

After doing this for over a year, however, I realized that I was completely missing another goal: to connect with people in a meaningful way and foster a community of online "neighbors," so to speak. I received a grand total of one comment on my website posts during that time. I was spending hours upon hours compiling these events each week but I had no idea if anybody cared. Well, I guess I had an idea due to the lack of response. So I stopped blogging on a regular basis.

During the past twelve months the desire to connect with people still burned inside me. On top of that, I wanted to tell interesting stories worth listening to. Which brings us to the present.

Today I am announcing the new Fox Valley Voice podcast. I will seek out stories that are informational and entertaining. Or, as Ron Burgundy would say, "compelling and rich."  I have a decent starter list of topics I'd like to explore, but I want ideas from readers/listeners as well. What kind of stories am I looking for?

  • Interviews with fascinating people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Special events like holidays, celebrations, fundraisers
  • Features about businesses and organizations
  • Musicians and artists who'd like to share their work
  • Students and athletes who have accomplished great milestones
  • And anything else that would be a great story in a radio show format
And don't think that just because the show is called the "Fox Valley Voice" that stories will be limited to the communities on the river.  The Chicago Sun-Times doesn't ONLY print stories about Chicago, does it?  If you're within shouting distance of my voice (which, on the interweb, is everywhere) I want to hear from you.

I'm in the midst of editing the first three shows, including: a tour of several Irish pubs on St. Patty's Day and in-depth interviews with Benjie Hughes, owner of Backthird Audio in Aurora, and Joe Gagnepain, artist extraordinaire.

I'm also looking for sponsors, so if you'd like to get in on the ground floor of this once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity (that didn't sound too salesy, did it?) please contact me.

Oh, and give me your show ideas. Call the hotline at 630-492-0369 OR send an email to [email protected] OR visit the Facebook page OR Twitter. There, you have no excuse now.

Back to editing!