This series is all about libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A’s with Kenn Blanchard from Speak Life Podcast
When did you start podcasting? Why did you start podcasting? What’s the name of your show about and what is it about?
Hey Libsyn peeps, I’m Kenn Blanchard (I use the two “N’s” to distinguish myself from Dr Ken Blanchard, author of the One Minute Manager; who is a really nice guy, I’m the other one!) and my podcast is called Speak Life.
I’m using what I know and learning about podcasting to change the world. I minister to people through it to give hope, and love.
My audience is the atypical Christian, sportsmen, outdoorsmen, fighters, bikers, law enforcement officers, and folks in the gun community.
The name comes from the Biblical verse in Proverbs 18:21 that says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” and I choose to use this fantastic medium to “speak life”.
I’ve been podcasting with Libsyn since 2007.
I’ve had a dozen shows, that have come and gone, but the longest lasting is still going strong and its called the Black Man With A Gun Show.
Through it I’ve experimented with formats, techniques, approaches and learned a lot about history, people, politics and myself. It is a popular website in the gun community, and I have social media handles for it that are different than those for the Speak Life Podcast, but this is the one I am sharing with you at this time.
My past struggles have strengthened me to make a difference today.
Through podcasting, I am fulfilling my mission as a pastor and serving God without boundaries. The Speak Life podcast is a 25–55 minute show that comes out weekly, but I sometimes provide a midweek prayer if the Spirit leads me. The audience I have on my podcast is larger than the congregation I served at a Baptist church in Washington, DC.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
Tech and equipment-wise, I use an old MXL V63M condenser microphone on a boom I bought from a guy in 2008, running into an Alexis multi–4 mixer, that is connected to an Apple computer. In the software department, I use a mixture of Audacity and Garageband, Auphonic on most days to edit and record.
I monetize my podcasts through sponsors, Patreon, Paypal donations and work I occasionally get through Blanchard.Media, a small graphics and podcasting editing business I have.
The hustle, like the struggle is real but it keeps me off the streets.
How have you promoted your podcast?
I promote my show through Facebook, business cards, and even wearing a baseball cap which I have it embroidered with the name of the podcast and the url.
Plain old word of mouth.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
One of things I wish I new when I started that I understand better now is the importance of writing good titles for your show, using good graphics, and understanding the value of networking today.
In my earlier days, I was in competition with too many ghosts. I had images that everyone was doing better than I was and that sharing information was bad business when today that is not true.
I also wish that I understood SEO, analytics and marketing earlier. My success has come from learning from my failures and being persistent.
One of my favorite motivational quotes is from Babe Ruth, who said “You just can’t beat the person who never gives up.” I’m that guy.
I’ve been a police officer, firearms and tactics trainer, CIA officer, bodyguard and a host of tough guy jobs all my life. Now I am protecting and showing love as much as I can to a world that needs it now more than ever.
In need of a destination wedding, baby dedication, house blessing, or just a little prayer to make it through the day, I am here to Speak Life to your situation.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 ESV
You heard Kenn! I you need him, he’s there. Subscribing to his show will be one of the best things you can do! You can even take a first step and follow Kenn on Twitter or check out his ministry.
If you feel that you have people to reach and support and you’ve been waiting to start a podcast, there is no better time than now. START with us! We’d love to host your media, but if you need a bit more handholding, we’re here for you! We have a free Podcasting QuickStart every first Wednesday of the month!
