Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Johnson, Host of the Passion Pod.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
My name is Christopher Johnson and I own a skateboard shop in Eau Claire, WI called Passion Board Shop and also have a podcast/radio show called the Passion Pod. I grew up skateboarding in my home town and decided to pursue my dream of having my own shop when I opened Passion Board Shop in 2014. When I hit my 5 year anniversary with my shop I started looking for my next adventure. That was when I came up with the idea for my show. A big part of why I enjoy having my shop is because it allows me the opportunity to take a bit of a mentorship role with kids in my community. The show is really just an extension of that to a certain degree. I call it an inspirational storytelling experience featuring unique guests that are also pursuing careers based on their passions. The goal with the show is to inspire the listener to think about the things that they are passionate about, and to encourage and help them find more ways to incorporate those passions into their lives. I hope that through this medium I’ll be able to help way more people than just a couple of kids at a time.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
It’s a bit difficult to build a name in the podcasting, or entertainment world as a whole, when you live in a small town in Wisconsin. I make frequent trips out to Los Angeles in order to be able to record with the variety of guests that I’m looking to have on the show. Thankfully through various connections I’ve been able to build a great network of creatives out in that area that have made my trips productive and fun at the same time. Still, spreading the word about the things that I do to people in an area that I don’t personally live in remains the biggest challenge for me so far.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m in the business to inspire and share stories. My skateboard shop is fairly established in my community, but it’s time for me to grow the audience for my show to the next level. If you do something that you love for a living, then sharing your story for others to gain some inspiration from is how I can help.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
I have two pieces of advice for this one. First, know how to sell yourself as the solution to people’s needs. There is no need to sell a product or service to people if they genuinely trust and want to work with you. There doesn’t need to be sales presentations this way. The barriers can be broken down and your working relationships will thrive. Second, identify what the mutually beneficial situation for both parties is. If you can find that, then as long as you are likable enough people will want to work with you.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me is simply enjoying how you spend your days and being able to financially support that lifestyle long term.
What’s next for you?
I’ll start recording for season 8 of the Passion Pod here soon. In the meantime, people can listen along as season 7 is being released week by week. I’m also working on a lot of art projects, extra benefits and bonus episodes for the Patreon supporters of my show, and quite a few other projects. There are way too many things in the works to be able to talk about them all here, but expect to see the Passion Pod pop up more and more in the future. I hope you get the chance to give an episode a listen. You won’t regret it.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
The easiest way to follow along with what I do is on Instagram @passionpod . You can also find all the information in regards to the show, merchandise for sale, links to places to listen, and really anything else you might want on my website. www.passionpod.org