I can’t believe it’s been almost 17 years since I started listening to podcasts and nearly 15 years since I began creating them. Time truly waits for no one. I vividly recall my first podcast episode; it was with Cliff Ravenscraft on his aptly named show, ‘The Podcast Answer Man.’ Talk about hitting the nail on the head with a title! Cliff wasn’t just talking about podcasts; he was creating them, exploiring a meta-narrative that was quite pioneering at the time. I believe he was among the first to craft a show for ‘Lost’ enthusiasts, a hit ABC series from the early 2000s. Describing Cliff as a trailblazer in the podcasting realm is, without a doubt, an understatement.

Now, Max (formerly HBO) offers companion podcasts for many of their major shows, like the acclaimed ‘Succession.’ It’s a natural progression. After immersing yourself in an episode, the urge to discuss and dissect the content is almost instinctual, and podcasts serve as an ideal platform for such dialogue.

However, my intention for this inaugural post in your esteemed newsletter wasn’t to focus solely on podcasting. I wanted to underscore the timeless essence of storytelling, a fundamental aspect of human society traceable to our cave-dwelling ancestors. Joseph Campbell’s ‘Hero’s Journey’ profoundly influenced my understanding of storytelling’s power and its universal presence.

Podcasting has been a blessing, enabling me to amplify my voice and those of others with compelling stories. Initially, my focus was on sharing my narratives, but I soon discovered the joy and enrichment in featuring others’ experiences. This realization hit home in 2016 when I persuaded my colleagues at Zweig Group to launch a podcast, enhancing their newsletter’s reach and enriching their article content.

This venture evolved rapidly, allowing us to engage with some of the AEC industry’s most fascinating personalities and firms. Our interaction with Ed Friedrichs, the late Gensler President, stands out as a memorable highlight among our 237+ episodes of the Zweig Letter Podcast.

What I particularly cherish about podcasting is its ability to draw stories from individuals, especially in the design industry. With over twenty-five years in this sector, I’ve encountered incredible people and stories, reinforcing the significance of those shaping our built environment. Though often humble, these professionals have captivating tales deserving of recognition.

My passion for uncovering these stories led me to focus on podcast strategy consulting after leaving Zweig Group in 2019. Assisting companies and brands in storytelling and fostering a platform for employees and clients to share their narratives has been incredibly fulfilling.

Podcasting’s intimate nature is unparalleled. With headphones on, listeners engage deeply with the content, making it a powerful medium for knowledge exchange and inspiration. Having produced over 1500 podcast episodes, I’ve witnessed the effectiveness of audio in conveying information that might be lost in written communication.

This medium’s impact extends to video, thanks to platforms like YouTube, one of the most potent search engines available. In our information-seeking era, people often turn to others’ experiences for guidance, making every project, client interaction, and employee engagement a potential story worth sharing.

Through my collaboration with Gãbl Media, Inc., led by the proficient Mark R. LePage and Dimitrius Lynch, we aim to amplify these narratives in the AEC industry. In the coming months, I’ll advocate for the adoption of podcasting within your company or brand, illustrating its business development benefits, its role in knowledge transfer, and its capacity to foster a collaborative space for discussing achievements and ideas.

The podcasting pool is inviting, and the water is just right. I’m eager to help you extend your brand and team’s reach through this dynamic medium. If you’re interested in a brief, 15-minute discussion to explore ideas, I’m all in. Serving you and aligning with Gãbl Media, Inc. feels like coming home.

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***This article was written for Gābl Media by Randy Wilburn***
Gābl Media welcomes industry visionary Randy Wilburn as Director of Business Development.