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In today’s episode of the BrandStack Podcast, Ross Brand and Dale L. Roberts speak with Mark Leslie Lefebvre , a veteran in the world of self-publishing and the creator of Kobo Writing Life. He currently serves as director of business development at Draft2Digital.
Mark’s book, Wide for the Win, encourages authors to consider diverse ways of reaching readers and generating income. As an advocate for independent publishing, Mark shares insights into what it means to sell ‘wide’—and why it’s crucial for authors looking to build sustainable careers.
The Origins of Wide for the Win
Wide for the Win began as a Facebook group founded by Aaron Wright, who wanted a space where indie authors could focus on platforms beyond Amazon. Mark, inspired by the group’s mission, took on the task of writing the book. He views ‘going wide’ as more than just distributing through multiple retailers. “It’s about opening up your mind to the possibilities,” he says, highlighting options like libraries, subscription services, and direct selling platforms such as Shopify and BookFunnel.
Direct Selling: Keeping Profits and Relationships
Mark believes one of the most empowering aspects of selling wide is the ability to sell directly to readers. “When you sell direct, you’re keeping 90-95% of the revenue and, more importantly, building a relationship with your audience,” he explains. Direct sales provide authors with greater control over their profits and, crucially, their reader relationships—a key factor in sustaining long-term success.
Collaborating with Other Authors
Known for his collaborative spirit, Mark has co-authored books with Joanna Penn, Matty Dalrymple, and D.F. Hart, among others. “Collaboration allows us to bring our unique strengths together,” he says, adding that each co-author brings something invaluable to the process. The result? A catalog of books that benefit from the combined expertise of each contributor.
Quick Pitch for Wide for the Win
“This book is about mindset,” Mark Leslie Lefebvre says of Wide for the Win. “It’s about setting yourself up for success by embracing all the amazing opportunities beyond a single platform.”
Listen to the Full Interview
For more insights from Mark, listen to the full podcast episode or watch the video interview. Learn the strategies that make a ‘wide mindset’ essential for today’s independent authors.
🎬 StreamYard 🦆
This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings.
Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard
Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
📚 Wide for the Win - book by Mark Leslie Lefebvre
➡️ Mark Leslie Lefebvre’s website: https://markleslie.ca/
➡️ Mark Leslie Lefebvre on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklefebvre/
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
In today’s episode, Ross Brand and Dale L. Roberts explore the fascinating journey of Larry Roberts, author of Under the Red Hat, who leveraged AI tools, including ChatGPT, to create a personal branding book in record time.
Larry, a well-known figure in the podcasting world, has made a name for himself through his unique expertise in AI and personal branding. He joined us to share how he transformed a professional setback into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
From Setback to Success
Larry’s journey began when he found himself at a major speaking event without a relevant book to offer. “I was exposed,” he shared, recounting the moment when attendees asked about his book, and he had none to provide. Determined not to be caught off guard again, he returned home and made a plan: using ChatGPT to create a book that not only showcased his knowledge of branding but also underscored the potential of AI.
Crafting a Book with AI: The Process
With a few solid prompts and a clear focus, Larry set out to build the foundation of Under the Red Hat through ChatGPT. He also incorporated persona modeling and custom instructions to ensure the AI-generated content sounded authentic to his voice. “I wanted it to sound just like me,” he said, explaining how he tailored ChatGPT’s responses to reflect his unique style and story.
Interestingly, Larry didn’t leave everything to AI. Chapter 3, which shares his personal story and the significance of his iconic red hat, was written entirely by him. “AI can’t capture emotional intelligence,” he explained, emphasizing the need for a human touch in certain aspects of his narrative.
A Modern Business Card
More than just a book, Under the Red Hat serves as Larry’s “business card.” He sees it as a credibility piece that showcases the possibilities of AI in personal branding. “This is about demonstrating what you can do with modern tools,” he said. “Anyone can create a book in weeks and never have to show up to an event empty-handed.”
Larry’s book may not be aiming for the New York Times Bestseller list, but it has become a powerful tool to showcase his expertise and reach new audiences. He even noted that while AI-generated content has its limitations, there’s plenty of room for innovation in authorship with AI tools like ChatGPT.
Quick Pitch: Under the Red Hat
“It’s not only a good book,” Larry Roberts says, “but a testament to what we can achieve with technology today.”
👉 Get your copy of Under the Red Hat
Listen to the Full Interview
For more insights into Larry’s process, listen to the full podcast episode or watch the video interview. Hear firsthand how AI transformed his book-writing journey and what’s next for this dynamic thought leader.
🎬 StreamYard 🦆
This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings.
Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard
Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
➡️ Larry Roberts website: https://larryroberts.com
➡️ Larry Roberts on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/thelarryroberts
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode of the BrandStack Podcast, Dale L. Roberts and I are thrilled to sit down with Benedria “Bee” Smith, Ph.D—a mental health counselor, social media personality, and the author of #BeeInspired: Practical Steps for Living a Life Full of Joy. Bee’s journey has touched countless lives, from young people in classrooms to audiences worldwide through live streaming and media appearances. In this conversation, she shares insights on forgiveness, resilience, and her mission to help others find joy in their unique path.
Key Takeaways from Bee Smith's Journey and Message
Embrace Your Unique JourneyBee’s book, #BeeInspired, speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt out of place. Reflecting on her own experiences of feeling different from a young age, she found that embracing her individuality led to a life of joy. With her book, Bee encourages readers to be fully themselves, understanding that authenticity attracts the right people into our lives. Her message of embracing our unique paths serves as a reminder that we don’t need to “fit in” to find happiness.
The Power of ForgivenessOne of Bee’s core lessons is “forgive and let live.” In her book, she shares how holding onto past hurt affected her mental health, and how forgiveness became a key to her own healing. By forgiving others, Bee says, we free ourselves to move forward. She believes that by letting go, we find peace—a message that resonates strongly with readers working to overcome personal struggles.
Making an Impact GloballyIn addition to mental health agencies and youth groups. Bee’s work has even made its way into classrooms at the University of Reykjavik in Iceland, ”where students study her book as part of their curriculum on resilience and motivation. “The professor told me how students take notes and turn in the book at the end of the semester. He sees the change in his students from the time they come in to the time the semester is over and they’ve been getting this book,” Bee shared. “It’s been there since 2017...and they’re still using it. It works, it’s practical, it’s easy.”
Lessons for Authors on Reaching International ReadersBee’s experience in Iceland offers an inspiring lesson for authors interested in reaching international readers. By reaching out to the library in Reykjavik and offering a few copies of her book, Bee opened an unexpected door, and #BeeInspired became part of the university’s English department reading list. Her story reminds authors that simple, direct outreach can lead to meaningful connections far beyond their local audiences.
Connecting with Young AudiencesIn addition to reaching students in Iceland, Bee’s book has also resonated with a younger audience back home, spanning middle school to high school readers. Her story and practical guidance encourage these young readers to overcome challenges and find joy in their own journeys. Whether through social media or public speaking, Bee’s message of resilience and self-acceptance resonates deeply with youth navigating the complexities of today’s world.
Why Bee Wrote #BeeInspiredBee’s journey to writing #BeeInspired was as much about personal healing as it was a calling to help others. Originally live-streamed on Periscope while she was still working toward her Ph.D, Bee’s honest reflections on life and resilience drew a publisher’s interest, ultimately leading to the book. For Bee, creating #BeeInspired was both therapeutic and practical—she poured her experiences into a guide that is accessible for anyone looking to make positive changes. The book’s impact has since reached readers worldwide, empowering them to find joy and live with purpose.
Final ThoughtsBee Smith’s message is clear: joy is a choice, and each of us has the power to build a life that reflects our true selves. Through her book, social media presence, and advocacy work, Bee inspires readers to take practical steps toward happiness and self-fulfillment. Her journey, from Oklahoma to Iceland, is a testament to the impact of authentic connection and a reminder that our stories can travel further than we might ever expect.
🎬 StreamYard 🦆
This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings.
Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard
Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
📚 Bee’s book: #BeeInspired: Practical Steps for Living a Life Full of Joy: https://amzn.to/3Cek7qb
➡️ Bee Smith on Instagram: https://instagram.com/BeeInspiredTalk
➡️ Bee Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beeinspired/
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
It’s time we rethink social media. Katie Brinkley, a social media strategist and author of The Social Shift: The Road Back to Community, joined Dale L. Roberts and me recently to talk about how social platforms can be used more effectively. Katie’s approach challenges the “more is more” mindset that seems to have overtaken our feeds. Instead, she advocates for something many creators are craving: connection over clicks.
Key Takeaways from Katie’s Philosophy on Social Media and Community
1. Less Scrolling, More Connecting:
Even as the owner of a social media agency, Katie doesn’t believe we need to be online 24/7 to grow our influence. Her philosophy is about using social media intentionally. “I didn’t create my business to spend all day on social media because that sounds terrible,” she told us. Katie’s approach is to choose one or two platforms, go all in on those, and create content that resonates with a clear target audience—an idea that feels refreshingly liberating.
2. Starting with Community from Day One:
Traditionally, creators would focus on building an audience first, adding a community structure later. Recently, though, I’ve been recommending that podcasters, authors, and livestreamers establish a community from the very beginning—a concept Katie fully embraces. By creating a dedicated space for followers to connect, creators can build deeper relationships with their audience right from the start. Katie emphasizes that “relying solely on social media to get your message across” is a missed opportunity; she believes that nurturing a community from day one allows for richer engagement and long-term connection.
3. Choose Quality Over Quantity:
Instead of chasing the virality dragon, Katie advocates for showing up for your people—whether that’s a handful of loyal followers or a broader audience. Her “four-post strategy” is designed to deepen connections rather than scatter content across platforms hoping something sticks. “How successful is your business if you’re on social media all day every day?” Katie asks. Her message is clear: aim to make an impact with intention, not just reach.
4. Engage Offline Whenever Possible:
Despite her digital presence, Katie still champions the importance of offline connections. Meeting in real life, even if it starts with a digital connection, can be transformative. Whether it’s at events like Podfest or just bumping into someone from your online community, these moments bring a sense of real-world validation. “Seeing someone in person and connecting in a meaningful way—that’s where the magic happens,” she shares.
Why Katie Wrote The Social Shift
Katie’s book is as much a rallying cry as it is a guide. She believes we’ve become too reliant on social media to validate our success. The book is her effort to help creators and business owners take a step back, think strategically about their online presence, and focus on community-driven success rather than the endless treadmill of daily posting.
Takeaway:
Social media is a tool—not the destination. Use it wisely, build something real, and, when you can, step away and live your life. Katie’s message is both powerful and freeing for those who feel chained to their screens.
🎬 StreamYard 🦆
This episode was recorded using StreamYard, an easy-to-use, browser-based studio for creating professional-looking livestreams and podcast recordings.
Get StreamYard 👉 https://livestreamuniverse.com/streamyard
Resources
➡️ Gear & software recommendations for creators: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Links from this episode:
📚 Katie’s book: The Social Shift: The Road Back to Community: https://amzn.to/3NScuZ1
➡️ Katie Brinkley on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkley
➡️ Katie’s website: https://www.katiebrinkley.com
Ross’ Links:
➡️ Ross Brand on Substack:
📚 Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe: https://geni.us/vidpod
📚 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand: https://geni.us/100v4
➡️ Livestream Universe website: https://livestreamuniverse.com
➡️ Executive BrandCast - podcast strategy & production services: https://executivebrandcast.com
➡️ For help with publishing your book, contact me at https://livestreamuniverse.com/contact
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts 🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale 📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa 📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI 📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt 📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
Disclaimer: Some links in this description are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
Angela Yuriko Smith joins Ross Brand and Dale L. Roberts to discuss opportunities for writers, her Substack newsletter, Authortunities, and her book, How To Be an Authortunist.
It's a “Nonfiction Showcase” episode of the BrandStack Podcast.
🎓 NOV 2 · Authortunities Expo
Seeking Craft, Credibility, Fortune and Fame? You can have it all… just not all at the same time. Angela Yuriko Smith is hosting this free, virtual conference that maps out how to define and find your next publishing quest. The event ends with the first ever Linzner Awards from Space and Time Magazine. Explore the Neighborhub while you wait: https://authortunitieshub.com/.
📚 My Latest Books:
→ Video Podcasting Made Easy: https://geni.us/vidpod
→ 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4: https://geni.us/100v4
⚙ Resources for Creators & Authors:
→ Gear & Software: https://livestreamuniverse.com/resources
Angela Yuriko Smith
🎬 Authortunities YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@angela_yuriko_smith
📚 How To Be an Authortunist
✍️ Authortunities on Substack
📑 Space and Time Magazine
Dale L. Roberts
🎬 Main YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@dalelroberts
🎙️ Podcast Channel: https://youtube.com/@selfpubwithdale
📚 Networking for Authors: https://amzn.to/3C7pxDa
📚 Advertising for Books: https://amzn.to/40lK0OI
📚 Advanced Self-Publishing for Authors: https://amzn.to/3YpzdAt
📚 Self-Publishing for New Authors: https://amzn.to/40sz3eo
✍️ Self-Publishing with Dale on Substack
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
Of course, this podcast does have a video version and you can watch it here.
As someone who spent over a decade on-air in radio, I’ve always considered the listener first, even in video content, knowing that viewing is often optional.
The real value in most talk shows—including video podcasts and livestreams—is in what we hear. That’s why audio remains my top technical priority. Audio has a unique intimacy that’s hard to replicate.
But as the media landscape shifts, we must acknowledge the reality: video creates a next-level opportunity to engage and grow.
1. Adding Video Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
Incorporating video can be as simple as turning on a webcam. If you’re recording remotely with a guest, just ask them to do the same. Many podcast recording platforms now come with built-in video options, so using video might be easier than you think.
The truth is, audiences want to see you—especially on platforms like YouTube, where an audiogram alone doesn’t cut it. People are drawn to seeing your expressions and reactions as you deliver your content. They’re less concerned with a flawless set or high-end camera and more interested in connecting with you.
2. Video is a Powerful Social Media Tool for Audience Growth
Video is the ultimate scroll-stopper on social media. Even if you’re not ready to post full video episodes, recording yourself while podcasting gives you valuable clips to share across visual platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
These clips help you attract attention by offering a quick, engaging look at your content. They can also lead viewers to explore your full episodes, helping you build a dedicated following over time.
3. Video is the Key to Branding Your Podcast and Showcasing Your Expertise
Beyond reach, video serves as a powerful branding tool. Traditional podcast apps offer limited discoverability, but YouTube—quickly becoming the place for podcasts—boasts excellent discovery through its search engine and suggested video features. Plus, your video content can rank in Google search results, boosting your visibility even beyond YouTube. This positions you as a go-to source on your topics and helps your brand connect with audiences wherever they’re searching.
In addition, repurposed video clips on social media visually reinforce your identity and expertise, even for those who don’t tune in to the full episode. This positions you as a knowledgeable voice, making a memorable impression that sticks with viewers and builds your reputation.
4. Video Enhances Your Ability to Monetize
Video opens up new opportunities for monetizing your podcast. With the potential to reach more people on YouTube and other video platforms, you can grow your audience while increasing the numbers you report to sponsors, including video views across social media.
The YouTube culture also aligns perfectly with monetization; viewers are accustomed to seeing links in video descriptions for related products and services, making it easy to integrate affiliate links or sponsored content.
Video allows you to showcase a product visually, so potential customers don’t just hear about it—they can see it in action, which adds credibility and impact to your endorsement.
Why Stay on the Sidelines?
Every day your podcast remains audio-only is a missed opportunity to grow your reach, connect more deeply with your audience, and explore new monetization avenues. While there are valid reasons for some creators to stick with audio-only (and Kevin Kolbe and I discuss these in Video Podcasting Made Easy), for most podcasters, staying away from video makes little sense. Video podcasting may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be. And it’s one of the most powerful tools available for expanding your show’s impact.
So, what’s holding you back? Are there specific concerns about video podcasting that make you hesitate? Drop a comment below or reply to this newsletter—I’d love to hear your thoughts and help you take that first step.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
The transcript below was provided by Substack and cleaned up by ChatGPT.
Hey Gang,
The World Series is about to get started, and I wanted to share an interview I did with a legendary player who wore both the Yankees and Dodgers uniforms and pitched in the last three World Series between the two teams. Does anybody know who that player might be? We'll come back to that in just a few minutes.
Top 5 Reasons Why The 2024 World Series is Special
But first, I wanted to share why I think this World Series is so special and why there's so much interest in the series between the Yankees and the Dodgers.
Massive Star Power
Number one, it's got massive star power. The MVPs and best players in each league are in it: Aaron Judge of the Yankees, Shohei Otani of the Dodgers. You've also got other stars like Juan Soto and Garrett Cole on the Yankees' side, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman on the Dodgers' side, although Freeman isn't in top form right now. These are among the biggest names in the game. It's going to be exciting to have all these stars under the bright lights.
Two Best Teams in Baseball
Number two, it's the two best teams in baseball. The Dodgers and Yankees both finished with the best record in their league during the regular season. Nothing that happened during the playoffs changed the perception that these are the two best teams, and we've got a matchup of the best of the best.
Broadway vs Hollywood
Number three, it's New York and L.A. You're talking about the two biggest media markets in the U.S., so the hype and the media attention is going to be massive, and the TV audience should be much bigger than usual for a World Series.
Storied Rivalry
Number four, it's a storied rivalry. Great tradition and history, going back to when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn and the two teams would meet in the Subway Series, the World Series, as it was called when two New York teams were playing. You're talking, again, about some of the greatest players in the history of the game: Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax—although Koufax was more so in the 60s after the move to L.A. There's only been one perfect game in the entire World Series, and that was Don Larsen of the Yankees beating the Dodgers in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series. There's also the famous play where Jackie Robinson steals home off Whitey Ford, and Yogi swore till his final day that he got the tag down and got Robinson out, but he argued to no avail, and Jackie Robinson was safe. That was the 1955 series, the one World Series between the Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers, in which the Dodgers broke through and won the series. I believe they were 6-1, the Yankees against the Dodgers in the World Series when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn. The Yankees lead 8-3 overall between the two teams.
It’s Been 43 Years
And number five, this doesn't happen very often. These two teams haven't met in the World Series in 43 years. The last three times they met—'77, '78, and '81—the Yankees won in '77 and '78, and the Dodgers won in '81. If memory serves me correctly, in both '78 and '81, the team that won the first two games ended up losing the series and losing the next four straight games. Of course, the biggest memory, the greatest memory most people have who were around for those series, was Game 6, 1977, when Reggie Jackson hit three home runs off of three different Dodgers pitchers. Again, the Yankees won in '77 and '78. The Dodgers bounced back and won in 1981.
The Interview
So I want to bring up an interview that I did. I did this back in 2017 in October, just before the World Series back then. It was with a player who starred on both teams, was an all-star, and one of the best pitchers in the game at the time. He ended up on the losing side in all three series. He was a Dodger in the '77 and '78 series, then he changed his allegiance and went over to the Yankees. He was on the losing side in '81. One of the key moments I remember from the '81 series involves the Yankees. He started Game 6, I believe, and he was pulled for a pinch hitter in the third inning, which was a strange decision, being that he was one of the Yankees' better starters, and their bullpen had lost a lot of games in that series.
Who is It?
But anyway, the player we're talking about is Tommy John. To a lot of people who know the current game but might not know some of the history of the game, Tommy John isn't just the guy who the elbow surgery was named after. He was actually a pretty great pitcher in his day. He won 288 games, the most by any pitcher who's never been elected to the Hall of Fame.
When Tommy John had his injury, this was a new surgery, a procedure that had never been done before. Tommy knew he was risking his career when he had the surgery by Dr. Frank Jobe. He came back from the surgery, pitched better than ever, and ended up pitching until he was 46 years old. Now it's a common surgery that pitchers, even position players, often have early in their careers. They have an injury, get Tommy John surgery, and go on to have long and successful careers. But it was remarkable at the time that not only did Tommy come back and was a terrific pitcher in his 30s, but he ended up pitching until he was 46.
Tommy was an all-star several times with both the Dodgers and Yankees. He also pitched for the White Sox and several other teams. With the White Sox, he was an all-star, I believe, as well. And again, he pitched in those three World Series between the two teams. He won 20 games several times. Anyway, to watch the video interview with Tommy John, just scroll down to the embedded video below and check it out. It was from Livestream Stars 2017, and I think you'll enjoy it.
Have a great day!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
In this episode, I sit down with Kim Doyal, a seasoned podcaster and editor of The Spark newsletter. Kim has extensive experience navigating the world of email marketing and newsletters, and we dive into her strategies for building loyal audiences, embracing imperfection, and exploring the right tools for creators.
We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including the evolution of newsletters, the rise of platforms like Substack, and how AI tools are transforming content creation. Whether you’re new to email marketing or looking to refine your strategy, Kim’s insights will leave you inspired and ready to take action. She also discusses the opportunities and challenges of using platforms like Substack and the value of creating content that resonates with her audience.
In addition to The Spark, Kim also publishes Women, Wisdom, and Wealth and Imperfect, focusing on financial psychology and personal growth. You can find all three newsletters here on Substack.
Key Takeaways:
* The difference between newsletters and email marketing: Newsletters are publications that come out on a regular schedule, while email marketing is often geared toward solo broadcasts and direct conversions.
* The power of newsletters: Consistency and structure make newsletters a key tool for audience building.
* A Vote for Substack: Kim’s going all-in on Substack because of its social features and community-building potential,
* Substack book on the way: Kim is creating a visual guide to Substack to help new users navigate the platform and understand many of the features that confuse even experienced users.
* AI in email marketing: Kim touches on the balance between using AI tools and maintaining a personal connection with your audience.
Links from this episode:
* Kim Doyal on Substack
* The Spark newsletter by Kim Doyal
* Women, Wisdom, and Wealth newsletter by Kim Doyal
* Imperfect newsletter by Kim Doyal
* Kim’s website
Ross’ Links:
* Ross Brand on Substack
* BrandStack | Books & Broadcasts - newsletter by Ross Brand
* Resources - gear & software recommendations for creators
* Video Podcasting Made Easy - book by Ross Brand & Kevin Kolbe
* 100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions, Volume 4 - book by Ross Brand
* Livestream Universe - Ross’ main website
* Executive BrandCast - Ross’ podcast strategy & production services website
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com -
The transcript below was provided by Substack and cleaned up by ChatGPT.
Hey Gang,
Ross Brand over here on Substack and in your email inbox, depending on where you're taking a look at this.
Wanted to let you know, first of all, you probably now know, but I want to let you know that I am on Substack. And while this is a writing platform and I plan to do and have been doing some writing lately on Substack, I'm also going to take advantage of their built-in audio and video tools.
You can not only upload podcasts and host them right on Substack, but you can upload videos and have audio posts, video posts, podcasts with audio and video in them. The basic podcast post is an audio post. But you can post video as well. And you can also record, as I'm doing right now, you can record video natively. You can record audio natively right into the Substack platform.
So that's what I'm doing now, testing it out, seeing what the quality is like, what the experience is like recording. And so far, it seems pretty good. I did a brief test earlier and it seemed to come out okay.
And so I thought I'd just come across in a manner in which you're normally used to seeing me. And as I said, I'm very much right now into publishing and working on books and self-publishing as well as digital audio and digital video.
So I'm excited to be a part of Substack because it is a publishing platform and you have your own publication. Mine's called Brandstack Books and Broadcasts. And so I plan on doing a mix of long form writing, short form writing, roundups, but also audio and video podcasts and even live streams.
There is a live streaming feature. In fact, that's what sort of tipped me over the edge to finally get started. I had created an account just for reading occasionally sub stacks, but didn't do anything with it. Once I saw there was live streaming on the platform, I said, okay, this is the thing that's going to push me over the edge. Now it's time.
I always wanted to set up a publication. I always thought it was a cool idea. I started a LinkedIn newsletter back in January or February, and I've been doing that fairly consistently across this year. I'm going to continue doing that, and I'll also publish it on Substack as well. But I'm doing a lot of pieces that will be exclusive to Substack.
I'm also going to do audio and video, whether native to the platform like this is or I pre-record elsewhere and then upload, but they'll only be available on Substack, at least for a while. Then I may add them to one of my podcast feeds or I may put some clips on YouTube, but I'm looking to do some long form interviews as well as short interviews.
Some videos will be 10 minutes, but some may be a deep dive like the one that's coming up with Kim Doyal, where we talked about everything from newsletters and email. We got into all the different newsletter platforms, of course, and why she loves Substack, but we also talked about the pivot she's doing in her business, just different philosophies and approaches to life and business. It's a fascinating conversation. Kim is such a great storyteller.
She's been a pioneer in the newsletter email marketing, what I call the second generation of it. It's not your grandparents' email newsletter from 2002 or 2003, but this has kind of been the revival of newsletters over the past few years, and she's been at the forefront of that. And we got into a lot of other stuff as well.
She's been a success online for a long time, been a podcaster, and she's just a wonderful storyteller. So look for that in the next day or two, the podcast on the BrandStack podcast with Kim Doyal, only on Substack. It's free to subscribe.
I do not have any type of monetization turned on right now. It may show you that you can pledge something if I ever do turn it on, but none of that's required. Subscribe, and you can get all this stuff on the Substack platform and or emailed to your inbox.
This is the beginning of what I hope is a long and enjoyable adventure on Substack, where I can create content that goes directly to you and maybe a better way for engaging at scale here on Substack and through email, which I really think both the kind of platform like Substack is and email.
What's old is new again really are two of the best ways to communicate in an era in which social media has become so much pay to play. You're at the whims of algorithms. And while you can reach people, there's no other platform on the social end that allows you to reach everybody the way that Substack does.
It's why I'm excited to be moving over here for a good amount of my content, and we'll see how it goes. So I hope you join me on this journey, and I'll follow up with more posts about how it's going.
But a lot of things I'll just write about that are just interesting to me from the world of publishing, from the world of digital media that may have nothing to do with Substack or newsletters or email, just things that I find interesting and I hope you will as well. Things that may be helpful to you, and we'll see how it all goes.
So have a great day, everybody, and welcome to my Substack.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrand.substack.com
