-
10 Questions with ... Andy Carlson
October 25, 2016
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Podcaster transitioning into radio and other mediums of #content generation.
1. What possessed you to do a podcast? What prompted the launch of your shows?
The late 2013 snow game where the Vikings let Joe Flacco march the length of the field in 45 seconds in a blizzard to lose horribly. Vented a little in audio format, was just going to email the link to some friends but people started listening and it has grown from there.
2. How did the link (for "Purple FTW") with 1500 ESPN and Hubbard (and PodcastOne, in turn) come about? What does the relationship with the radio station do for you and the show?
Phil Mackey and Derek Wetmore reached out to me to gauge my interest of bringing Purple FTW into the 1500/Hubbard/PodcastOne sphere. I was excited at the prospects, as all are brand names and they get that everything is moving towards digital, on-demand content. It's a great relationship where I expand my audience and they get new, outside the box programming.
3. How do your shows differ from standard, over-the-air sports radio, if at all? What can/do you do that's different from what you'd hear on 1500 ESPN over-the-air, or KFAN? And what benefits do you find from being aligned with podcast networks, whether 1500 ESPN/PodcastOne or Cold Omaha?
I'm much more about being personality driven than being about stats or numbers. I like to have fun on the shows, not take myself too seriously, and I think that's refreshing to listeners. They're not going to be yelled at or clubbed over the head with stats or analytics. It's much closer to sitting and talking sports with a few buddies over beers and cracking a few jokes. That's what I strive for in each episode and each interview.
4. You come from several generations of Vikings fans. Describe that - is there something about being a Vikings fan that, you know, "builds character" (in other words, have years of losing or just falling short shaped your outlook on life, or at least football)?
You develop a sharp sense of gallows humor as a Vikings fan. You become a little snarkier (in a good way) and never let yourself get too high or too low. I think it's a good perspective to have (nothing worse that a bloviating fanbase) but don't let it bleed too much into your real life. Don't always be waiting for the other shoe to drop when things are going well for you personally or professionally.
5. Should sports media, as some would contend, "stick to sports"? Or is there a duty to address what's going on around you?
I generally like to #StickToSports. Usually only cross the boundary when it relates to the sports world (domestic violence, public money building stadiums, National Anthem protests, etc), but the key is not coming in with an agenda. Present the facts, make a conclusion, move on. Nothing worse than when a host hijacks their audience (who came for sports) to jam an agenda down their throat - although it is harder and harder, as this election cycle has become more like pro wrestling. But I don't buy the “there's more important things than sports, so that's what I'm going to talk about” angle. OBVIOUSLY there are more important things in this world than sports, but that's also not what you get paid to do/why people listen to you. Don't betray your audience's trust or forget why they tune in.
6. Who are your influences, mentors, and inspirations in the business?
I purposely listen to as few local radio/podcasts as I can because I never want to be accused of lifting material, opinions, bits, etc. And it's easy to do (consciously or subconsiously) if you're immersed in similar content. But I truly admire guys like Dan Barreiro, Paul Allen, and Patrick Reusse for doing their thing in the Twin Cities market for an extended period of time. Different walks of life, approaches, and styles, but all are able to keep having their voices heard during a time when barrier to entry has gotten lower and lower with technology getting better. You don't always have to agree with their takes to respect what they've been able to do over the long haul. You have to tip your cap to longevity in this business.
Inspiration wise, what Adam Carolla has done with all of his podcasts is something I'm unabashedly aspiring too. Essentially working as an independent, he's been able to build up a company and a brand that has succeeded in a new medium where no one had been able to make “real” money and sustain before.
7. Of what are you most proud?
The first time I saw Purple FTW listed on the PodcastOne app next to Adam Carolla and Dan Patrick. It was humbling, inspiring, and absolutely terrifying at the same time.
8. Time for a prediction: How will the 2016 season end for the Vikings? Is this the year?
Horribly. (See Question 4)
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ______________.
...strong coffee and my weak ego.
10. What's the most important lesson you've learned in life so far?
Find something you're passionate about and work your ass off. No matter your race, religion, gender, or economic status of your parents; if you find your passion and work like hell, things magically take care of themselves.
-
-