The base camp of building skills in the outdoors to heal in everyday life.
"Enjoy the journey, keep in mind that you define every aspect of the ride."
Today Mike Martin, the creator of Project Mindfully Outdoors shares his story of Self-Improvement podcast.
► Tell us about you and your podcast
I started Project Mindfully Outdoors at a time where just like the world I was going through some major changes. My mental health was the lowest point it's ever been. That's when I turned to the outdoors for help. By finding this understanding that while I am in the field I have to rely on all of these different skill sets that are needed in life to grow. As I progressed in my journey of bringing those skill sets into my daily life I wanted to share that process with others who could benefit from the same journey. Which is what my show and project are all about. Being the basecamp of healing and growth. Giving this space to build a connection with the land and self. Which allows us to give a voice to the stewart that lays within. Who can help us to explore the trial and error aspect of our story and build the plan of conservation that will bring us forward.
► Why & how did you start this podcast?
Podcasting for me has been this labor of love that was born out of the fact that a podcast saved my life. After hearing this interview with Ryan Holiday talk about the Stoic mindset. It put me on this path where I couldn't just give up. I really had to embrace and live life. About a year before the launch of the podcast I set the framework for the show in place by starting the blog. Where I would share my journey and the things I was learning. Which when I launched the podcast was how the show was laid out.
Originally I had planned to record the first week of episodes and launch from deer camp in the fall of 2020. Unfortunately I wound up cutting that first hunt trip short when I got really sick while out in the woods. Following that I put the podcast idea on the side and returned to the blog and writing. In the winter of 2021 the podcast bug hit me again. I had written this piece about mindfulness that I really enjoyed and it became the piece that I built the first episode around. I never really set goals and direction with the show other than for it to become another aspect of the project overall. Which meant it would evolve on its own as I moved into different aspects of my journey. TO include such things as guest interviews as I took on my own social and anxiety. With feedback from the listening base it has now become more based around bringing the gap of getting from this place of loss and suffering to hope and healing.
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► How'd you find the time and funding to do this podcast?
Finding time for podcasting has been a juggling act for me. Since I'm a father, I also work a demanding full time job as well. So I have found that scheduling and time management are key. I set aside a few hours in the evening to do my recording. While most of the writing comes pretty easy and gets done throughout the day. Mostly on my phone and then I'll touch it up later. But I feel that flexibility and allowing yourself grace to let the process happen are the biggest keys.
► What do you gain from podcasting?
I'm definitely open to sponsorships. Which is something I have slowly begun to explore. At this point I am doing work with brands like Fresh cap and Online therapy. Those along with some other things I have in the works have come by just reaching out online. Having just jumped to a new hosting platform with better numbers. I've been shocked to learn I'm averaging around 1000 downloads a month.
As for the benefits of podcasting for me. It has been this way of finding a cool way of growing personally and holding myself to what I really believe in. Over the time I've been doing this I have built some very cool and lasting friendships as well.
► How does your podcasting process look like?
So I run 5 episodes a week at the very least. My interviews are done on zoom with guests that I find via podmatch and social media platforms. My prep work is pretty basic. Since I'm always writing and putting out new blog posts on projectmindfullyoutdoors.com I always have something for a solo episode. In my interviews I take a very organic approach to. Meaning I will have a simple idea of where to take the conversion. Based upon the bio and background of the guest.
► How do you market your show?
The bulk of the promo that I do spins around my website. Which is hosted by wordpress. So I really hone in on my followers there. I also use platforms like Facebook and other social media as well. The reason wordpress is my go to is because I have found the core of my listeners there.
► What advice would you share with aspiring (new) podcasters?
Enjoy the journey, keep in mind that you define every aspect of the ride.
► Where can we learn more about you & your podcasts?
For Project Mindfully Outdoors everything revolves around our website www.projectmindfullyoutdoors.com.
From our base camp we have blazed trails on every podcast platform around under the same name Project Mindfully Outdoors. On facebook and the other major social media platforms you can find us with @projectmindfullyoutdoorspodcast.
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