“How to Become the Center of Influence Through Shock Podcasting” with Steve Grillo of the AftershockXL Podcast
As part of my series of interviews about “How to Become the Center of Influence Through Podcasting”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Steve Grillo. He is the host of the video podcast AftershockXL. Watch each week as the former Howard Stern intern takes the mic and interviews and entertains with his electric friends and A-list celebrities. Watch at Youtube.
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Can you tell us the “backstory” about why or how you got started as a podcaster?
I happened to live down the block from the Howard Stern Show and ended up getting an internship at the show. Howard encouraged me to work at my radio station station at Hunter College, which broadcasted in the cafeteria. At one point, I was trying to explain how stupid a controversial slogan was, but no one heard that part, I created a bit of a riot, and I had to lock myself in the radio station. I went on to spend eight years with the Howard Stern Show.
A good friend of mine told me he was doing a radio show from his apartment called “Hard Rock Radio Live” and I was so comfortable broadcasting with him. This was way before podcasting became what it is today. I sort of let myself go and could just be myself on the show. I picked up podcasting again with my friend Stacey Prussman. Artie Lange had me on as a guest of his podcast. Not too long after, I started my own show called AftershockXL. I started doing audio only and then incorporated video. Podcasting is just like therapy to me.
Can you share a story about the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started podcasting?
I’ve had such great guests on my show. For me, it has been amazing to have someone you admire or just love their work. Having MC Serch from 3rd Bass was a milestone for me personally. I’ve loved his music since I was a kid. The fact that Serch came on was just amazing.
And to have other people I am friendly with that come on and support me, it just forces me to be better than I know I could be.
Can you share a story about the biggest or funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
It is not a funny mistake, but this incident was a learning experience. I tend to bring people from the bar on the show occasionally. I brought Dawn and Nancy with me and they were so fun at the bar and we got to the studio and they both went silent. It was like the “Schweddy Balls” episode from SNL. I had an hour to fill and it was a learning experience to make the show interesting. It was the first time I had the challenge of having to come up with content on the spot.
How long have you been podcasting and how many shows have you aired?
I’ve been podcasting for about a year, I’ve done about 30 shows and then moved from just audio to video. I currently do a weekly show and since I’ve moved to video, I’ve had more than a dozen shows.
What are the main takeaways or lessons you want your listeners to walk away with?
If I can take an hour out of someone’s day and help them disappear, from problems, traffic, whatever it is and they enjoy listening, and then I am doing what I am supposed to do.
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Steve Grillo!
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Podcaster Influencer, Steve Grillo of the AftershockXL Podcast shares the best ways to:
1) Book Great Guests. There is much to consider before even purchasing equipment. Decide your audience, where you want to broadcast, the type of guests you will have, and how often you will broadcast.
2) Increase Listeners. Get the equipment and learn to use the technical side of podcasting. If you are not tech savvy, partner with professionals who are.
3) Produce in a Professional Way. Decide the best platform for your show and how to reach your audience.
4) Encourage Engagement. Consider if you will want to add a video element. While I started with audio, it was important to me to also add video.
5) Monetize. Be Yourself!
What makes your podcast binge-listenable? What do you think makes your podcast unique from the others in your category? What do you think is special about you as a host, your guests, or the content itself?
Check out the full interview in Tracy Hazzard’s Authority Magazine article about Steve Grillo!
