We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sam Dever. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sam below.

Sam , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned podcast hosting and producing by simply taking the leap and getting started. It was something I had always wanted to do and it was constantly in the back of my mind.

I had previous interview experience from past projects but “The Sam Dever Podcast” was going to be new territory for me as it would be my first official podcast.

I bought my domain names, lined up my first guest and gathered all the equipment I currently had. After I filmed and recorded the first episode, I pieced it together and released it to the world.

After that, I kept doing it and learning the craft improving along the way.

I am a big believer of learning by doing but one thing I could have done to speed up the learning process is studied more industry experts in regards to strategy and techniques of the craft. It’s something I do now but I think I could have scaled more quickly if I would have had more knowledge of the podcast industry. Going to conferences and industry events is another way to learn and network quickly.

The skills that were most essentail was having the willingness to do it, number one. After that, being able to carry a conversation and ask a guest good questions. Next, having good communication skills not only for during the conversation but for being able to communicate and coordinate with guests to come on the program. Finally, having the ability and knowhow of how to market, promote and distribute the podcasts are critical.

The biggest obstacle that stays in the way of me learning more, is me. When it’s your project and your name is in the title, it can be easy for the ego to want to take over. Also, when it’s your project and you spend so much time on it, sometimes you can’t see the forest through the trees and you need to take a step back. The more I’m able to look at my podcast objectively and not take criticisicm or suggestions personally, the more I am able to improve the product and progress it forward in the most efficient way.

Sam , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a podcast host, multimedia producer, actor, and speaker based in Los Angeles, CA.

My company is Sam Dever Productions and produces my podcast “The Sam Dever Podcast” which is a long-form conversation featuring guests from a variety of backgrounds who live and think “outside the box.” I sit down with influential actors, artists, filmmakers, creative pioneers and more, who have overcome obstacles to reach new heights in their respective industries.

This podcast’s intention is to help inspire, educate and motivate others on their personal and professional journeys. The Sam Dever Podcast is a resource to help individuals open their minds to innovative concepts and philosophies which may assist them on their life path and give them a better understanding of humanity.

I also am a speaker where I speak on a topic called “Produce Your Passion” where I help creative people overcome obstacles to produce their passions, bring their visions to reality and to become their most authentic self.

Creative people are constantly battling numerous obstacles preventing them from living their dreams and fulfilling their true purpose in life. It can be extremely challenging, especially if not equipped with the right mindset to get through the hurdles the world can throw at you.

However, with the proper guidance and motivation, creatives and passionate people can rise above the noise to ensure their goals are achieved.

Being a passionate and creative driven individual myself, I believe in the importance of helping like minded individuals unlock their true potential so they can share their passions with the world. Through dynamic and engaging keynotes and workshops, I inspire audiences to take action and bring their visions to reality.

In addition to podcasting and speaking, I am also an actor and participate in creative projects and films.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission with my creative journey is to become the best version of myself possible and reach my full potential. We are all unique and have our own original outlook of the world and I want to tap into as much of my creative energy as possible to produce the visions I see in my head. With this, I want to inspire others not only with my content but to motivate them to go out into the world and produce their own passions!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think one things society can to do best support artists and creatives is to have a better understanding that this is who were are and to give us encouragement.

The current system doesn’t necessarily cater to many creatives lifestyles. Some may view us as “lazy” or “rebellious” when the truth is many of us are working harder than we ever have on our respective crafts.

Artists are extremely important as they give us inspiration, tell stories, capture moments in time and help innovate ideas to keep the world moving forward.

Everyone has their role to play in society and deep down I believe everyone has an artist in them. If you see somebody passionately giving it their all in their creative pursuit, give them motivation to keep going and help them in anyway you can.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samdever.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samdever/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samdeverfanpage
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdever/
• Twitter: https://x.com/samdever
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesamdeverpodcast
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesamdeverpodcast

Image Credits

Photos 1-6 by Julie Bergonz

Photo 7 by Eric Sarich