We were lucky to catch up with Douglas Hess recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Douglas thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
The podcast Forgotten Hollywood began during the solitude of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, the isolation brought about by lockdowns led to long stretches of reflection. For me, these moments often came while mowing the lawn, a mundane yet meditative task that allowed ideas to flow freely.
During those hours behind the mower, the concept for Forgotten Hollywood began to take shape. I wanted the podcast to dive into the overlooked and lesser-known stories of Hollywood’s past—a treasure trove of history waiting to be uncovered and shared. The idea felt fresh, but convincing others of its potential wasn’t easy.
James Lott, Jr. who is the CEO and President of JLJ Media, was not initially sold on the theme. He wasn’t sure if a podcast centered around obscure Hollywood tales would find an audience. His skepticism extended to the proposed logo for the show, which didn’t immediately resonate with him. Despite the challenges, the idea continued to evolve and he agreed to greenlight the project. He said, “if it doesn’t work, we will just cancel the podcast”.
As the concept matured and the podcast took shape, its appeal became undeniable. Forgotten Hollywood has since found its footing, connecting with listeners who share an appreciation for the hidden gems of cinema history. What began as a quiet brainstorm during COVID is now a growing platform, celebrating the untold stories that make Hollywood’s legacy so fascinating.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Over the years, I’ve often been told I have a “radio voice.” At first, it was just a passing compliment, but over time, I started wondering if there might be something to it. Could my voice be put to use creatively?
One day, while I was bored and scrolling through the internet, I came across a Craigslist ad for a voice actor position. The idea intrigued me. With nothing to lose, I decided to send in a recording of my voice.
That simple act opened the door to something I never expected. The ad turned out to be connected to JLJ Media, and it was through this process that I was introduced to James. What started as a random moment of curiosity has since evolved into a partnership and creative journey I’m proud to be a part of.
Taking that chance reminded me of how opportunity often finds you in unexpected ways. All it takes is one bold step forward—and, in my case, the willingness to press “send” on a voice recording.
Since, that time we have started a total of 10 podcasts that are still going strong on JLJ Media.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
When I first started podcasting, I was unsure if anyone would listen. Like many podcasters, I was passionate about my topic but uncertain about how to grow an audience. Over time, I found that by reaching out to authors and leveraging social media groups, I could significantly expand my reach. Here’s how I did it.
One of the biggest turning points for my podcast was realizing the value of bringing authors onto the show. Many authors are eager to promote their books and share their expertise, making them ideal guests. Their insights often align perfectly with podcast themes, adding credibility and depth to the content.
To get started, I reached out to publishers and authors whose work connected with my podcast’s topic. Sometimes, I sent direct emails to authors through their websites or social media accounts. Other times, I reached out to publishers directly, introducing myself, explaining the purpose of my podcast, and highlighting how their authors could benefit from being guest.
Authors brought their audiences with them. Once an episode aired, many of them shared it with their followers, giving my podcast exposure to new listeners who were already interested in the topic. This strategy not only grew my audience but also boosted the authors’ book promotions—a win-win for everyone.
While having great guests helped increase visibility, I also realized that promotion was essential. Social media became my go-to tool for reaching new listeners. I started by identifying Facebook groups, and just promoting on other social platforms such as X and Instagram.
For example, if I had an episode featuring an author who wrote about an actor or actress, I would share the episode in groups dedicated to those fans. I always made sure to follow the rules of each group, ensuring that my posts added value rather than coming across as spam. I often included context in my posts, such as why the episode would interest the group and what unique insights the guest brought to the table.
Engaging with these communities, rather than just dropping links, was key. I participated in discussions, answered questions, and became a familiar presence. Over time, people in these groups began to trust my recommendations, which led to increased downloads and loyal listeners.
These two strategies—featuring authors and promoting through niche social media groups—worked hand in hand to grow my podcast audience. Authors brought compelling content and their fan bases, while social media groups helped me connect with highly targeted listeners who were already passionate about my podcast’s themes.
The growth wasn’t instant, but it was steady. Each episode brought in new listeners, some of whom became long-term fans. Over time, I began to see consistent increases in downloads, more engagement from listeners, and a stronger presence in my podcast niche.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
In the fast-paced, ever-changing digital landscape, finding a platform to share your passions with others can be both a challenge and a joy. For me, podcasting has become that platform—a space where my voice and my interests come alive, connecting me with listeners who share the same excitement and curiosity. It’s a journey that began as a hobby but has evolved into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Podcasting offers the unique opportunity to combine storytelling, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. Whether I’m diving deep into the rich history of high school basketball, celebrating the world of Ernie Pyle, or exploring forgotten gems of Hollywood, each episode feels like an intimate conversation with an audience that values the same things I do. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a personal interest—something I would talk about anyway—and turning it into a shared experience.
What makes podcasting so rewarding isn’t just the creative process, though that’s a joy in itself. It’s the connections I’ve built along the way. The emails from listeners who share their own stories, the guests who bring fresh perspectives, and the loyal fans who tune in week after week remind me that podcasting isn’t just about speaking—it’s about connecting. I’ve learned that even the most niche interests can resonate with others when presented with passion and authenticity.
Starting a podcast wasn’t always easy. I had doubts. Would anyone listen? Was my voice suited for this? When I first pitched the idea of Forgotten Hollywood or even my early sports-focused podcasts, there was a part of me that wasn’t sure they’d succeed. But I leaped, inspired by people who believed in my “radio voice” and my ability to bring stories to life. Those initial fears were quickly replaced with the thrill of creating something that others truly valued.
The most rewarding moments often come unexpectedly. It could be a listener reaching out to say how much a story resonated with them, or realizing that something I shared sparked someone’s interest in a topic they’d never explored before. Moments like these remind me that podcasting is more than a hobby—it’s a way to make a difference, however small, in someone’s day.
It’s also been a personal journey of growth. Podcasting has taught me to trust my voice, to embrace curiosity, and to keep learning. Researching topics, interviewing guests, and staying committed to producing quality content have pushed me outside of my comfort zone and made me a better storyteller.
For anyone considering starting a podcast, my advice is simple: do it. Start small, be authentic, and share what excites you. Your passion will shine through, and you’ll find an audience that appreciates your voice. Whether you have five listeners or five thousand, the rewards of sharing your passion with others far outweigh the doubts or challenges.
Looking back, I can confidently say that becoming a podcaster has been one of the most fulfilling adventures I’ve ever taken. It’s not just about the episodes or the downloads; it’s about building a community, sharing my voice, and knowing that what I love has the power to inspire others. Podcasting isn’t just a platform—it’s a gift, and I’m grateful every day to share it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: hessdoug14
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.hess.9
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-hess-b384544?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: hessdoug14
Image Credits
Doug Hess