In 2020, when the world was turned upside down, like many others, I found myself reevaluating what really mattered. As a creative producer and development executive in the Kids & Family animation industry, I was used to seeing stories come to life on screens. But with my kids home from school and an abundance of unexpected family time, I decided to channel my storytelling skills in a new direction—audio.
Thus, the “Best Whatever Ever!” podcast was born. It wasn’t just a creative experiment; it was a leap into the unknown. After years of working on large-scale animated projects, creating a podcast meant starting from scratch in a whole new medium. Could I take the same passion and creativity that fuels my day job and channel it into something independent, something completely my own?
The Birth of “Best Whatever Ever!”
With the daily grind of the pandemic, I wanted to bond with my kids and get them away from their screens. Storytime had always been big in our house, so I thought, why not take that love of storytelling and amplify it?
Armed with little more than a microphone, a basic understanding of sound editing (thank you, YouTube!), and stories inspired by our family’s brainstorming sessions, “Best Whatever Ever!” became a reality. But beyond the fun, it was also a personal challenge: Could I learn a new trade, build a brand from the ground up, and create something that could grow and evolve?
From Storyboard to Soundboard
As a producer, I’m used to assembling large teams to create animated content. Transitioning to a one-man band was both exhilarating and daunting. In animation, the process is collaborative, with many experts contributing. Podcasting, however, is much more intimate—it’s just you, your voice, and your audience. In some ways, it was freeing. I made the decisions—no committee, no gatekeepers (except maybe my kids).
While the tools were different, the core remained the same: telling stories that resonate. Whether through animation or sound, the goal was still to captivate young minds and spark their imaginations.
Modeling Creativity for My Kids
A big part of this podcast was modeling creativity for my own children. I wanted to show them that creativity isn’t confined to your current skill set or career path—it’s about having the courage to start something new, make mistakes, and grow. Seeing their excitement when they heard their ideas brought to life in the podcast was priceless. They became my biggest critics, editors, and fans, offering feedback like, “Dad, that part was a little boring,” or “That’s weird!” (to which I’d ask, “Weird ‘good’ or weird ‘bad’?”). That’s why I often refer to them as my “bosses” on the show, a running joke that listeners love.
They also saw that making something from scratch isn’t easy. There were late nights of editing, moments of frustration, and times when I questioned if I could keep up the pace. But they also saw the joy in creating something new and in hearing feedback from listeners.
Challenges of Wearing Many Hats
Transitioning from producer to podcaster wasn’t without its challenges. Time, or the lack thereof, became my biggest obstacle. Balancing a demanding full-time job, fatherhood, and the desire to create new content was tricky.
Monetizing the podcast has been another challenge. Unlike television, where budgets and revenue models are well-established, podcasting—especially indie podcasting—is still a Wild West. And making a show for kids made commercialization even trickier.
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was speaking on the mic. As someone naturally more comfortable behind the scenes, I’ve always preferred crafting stories from the sidelines. But podcasting required me to step into the spotlight. It was daunting at first—I’d cringe at my voice in early recordings—but over time, I found my rhythm. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me grow not just as a creator, but as a communicator.
The Rewards: Beyond the Downloads
Despite the challenges, “Best Whatever Ever!” has grown beyond my expectations. With nearly 40 original stories, over 400,000 downloads, and fan mail from kids and parents all over the world (even from countries where English isn’t the native language), I’m reminded daily of why I started. Sure, there are critiques (the occasional 1-star review on Apple Podcasts for not releasing episodes fast enough is always a fun read), but the overwhelmingly positive response keeps me going.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about receiving a drawing from a young listener or reading a message from a parent thanking me for giving their kids something to look forward to. These moments make all the late nights and hard work worthwhile.
Bridging Two Worlds
Creating “Best Whatever Ever!” has enriched my work as a producer. It reminded me of the value of taking risks, stepping outside my comfort zone, and telling stories in different mediums. The skills I’ve developed in podcasting—from audio editing to marketing—have given me a fresh perspective on storytelling in animation.
In a way, the podcast has become a bridge between my professional life and personal passion. It’s proof that creativity isn’t limited by format, and sometimes the best ideas come from exploring new territories.
The Journey Continues
As I look to the future, I’m excited to see where “Best Whatever Ever!” will go. Whether expanding the podcast, finding new ways to monetize, or bringing these stories to life in other formats, the possibilities are endless.
To anyone considering starting something new—whether a podcast, blog, business, or hobby—I say go for it. You don’t have to be an expert to start. You just need passion and the willingness to learn. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay.
After all, the best stories are the ones that take us on unexpected journeys. And for me, “Best Whatever Ever!” has been exactly that—a journey into the unknown that’s brought me closer to my kids, enriched my career, and reminded me of the joy of storytelling in all its forms.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my podcasting journey. If you have kids (or are just a kid at heart), I’d love for you to check out “Best Whatever Ever!” and join us on this storytelling adventure.
