Today we’d like to introduce you to Royce Bottoms.
Hi Royce, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am the Co-founder and host of the Jesus & a Cup of Joe podcast.
How did Jesus & a Cup of Joe start?
I have been in the ministry field for 22 years. The idea of Jesus & a Cup of Joe first came about in my kitchen with my wife. I had already created a Facebook page called At the Cross Ministries and I later changed it to Jesus & a Cup of Joe, I wanted to share daily devotionals with everyone who may be interested and post videos of sermons on different topics.
During this time, I kept feeling that there was more I needed to do, but I was not sure which directions the Lord wanted me to go. I was standing in the kitchen, and my wife was fixing a cup of coffee, and I told her that I wanted to try podcasting. I am the first to admit I had no idea what podcasting was, but I kept feeling the urge to keep pushing forward and see where it went. I knew that I would need a name for the podcast, so she and I started trying to find a name or title that would best fit the podcast.
I also knew that I wanted Jesus’s name in the title, I think the first title I mentioned was “Coffee with Jesus” and then I think it was “Jesus and a cup of coffee” but when I searched the domain names they both were taken. So during our cup of coffee, I started to remember in my military days’ soldiers would refer to coffee as a cup of Joe. So I jokingly said to my wife “what about Jesus and a cup of Joe” and she looked at me and said that would work. So I immediately searched and the domain name was available so I purchased the name.
I am proud to say Jesus & a Cup of Joe is on every media outlet (Iheart, Apple, Google, and Amazon) and being shared in six different countries and has multiple listeners daily. The podcast has made the following top listener charts on Goodpods: #11 in the Top 100 Indie Christianity chart, #20 in the Top 100 Indie Religion & Spirituality chart, and #23 in the Top 100 Christianity chart. The podcast can be heard every Sunday at noon on the Helium Radio Network in Tampa, FL.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, it has been challenging teaching myself the podcast/video business. The upfront cost of equipment and finding ways to provide the best product with limited finances. Being a producer, editor, and marketer while working full time, and with an active family.
Finding sponsors and advertisements to keep creating great content for the listeners and viewers.
Breaking into the world of podcasting with a Christian podcast is difficult because there is not a large market for it, most people would rather listen to stories, true crimes, etc. And with the video area, it is completed with large name celebrities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a Christian podcaster, I want to share with the listeners how Jesus is relatable in their life and how the Bible is more than just a book. It is a guide for our life and the Bible provides answers and solutions to the problems we may face in our life. And finally, the Life aspect of the mission Jesus, the Bible, and Life is sharing my story with the listener and how applying the Lord’s word can help get you through whatever you are facing.
What I believe sets me apart from other podcasters is that I try to be as real as I can. I try to be that person that you can relate to and feel comfortable listening to.
What I am most proud of is how the podcast has grown in four years. What started as a thought in a kitchen is now helping people all around the world. I believe this is just the start, my prayer is that more people will find this podcast and videos and can connect with the messages.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is fishing with my friends and living in a time when life was slower and easier versus life today.
Donations are welcome. And if anyone is interested in my merchandise, please visit my website.
Pricing:
- Donations are welcome.
Contact Info:
- Email: jesusandacupofjoe@gmail.com
- Website: www.jesusandacupofjoe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesusandacupofjoe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jesusandacupofjoe
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MinistryATC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtoKYQRZMvm7gu7SJO0SKnQ
- SoundCloud: anchor.fm/jesusandacupofjoe
- Other: https://store.streamelements.com/jesusandacupofjoe
Image Credits:
Clothing mockups provided by Envato Placeit.
