Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Dahlgren.
Doug, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been an author since 2009; currently, I have nine novels in print or Kindle available. In 2014 I was interviewed on an internet talk radio station out of Ohio. They quickly asked about another interview and that led to a discussion with the station owner about my doing my own show. I had not considered that possibility, but after checking with several writer friends, to see if they would trust me with their career in an interview, I accepted the challenge. This month represents the fifth continuous year that I have been on weekly.
The show is called, The Doug Dahlgren Show, and is on live, Friday mornings at 11 am eastern and then available as free downloadable podcasts later that same day. The link to those programs is: www.artistfirst.com/dahlgren.htm. My growth has been through what I’ve learned from the station staff, and others, and I found that I really enjoy meeting and getting to introduce authors, mainly new and unheard of, to my audience. I’ve also met many terrific, new friends through this opportunity and I’m proud of that. Some of those are other talk hosts, and we enjoy sharing our experiences in this growing business. If you’re an author looking to market your work, reach out to me… doug@dougdahlgren.com. I’d love to discuss scheduling you for a future program.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had great help and support. The most difficult part is learning to speak into nothing more than a microphone. I’m was a public speaker in my former career, but there you have people you can look to for silent feedback. In radio, it’s just you. Developing a format, that works for you, also takes time and good people advising you. I’ve been fortunate in that area.
My wife helps a great deal with the show. I call her my “executive producer.” She reads every book that I talk about, cover to cover, and offers her notes about it. I also ask the author to submit questions and points about their work, that they want brought out in the interview. When the guest is comfortable that you actually know about their book, it makes for a more relaxed and informative interview. I let the listeners decide if they want to invest in the book. In short, my guests and my listeners seem to enjoy the show.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Doug Dahlgren Show – what should we know?
I’m the voice behind the microphone. Being an author myself, I get to be associated with these other writers and that spreads the word about my books. I believe we do a good show. We do not judge anyone or their work. We let the listeners do that. What sets us apart is the homework we do before the show. We know what the book is and is about. I study the author and try to find interesting details, about them, to bring forward. It’s a good chance for listeners to find that favorite new author they’ve been looking for.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
As I said, my wife, for her invaluable help preparing for each show. The station owner/operator, Scott Zelasko for his support, and my friends in the literary community for telling their friends about me and the program.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.artistfirst.com/dahlgren.htm
- Phone: 770-939-0103
- Email: doug@dougdahlgren.com
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