Check Out Bruce Anthony’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Bruce Anthony.

Hi Bruce, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The story of “Unsolicited Perspectives with Bruce Anthony” or the idea of a show started in 2005 when I was involved in a small pro wrestling company in DC. My partners hosted an internet radio show, which sparked an idea within me. I believed that my siblings and I could offer something unique to listeners.

But life happened, and the idea got buried until the pandemic hit. Seeing the growth of the podcast industry, I felt there might be a space for us. Despite some procrastination, I eventually decided to invest in equipment to give it a try.

I convinced my sister to join me as my co-host, and we started recording from our separate locations in Atlanta and DC. We used Zoom and other tools to make it work. I was so eager to enter the podcasting space that I decided to do two shows a week. One was just me and my sister chatting, and the other was me alone or interviews with interesting people.

Initially, we concentrated solely on audio. However, after the first 13 episodes, we decided to expand by introducing a video component. This move not only broadened our reach but also ensured our show was accessible across all major audio platforms for podcasts, in addition to being available on YouTube.

Recognizing the importance of community, we introduced additional episodes on Patreon for our dedicated listeners. I also learned how to create clips and highlights of the show, which we could promote on social media platforms, contributing to our growth and engagement with our audience.

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed a significant surge in both audio downloads and YouTube views, surpassing our initial expectations. We’re genuinely thrilled by the growth of “Unsolicited Perspectives with Bruce Anthony.” It’s been incredibly gratifying, and we’re eagerly looking forward to seeing where the future of the show takes us!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of the show has been a blend of smooth sailing and bumpy roads. On the positive side, diving into podcast production was a completely new territory for me.

I had zero experience in pre and post-production for audio or video formats, so there was a steep learning curve. Countless hours were spent teaching myself the ins and outs. The early shows were somewhat pedestrian, but as I delved deeper into production, the quality of our shows has grown light years over the past year.

My initial major in college was Journalism and I wrote a couple of articles for the school newspaper however, conducting interviews was a skill I hadn’t really honed. Initially, I found myself stumbling through some robotic interviews. But with time and practice, I’ve grown more comfortable, and our later interviews have been much more engaging.

One of the most intriguing aspects of our journey has been the interaction with our audience. We’re fortunate to have a dedicated group of loyal fans who tune in to every episode. However, there’s also a downside. We’ve encountered our fair share of hate watchers and listeners who aren’t shy about leaving racist and hurtful comments.

While my sister and I have thick skin and we don’t let it rattle us, it can be emotionally taxing at times. It comes with the territory, though, especially since we tackle sensitive and polarizing subjects that many people find challenging to discuss.

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?
So I host and produce “Unsolicited Perspectives with Bruce Anthony,” a podcast where we explore unique and authentic viewpoints on a wide range of topics including current events, social-political issues, race, class, and gender. We drop two shows every week: one on Tuesday and the other on Fridays, both at 2 PM. On Tuesdays, you’ll catch me doing interviews with interesting people from a variety of backgrounds or just me doing my thing. On Friday, it’s all about Unsolicited Perspectives: The Sibling Happy Hour, featuring everybody’s favorite, my sister, J. Aundrea. My specialization lies in facilitating engaging conversations that challenge conventional wisdom and foster meaningful dialogue.

I’m known for my insatiable curiosity about people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and ideologies. This curiosity drives me to learn from various aspects of life, giving me the ability to offer insightful perspectives on complex societal issues.

What I’m most proud of is the evolution of my podcast and the depth of insight it offers our listeners. Despite starting with a background in history and initially pursuing a career in teaching, my diverse professional journey – which included roles such as bartender, restaurant manager, part-owner of a pro wrestling company, personal trainer, fitness director, COO, and President of Get Shaped Fitness – gives me a deeper understanding of human nature which informs my approach to podcasting.

What sets me apart from others is my commitment to authenticity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge from diverse perspectives. Through my podcast, I aim to create a safe space where individuals can broaden their horizons, gain a deeper understanding of the world, and engage in constructive dialogue.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the podcasting industry expanding even further in the next few years. Technology, particularly AI, is poised to revolutionize language translation, making podcasts accessible to global audiences and opening up new business opportunities.

Additionally, it will streamline pre and post-production processes, facilitating content creation at a faster pace. I expect podcasting to continue to expand globally, with partnerships forming in regions that haven’t truly been explored like Latin America and Europe. Additionally, monetization opportunities will increase as advertising within podcasts becomes more prevalent.

I also anticipate that there will be continued consolidation and competition among podcast platforms and streaming services. This could lead to new monetization models, distribution strategies, and partnerships between content creators and platforms. I believe that these trends signal an exciting future for creators, advertisers, and the audience.

Pricing:

• After Hours Uncensored on Patreon $5 per month
• Talkin Straight Ish on Patreon $5 per month
• Both Shows are on Patreon for $9 per month.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.unsolicitedperspectives.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unsolicited_perspectives/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/unsolicited_per
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@unsolicitedperspectives
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unsolicited_pod

Image Credits
Janna Aundrea