Thanks @arebelspy! I'd be happy to add some more information.
I saw this thread a while ago but decided just to watch it so I could get the unfiltered feedback from listeners instead of perhaps anyone modifying their feedback because I'm here watching.
Also, I've pulled back from posting around here partly because of being super busy and partly because I don't want to hijack MMM's forum and use it as "free advertising." I love it when listeners mention my show because of the value it brings but I try to be really respectful of other people's internet property and not use it to pimp my stuff.
My story is that I've been a mustachian for a long time. And, mustachians are the perfect fit for my kind of content.
I became a professional financial planner because I loved working with people and helping them get rich, stay rich, and enjoy every day. I had a wonderful practice doing that but I was always annoyed by two things:
1-There's not much financial media that caters to people like me (and all of you) who think a different way. ERE and MMM are not new--they're following the principles laid down by the greats of the past (Robinson/Dominguez, Dacycyzn, Thorea, Stoics, etc.)--but they are doing a wonderful job of making it clear and relevant and inspiring in a modern age. But there's nothing on the radio or TV that doesn't cater to mainstream thought.
2-The biggest problem with working as a financial planner is that it seems that most clients weren't clear on the many, huge opportunities available to them! The challenge is that many people don't know what their goals actually are. That's the primary reason that planners get lumped together as "not getting it." Many of the clients we work for simply don't know what they want beyond the standard, mainstream approach that's preached from every financial magazine and media outlet.
I can't listen to any of the mainstream financial radio shows without being frustrated and I find it hard to listen to some of the financial podcasts/blogs because some hosts are well-meaning and sincere but are ignorant of some of the more advanced, highly technical aspects of the science of financial planning. (That's why, for example, we have endless arguments about paying off mortgages versus buying stocks and Traditional IRAs vs Roth IRAs.)
So, I decided I'd like to contribute and see if I could provide some value to people!
My show has four major goals:
1. Provide a replacement for mainstream daily, financial talk radio. That's why I've chosen the format I chose. Dave Ramsey broadcasts 5 days per week for three hours. If you cut out commercials, it winds up being about 1:45 to 1:50 of content. Clark Howard broadcasts 2 hours every day--probably about 1:15 of content. Although most financial podcasts are weekly, I think there's a market for those who listen to daily financial shows. Personally, I used to consume about 30 to 40 hours of audio per week, so I'm trying to provide content for those who have the time. I target about an hour of content but try to cut the show off when I feel the topic is done but I'm not worried about going longer if the topic needs it. That's the advantage of podcasting over radio. Radio is an awful format for trying to communicate complex information.
2. Teach people how to think like financial planners. I despise the dogma that exists in financial commentary. I used to be very dogmatic and I've learned the hard way not to be that way. I think the primary value that I can provide is to teach people how to think like a financial planner so they can find better ways to achieve their goals in their own unique way. MMM/ERE is a great path but there are many ways to achieve financial goals.
3. Highlight people doing awesome, unique things with money as a source of information and inspiration. There are so many interesting people in the world living interesting lives and I love to learn about them. I think many of our issues are not money issues but rather not being in the right lifestyle fit to begin with.
4. Teach the science of financial planning in a systematic way that's accessible for a layperson. I'm not aware of any online resource for someone to learn the science of financial planning in a systematic, unbiased way. Many people are interested in the content but there's simply not a resource where they can learn without taking the formal classes. That's why there are so many forum arguments among well-intentioned participants. I'm trying to take all the boring classes I've taken over the years and translate them into interesting content that will take someone from zero knowledge of financial planning through masters' degree level over time.
It's been way, way more challenging to do than I thought it would be. But, I'm learning a ton and getting better and better every day.
I believe very much in the ready, fire, aim approach and that's what I'm doing. I started and I'm learning and improving every day.
I've had amazing feedback from many, many people and I'm committed to doing a minimum of 1,000 shows. Hopefully many more after that, but I'm committed to 1,000 shows.
I'm working hard to tighten things up and develop new skills. I'm working hard to stay very focused and targeted, not to ramble, and to use exactly the perfect amount of time for a show--as long as it needs to be to effectively communicate and not a minute longer.
I've never been a broadcaster or had any training in broadcasting so I've got a steep learning curve!
Because this show is in addition to my other business pursuits and I have a staff size of me, I'm not able to take the time to go through and edit it carefully every day or add some of the fancier things I'd like to do. I have to do it in one take to get it out. But, I'm getting better!
I'm also learning how to take complex technical content and translate it into an audio format. I think that's a huge benefit of the show and I want to do a good job with it!
So, there's a long-winded answer for you. (shocking, I know! :) I thank you all for your helpful feedback! It's so exciting to see people learning and appreciating what I'm doing.
If you have show topics or guest suggestions for me, let me know. I'd be happy to work them in!