Show Pony University Is Back on September 3rd!
(Above is a testimonial from a recent student, Kayvon Ezami)
When I started Show Pony University, I had a pretty simple idea:
Take everything I’ve learned over more than 20 years in sports radio and broadcasting, combine it with what I learned earning my master’s degree in Journalism & Media from the University of Alabama, and teach the things I wish somebody had taught me when I was trying to find my way in this business.
No filler. No theory for the sake of theory.
Just four classes built around skills you can actually use.
And after watching the first groups of Show Pony University students go through the program, I can say this:
This has become even more rewarding than I imagined.
So I’m thrilled to announce that enrollment is open for the next class of Show Pony University, beginning Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern.
We’ll meet live on Zoom for approximately one hour each Tuesday for four weeks.
🎓 Enrollment is Open
The September class begins Thursday, September 3rd.
👉 [SIGN UP FOR SHOW PONY UNIVERSITY HERE -I’ll send confirmation e-mail shortly after receiving your payment.
Space is limited so everyone has an opportunity to participate, ask questions and get individual feedback.
What We Teach
The curriculum is built around four core classes that I believe are foundational to becoming a better broadcaster, podcaster, interviewer or content creator.
Week 1: The Topic Tree
Great content starts long before you turn on a microphone.
I’ll teach you my Topic Tree method for taking one story or idea and finding multiple conversations, angles and questions within it.
It’s about training yourself to stop seeing a topic and start seeing possibilities.
Week 2: The Art of Interviewing
I’ve interviewed thousands of people during my career, from athletes and coaches to executives, entertainers and some of the biggest names in sports.
We’ll talk about preparation, listening, follow-ups, creating a conversation instead of conducting an interrogation, and getting guests to tell you something interesting.
Week 3: Teases & Hooks
Having something good to say isn’t enough anymore.
You have to make people want to hear it.
We’ll work on opening segments, teasing what’s coming next, writing hooks and understanding how to earn someone’s attention without resorting to empty clickbait.
Week 4: Building Your Brand & Finding Your Voice
This may be the most important class of all.
What makes you different?
We’ll work on discovering your authentic voice, understanding what you want to be known for and building a brand around who you actually are rather than trying to imitate somebody else.
And It’s Working
The best part of Show Pony University hasn’t been teaching the classes.
It’s watching what people do afterward.
Mike Chaudron, author of Agent Confidential, has seen his project explode.
Ricky Dean from Alabama took what he learned and started his own internet radio station on Live365.
He told me:
“Your support and knowledge were invaluable to me. I am using what I learned and have started my own internet radio station on Live365. Thanks for your motivation!”
Graduate Bryan Jackson had spent years thinking about voiceover work but hadn’t made the leap.
After Show Pony University, that changed.
Bryan hired a professional voiceover coach, began working on a professionally produced demo, submitted his first auditions and booked his first podcast guest.
He wrote me afterward:
“Just you mentioning my voice was apparently all I needed after all these years to finally go after something I very much enjoy doing. I just needed the confidence boost.”
That means the world to me.
Because sometimes teaching isn’t about telling someone exactly what career to pursue. It’s helping them recognize something that was already there.
What Other Graduates Are Saying
Kayvon, who has experience working as a news anchor, gave me one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received:
“You were born to teach.”
He told me Show Pony University taught him more in four weeks than he had learned during his time in school and working in the industry—and, most importantly:
“I was able to use new skills immediately.”
Matt Knight came into the program with an idea for a show but very little experience in podcasting.
“Before enrolling, I had no idea where to start. Chris’ class was perfect for me. It gave me the tools and confidence to launch and implement my idea.”
Matt also said:
“Chris truly wants to see his students succeed. He goes above and beyond to support his students, even a beginner like me.”
That’s exactly what I want Show Pony University to be.
You don’t need 20 years of experience.
You don’t need to already have a show.
You don’t need to work for a major network.
You need curiosity, an idea and a willingness to get better.
Angie Hulse described the diversity of one of our classes perfectly:
“As a former student, I can’t recommend the class enough. We had a podcaster, author, sideline reporter, and each of us got so much out of the class. Chris knocks it out of the park with the curriculum.”
And graduate Natalie Bober put it rather emphatically:
“Take this course. It blows my experience at Northwestern out of the water.”
I’ll take that one.
Why I Started Show Pony University
I’ve been incredibly fortunate.
I’ve spent more than two decades working in national sports radio. I’ve hosted thousands upon thousands of hours of live radio, interviewed people from virtually every corner of sports and entertainment, and learned from some incredibly talented broadcasters along the way.
I also went back to school and earned my Master of Arts in Journalism & Media from the University of Alabama.
Show Pony University is where those two worlds meet.
It’s not broadcasting school.
It’s not journalism school.
And I’m not trying to turn you into me.
I’m trying to help you become a better version of you.
Whether you’re already working in broadcasting, starting a podcast, writing a book, creating digital content, pursuing voiceover work, trying to break into the industry or simply sitting on an idea you’ve been afraid to pursue, there’s a place for you here.
The Next Class Begins September 1
Show Pony University — September Class
Starts: Thursday, September 3
Time: 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern
Format: Live on Zoom
Length: Four weeks
Classes: Approximately one hour each Thursday
The Four Core Classes
The Topic Tree
The Art of Interviewing
Teases & Hooks
Building Your Brand & Finding Your Voice
Four Thursdays.
Four hours.
More than 20 years of broadcasting experience distilled into the lessons I believe can make the biggest immediate difference.
If you’ve been thinking about starting that podcast, pursuing broadcasting, improving your interviews, building your brand or finally putting that idea you’ve been carrying around into the world, maybe this is your time.
🎓 Reserve Your Spot
The next Show Pony University class begins Thursday, September 3 at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET.
👉 Enroll in Show Pony University by clicking this link!
Come join us. Let’s get to work.
Kayvon and I were in the same class, and another wonderful thing about this is the other people you meet and connect with in class who share your passion and interest for podcasting, radio, etc. Seeing and listening to young Reid, as he starts his journey, while connecting with Mike and Kayvon who have been professionals for a while but still had something in them that needed to explore and grow. Life is about opportunity and connection and this class gives you both at a high level. Imagine that 4 week class launching your dreams…..for me it just may have! Thanks Chris! Take the class everyone! In the immortal words of Dr. Pete Venkman, “no fee is too big”.