What Happened During The First Show Pony University Surprised Me

Six students took a chance on a first-time teacher. Their feedback convinced me Show Pony University might be building something much bigger than a radio/podcasting class.

(The next Show Pony University class starts Wednesday, June 3rd, at 8 pm Eastern. The class runs for 4 weeks and takes place every Wednesday at the same time. Sign up here https://buy.stripe.com/9B6cN77eacD27Debs06Vq00.)

When I launched the first cohort of Show Pony University four weeks ago, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

I’ve spent more than two decades in broadcasting. I’ve hosted national radio shows, interviewed coaches, athletes, executives, celebrities and politicians. I’ve spent thousands of hours behind a microphone. Teaching those lessons, however, was something entirely new.

The truth?

I wasn’t sure if anyone would find value in it.

Six people took a chance on me anyway.

Over the last four weeks we met every Wednesday night and pulled back the curtain on how great shows are built.

We talked about organization.

Not the boring kind.

(Above is a testimonial from student Tommy)

The kind that allows a host to sit down in front of a microphone with confidence because they know exactly where they’re going. We built topic trees. We learned how to take one idea and turn it into an entire show. We discussed how audio, video, articles, social media posts and interviews become the building blocks of compelling content.

We talked about interviewing.

Not simply asking questions.

The art of listening.

The importance of preparation.

How to draw emotion from a guest.

How to create moments instead of simply collecting answers.

We studied real examples from my career and from some of the best interviewers in the business.

We talked about teases, hooks and audience retention.

How do you get someone to stay?

How do you make them care?

How do you create anticipation?

In a world where attention is the most valuable currency, these skills matter more than ever.

And finally, we talked about voice.

Not your literal voice.

Your voice.

Who are you?

What makes you different?

What do you stand for?

How do you build a brand people trust?

How do you become memorable in an increasingly crowded media landscape?

Those were the lessons.

What surprised me were the responses.

Matthew Knight entered the class as a beginner with an idea for a podcast but no roadmap.

“Before enrolling in Chris’s class I had no idea where to start. Chris’s class was perfect for me. It gave me the tools and confidence needed to launch and implement my idea.”

After the class, Matthew told me:

“I’ve listened to you on SiriusXM for nearly 15 years and it was great to get a behind-the-scenes tour of how you produce your radio show. I thought your class was perfect for me as I’m a true beginner in my podcast journey.”

Natalie Bober got a degree from Northwestern and still needed help to finding her voice on-air.

That’s exactly why she joined.

Afterward she wrote:

“Best program I’ve ever been a part of. I attended one of the top journalism schools in the country, and that didn’t come close to what Chris teaches. I wish he had been one of my professors.”

She later added publicly:

“Chris genuinely cares about his students and is invested in their success.”

That one meant a lot.

Thomas Cooper sent me an email that honestly left me speechless.

“You’ve taught me more in three weeks than I knew in the last six years between my degree and young career.”

Alex Girvin said:

“I learned more in the first two weeks than in an eight-week class that cost three times as much with another company. I realized I was preparing for my podcasts with the wrong process and preparation.”

Doug Wright told me:

“You delivered incredible value. This was a great class and information. I would have never guessed it was your first time teaching.”

And Ben Kenney reminded me that communication skills extend far beyond podcasting.

Ben works in an industry where he regularly interacts with media members, regulators and politicians.

After one class he wrote:

“I thought last night’s class was excellent. While the course is for future podcasters and radio hosts, it’s also for guys like me. A couple of things you taught us will be helpful to me in the future.”

That was an important realization.

Show Pony University isn’t just for aspiring podcasters.

It’s for broadcasters.

Content creators.

Business professionals.

Anyone who communicates for a living.

Anyone who wants to become a better storyteller.

Anyone who wants to become more confident behind a microphone, on camera, in a meeting room or in front of an audience.

Perhaps the biggest lesson from the first cohort was this:

You don’t have to be experienced.

Several students came in wondering if they knew enough.

The answer was yes.

You don’t need a polished podcast.

You don’t need expensive equipment.

You don’t need years of experience.

You simply need curiosity and a willingness to learn.

The next cohort begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern and runs for four weeks.

We’ll cover:

• Show structure and organization
• Topic trees and content planning
• Interviewing techniques
• Teases and audience retention
• Branding and finding your voice
• Building confidence behind the microphone
• One-on-one support and feedback

Most importantly, you’ll join a group of people trying to get better at the craft.

The first cohort exceeded every expectation I had.

Now it’s time to build the next one.

If you’ve ever thought about launching a podcast, improving your broadcasting skills, becoming a better interviewer, creating content, building a brand, or simply becoming a more effective communicator, I’d love to have you join us.

Class starts Wednesday.

Let’s get to work.

Chris

P.S. One of my students attended one of the most respected journalism schools in America and told me this class provided more practical value than what she received there.

I don’t take that as a compliment to me.

I take it as a reminder that the art of broadcasting is being lost.

My goal is simple:

Teach it before it disappears.