Reflecting on 9 Years of Podcasting

In August 2015, I hit the record button for the very first episode of my podcast, Clear To Send. It feels surreal to say it’s been nine years since that moment. What started as a personal project, as a way to push myself to learn more deeply and share knowledge with others, has turned into a journey far more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated.

The podcast was born out of a desire to engage with the community on Twitter, to go in-depth on Wi-Fi topics, and to have candid conversations with other people of the Wi-Fi industry. Today, as I look back, I’m very grateful for what this journey has taught me, and more importantly, for the awesome people I have met.

Lessons Learned

1. Meeting New People

One of the greatest joys of this podcast has been the opportunity to connect with so many great people in the Wi-Fi industry. In fact, the Clear To Send co-host, François Vergès, was someone I met via social media, interviewed for an episode, and became a co-host of the show. Whether it’s through interviews, discussions, or deep dives, these interactions have been instrumental in broadening my understanding and keeping my curiosity going. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the more we reach out and connect with others, the more we grow—not just as professionals, but as individuals.

2. Learning New Technologies at a Deep Level

Podcasting has also been a catalyst for deep learning. When you’re sharing information with others, you can’t just scratch the surface; you have to dig deep. And you can’t give out incorrect information. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of diving into a wide range of topics, sometimes well before they’ve hit the public. This process has pushed me to continually evolve my skill set, and I encourage every network engineer to embrace the same mindset. Don’t be afraid to explore new technologies, even if they’re outside your current skill level. You’ll be amazed at how much you can learn—and how much you can contribute—when you do. Learning new technologies for the podcast has made me share even more.

3. Planning and Preparation is Important

Behind every episode is a significant amount of planning and preparation. It’s not just about hitting record; it’s about knowing your topic inside and out, preparing questions that will lead to insightful discussions, and structuring the content in a way that provides real value to the Clear To Send audience. This has been a key lesson for me—not just in podcasting, but in my day-to-day work. The more effort you put into preparation, the more informed you will be and the better the outcome.

4. Consistency is Key

If there’s one piece of advice I could offer to anyone considering starting a podcast, or video channel, it’s this: consistency is everything. There have been times when I’m just too busy, and we’ve skipped recording episodes plenty of times. But I learned early on that showing up regularly is non-negotiable. Consistency builds trust with your audience, and over time, it’s what turns a small project into something impactful.

Highlights

As I reflect on these past nine years, there are some standout moments that have made this journey even more significant:

• Sponsorships: Securing sponsorships for the podcast has been a huge milestone. It’s not just about the financial support; it’s validation that the content we’re producing resonates with the community and adds value.

• Early Access to Products: One of the perks of running a podcast has been getting early access to new products or technologies. This has allowed me to stay ahead of the curve and offer my own personal insights that are both timely and relevant.

• Providing Feedback to Vendors: Being able to provide direct feedback to vendors is another rewarding aspect. It’s a way to influence the tools and technologies that we use every day, ensuring they meet the real-world needs of network engineers.

• Friendships and Connections: Perhaps the most fulfilling part of this journey has been the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. The podcast has introduced me to so many amazing people—many of whom I now consider friends.

• New Clients: Finally, the podcast has opened doors to new opportunities, including new clients. It’s been a powerful platform for demonstrating expertise and building credibility in the field.

Closing Thoughts

As I look forward to the next chapter, I’m more motivated than ever to continue this journey. If there’s one takeaway I hope you get from my story, it’s this: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s starting a podcast, publishing a video, learning a new technology, or simply reaching out to someone new—take the leap. The rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth it.

Here’s to many more years of learning, connecting, and growing. Keep pushing forward, and I’ll see you on the next episode!