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ICP 033 Espree Devora on Backpacking Without Technology and The Power of Mobile Podcasting (Part One)

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In this episode you’ll learn:

  • The truth behind creating a successful start-up
  • How traveling without technology lead to incredible experiences abroad
  • Useful tools for podcasting on the move
  • Why Espree chooses not to blog for her business
Espree Devora picture smiling sitting on a balcony outside sofa working on laptop

Passionate podcaster and panel host, Espree Devora, is working hard to make L.A. one of the top locations for technology and innovation start-ups. Her podcast, We Are L.A. Tech, has ranked high in iTunes (#2).

Having traveled extensively, with exposure to both North American and European start-ups, Espree has a fascinating insight and perspective on the western start-up scene.

In this episode, part one of our conversation, Espree reveals the challenges she faced as a start-up commentator figuring out how to podcast on the move. She offers a wealth of resources for the beginner podcaster and shares why she gave up on visual media to find her people through audio.

Part two is published next week. Click here to be notified of future epsiodes.

“I felt a disconnect from my creativity…a huge change from backpacking where I felt an abundance of creativity.” – Espree Devora

Items mentioned in this episode (quick access):

Behind the scenes at We Are L.A. Tech

[0:00:42] Rob introduces Espree.

[0:01:38] Espress describes why she feels podcasting is an extension of moderating panels for her.

[0:01:59] The concept behind the We Are L.A. Tech podcast.

[0:03:16] Growing up in L.A. Traveling through fourteen different countries without a computer or phone. Madrid. Florence. New York. Boston.

[0:03:56] Despite not missing L.A., a hurricane encouraged Espree home.

[0:05:00] Why Espree built her start-up in L.A.

[0:05:40] Taking her knowledge to other cities to help start-ups worldwide.

[0:06:06] How needing a break in life led to a tech conference in Amsterdam.

The rewards of traveling without technology

[0:06:45] How being off-line gave Espree a greater sense of connection with the local community. Lost in Paris. How Espree ended up in Strasbourg.

[0:07:30] The reward of traveling without technology.

[0:08:16] Espree talks about her blog. The importance of maintain her off-line life.

[0:08:37] Riding her bike everywhere. Mobile podcasting.

“What are the things in my life that I have felt have truly created an impact, or that I really felt passionate about, or that really resonated with me?” – Espree Devora

Mobile podcasting tools

[0:09:08] ] Limited information on the internet about mobile podcasting.

[0:09:20] Podcast Junkies.

[0:09:38] Podcast One. Rob Greenlee.

[0:09:50] Espree’s desire to become a full-time podcaster. Why Espree likes doing in-person podcasts.

[0:10:40] BoshJock sound editing app for iOS.

[0:10:50] Blue Snowball ‘ICE’ microphone.

[0:11:00] Audio Technica 2100.

[0:11:13] Fiverr.com for podcast mastering.

[0:11:30] Espree bought a Snap Recorder unit from a Kickstarter campaign.

[0:12:00] Using Sound Studio.

See ‘Links and resources’ below for links

The challenges of mobile podcasting

[0:12:30] What Espree’s biggest challenges have been creating a mobile podcast.

[0:13:27] Levelator.

[0:14:43] What Alex Blumberg, host of Startup podcast and co-host on Planet Money, used to record Espree’s podcast intro on.

[0:15:12] How a Gwen Stefani commercial inspired Espree. A passion for podcasting. World of creativity. Other inspiration.

[0:16:30] How do start-ups in L.A. get their first 100 customers?

Inspiration, ideas and overwhelm

[0:16:43] Rob asks Espree if she gets overwhelmed with inspiration.

[0:17:00] Evernote. Using a journal traveling. How to capture ideas.

[0:17:30] Rob ask Espree about the time she came up with the idea for L.A.

“I tried not being an entrepreneur anymore…” – Espree Devora

L.A. Tech: How podcasting killed the video star

[0:17:45] Starting L.A. Tech as a video series. Owning an action sports company. Tony Hawk. Shaun White. Ryan Sheckler.

[0:18:00] Creating high quality digital content. Creating a video series.

[0:18:20] Why Espree was left heartbroken after twelve episodes.

[0:18:35] Why she created a calendar for the community.

[0:19:12] Going to Amsterdam to overcome the heartbreak.

[0:19:45] What happened when Espree tried to be ‘not be an entrepreneur anymore’.

“I didn’t feel 100% in the job, I thought I was just being responsible…this is what life was.” – Espree Devora

[0:20:30] The 3 things that make Espree come alive.

[0:21:08] Becoming a full-time podcaster. Figuring out how to monetise her podcast and what microphones to use.

[0:21:50] Espree describes the term digital content.

[0:22:18] Why Espree let go of making video content.

[0:23:00] Why Espree doesn’t spend much time blogging despite loving to write. Being a business tool collector.

Community first, profit second

[0:25:12] What’s changed in the L.A. tech start-up scene for Espree.

[0:25:41] The reality: being a media production company.

[0:25:55] BBQ gatherings being the only start-up hub initially.

[0:26:20] Co-working spaces. Startup Weekend. People moving to L.A.

[0:27:43] Espree compares what the San Francisco start-up scene feels like, for a visitor, to that in Hollywood.

[0:28:08] Rob asks Espree what’s most exciting for her in the L.A. Tech start-up scene.

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