Podcast Summary: Digital Social Hour Episode: Why I Never Burn Bridges: A $10M Networking Secret | Noah Kara DSH #935
Release Date: November 30, 2024
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Noah Kara

Introduction to Noah Kara and His Podcast

In episode #935 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Noah Kara, the dynamic force behind the podcast 60 for 60 with Noah. Noah shares his journey over the past three years, highlighting his ambition to "go big or go home" (00:35) and his commitment to building a network despite having a modest following of 2,500 Instagram followers and 180 YouTube subscribers (01:16).

Starting Strong: Securing High-Profile Guests Early On

Noah emphasizes the importance of making a powerful start in the podcasting world. He successfully secured guests like Dana White and Ryan Garcia early in his podcasting career, despite his relatively small audience (00:24-00:35). When asked about this achievement, Noah attributes his success to "a lot of hard work" and "grinding behind the scenes that people don't see" (01:24).

Overcoming Challenges: Persistence and Creativity in Networking

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the challenges Noah faces in networking and securing guests. He underscores the necessity of persistence and innovative thinking. Noah explains, "you just got to think outside the box... connecting certain situations to certain situations" (02:54-03:00), illustrating his approach to overcoming industry gatekeeping. He shares an upcoming interview with a UFC fighter where he plans to "train with him as I'm interviewing" (03:30), showcasing his creative methods to make his podcast stand out.

Navigating Industry Hurdles: Ghosting and Blackballing

Noah candidly discusses the obstacles of being ghosted and blackballed in the podcasting industry. He shares his resilience in the face of rejection, stating, "I've been ghosted so many times. Blackballed so many times" (04:23). Despite setbacks, Noah remains undeterred, maintaining that one must "keep going" and "push through all that" (04:24-04:39).

The Philosophy of Not Burning Bridges

A central theme of the episode is Noah's steadfast philosophy of never burning bridges. He reflects, "life is very long and like, never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back" (00:00-00:24; reiterated at 05:37-05:56). Noah elaborates that maintaining positive relationships is crucial for long-term success, especially in an industry where connections can resurface unexpectedly.

Growing Your Podcast: Engagement Over Followers

Sean and Noah delve into strategies for growing a podcast audience. Noah advocates for prioritizing engagement over sheer follower counts, emphasizing that "what impresses me more than followers is... engagement" (08:06). He discusses the pitfalls of buying followers through strategies like those employed by high-profile celebrities, noting that "those are irrelevant because you want views and you want real fans" (08:06-08:01).

Balancing Podcasting with Other Ventures

Noah reveals that podcasting is more of a passion project rather than his primary business venture. He is actively involved in restaurant development, with his first restaurant set to open in three weeks (08:21-08:36). This balance allows him to pursue his interests in podcasting without the pressure of it being his main source of income.

Favorite Podcasts and Influences

Noah shares his favorite podcasts, including Theo Vaughn, The Joe Rogan Experience, Bad Friends, and Flagrant, appreciating the blend of entertainment and informative content they offer (09:15-09:57). He holds Joe Rogan in high esteem, referring to him as "the goat" and a "modern day Oprah" who has "paved the road for all of us" (09:57-09:58).

Professionalism and Guest Research

The importance of professionalism in podcasting is a key takeaway from Noah's insights. He stresses the necessity of researching guests thoroughly, stating, "I think it's kind of disrespectful if you don't know anything" (10:14-10:24). Even when securing last-minute guests, Noah dedicates time to understand their background to ensure meaningful conversations (10:27-10:35).

Networking and Building Relationships

Noah and Sean discuss the value of genuine relationships in expanding one's network. Noah expresses his willingness to connect and help others, provided they engage in "good business" and maintain integrity (11:15-11:32). This ethos aligns with his belief in karma and the long-term benefits of fostering authentic connections.

Conclusion: The Long-Term Value of Networking without Burning Bridges

Throughout the episode, Noah Kara reinforces the significance of maintaining positive relationships and being persistent in networking efforts. His approach combines creativity, resilience, and a genuine passion for podcasting, offering valuable lessons for aspiring podcasters and entrepreneurs alike. As Noah aptly puts it, avoiding burned bridges ensures that "you never know how things are gonna circle back" (05:56), encapsulating his strategic approach to long-term success.

Notable Quotes:

• Noah Kara: "I have to live another 45 years burning bridges with people, that's a long ass time." (00:00)
• Noah Kara: "A lot of hard work, man. A lot of grinding behind the scenes that people don't see." (01:24)
• Noah Kara: "You just got to think outside the box... connecting certain situations to certain situations." (02:54)
• Noah Kara: "Life is very long and like, never burn a bridge because you never know how things are gonna circle back." (05:37)
• Noah Kara: "What impresses me more than followers is... engagement." (08:06)
• Noah Kara: "It's my passion." (09:15)
• Noah Kara: "I think it's kind of disrespectful if you don't know anything." (10:14)

This episode serves as an insightful guide into the art of networking and sustaining professional relationships, highlighting Noah Kara's journey and the strategies that have propelled his podcasting success.