Podcast Summary: The Dave Gerhardt Show

Episode: In My Backyard. Thoughts on Traveling to NYC and the ROI of Events

Host: Dave Gerhardt
Date: October 14, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dave Gerhardt kicks off a new format for his podcast: short, daily solo updates, recorded without guests or high production value, often outdoors or on the go. Using this new informal approach, Dave shares his reflections on traveling for work—specifically his upcoming trip to New York City for an Exit Five event. He dives into the ROI (Return on Investment) of in-person events, connecting with his remote team, and how personal interactions shape both professional relationships and brand reputation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Daily Podcast Format

• Low-Burden, High-Frequency Content: Inspired by Russell Brunson's "Marketing In Your Car," Dave is launching a daily, informal podcast.
  • "One of the first podcasts that I really binged back in the day was Rob Russell Brunson did this marketing in your car...he did like a 5 or 10 minute episode every day, low production, just driving to work." (01:14)
• Podcasting Without Guests: Dave reflects on how traditional interview shows can become draining due to unpredictability and lack of chemistry, especially when recorded remotely.
  • "I've had a podcast for such a long time, but it's always been like an interview show and that starts to weigh on you...you leave the call kind of feeling more drained." (02:05)

2. Purpose and Value of Traveling for Work

• Upcoming NYC Event: Dave outlines the schedule ahead—dinners with sponsors, working sessions with the Exit Five team, and a meetup with over 100 marketers.
  • "We're doing an Exit 5 event there. We have a dinner on Wednesday night with one of our sponsors... Next night, we have an Exit Five meetup. I think we have 125 marketers..." (03:23)
• Surprise at Attendee Dedication: He's genuinely impressed by how far some people will travel to attend these events.
  • "I got a message this morning from someone who was like, hey, I'm coming in from Philly...we've seen...people are willing to travel." (03:53)

3. The ROI of In-Person Events (Beyond Just Numbers)

• Personal & Team Benefits: Dave breaks down the multiple kinds of "returns" he gets from business travel, especially as a founder of a remote company.
  • "The ROI of going to this event and taking this trip is not just...how many tickets we sell or how many members showed up...it's hanging out with the four people on the team, I don't get to do that often." (06:11)
• Chemistry and Camaraderie: Highlights the subtle but powerful impact of face-to-face time—even in fleeting moments.
  • "We all get a sense for each other's personalities so we get to hang out there's this camaraderie, whether it's walking, lunch, the little moments in an Uber." (06:27)
• Leadership & Culture: Dave recognizes the unique role of a founder to set the tone with team members and event attendees.
  • "For me, I'm realizing more as we go on, like just as a leader and as a teammate...we all get a sense for each other's personalities." (06:42)
• Remote Work Trade-Offs: Acknowledges both upsides and downsides of remote work, including the lack of spontaneous collaboration.
  • "We only work remotely, which I love, but at the same time...we could be so much more productive if we were all in the office together...but there’s trade-offs." (06:59)
• Event ROI—Expanding the View: Considers not only direct business gains but also the less quantifiable value of team bonding, sponsor relations, and personal growth.
  • "There’s like four or five or maybe three to five different ways to look at the ROI on the time." (07:22)

4. The Power of Personal Interaction

• Becoming “Extroverted Dave”: Emphasizes how actively engaging with people at events helps build his company's reputation.
  • "Being extroverted Dave is a huge benefit to Exit 5...it makes such a difference to make eye contact, shake hands, have a laugh." (07:27)
• Connections Beyond the Event: The friendships and networks formed in person carry over into digital interactions.
  • "Just creating those little connections like that...you continue those relationships online and people get a sense for who you are." (08:15)
• Humor and Humanity: Jokes about “shaking hands and kissing babies”—and the not-so-funny reality of germs.
  • "I joke about it, I call it shaking hands and kissing babies, but it really makes a huge difference and it works. The only thing is...how many germs are on my—I'm not even a germaphobe, but I just think—" (08:37)

5. Personal Routine & Practicalities

• Trip Logistics: Shares the simple pleasures and challenges of travel from a small town.
  • "Flying from Burlington, Vermont to New York is actually super easy. 40 minute flight. My plan is to get in, hopefully find a nice gym in New York, have breakfast." (09:12)
• Commitment to Podcasting: Publicly holds himself accountable to continue this daily podcast experiment.
  • "I'm gonna hold myself accountable. I'll be back tomorrow with an episode. Wednesday probably will be maybe in New York and it'll sound different than my backyard." (09:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Podcast Authenticity:

  • "The ability to literally just talk into your phone and create a podcast from that, I thought was really cool, and it felt authentic in a different way." (02:43)

• On the ROI of Events:

  • "The ROI of going to this event...is not just beyond how many tickets we sell...it's FaceTime with the team, spontaneous moments, camaraderie, productivity, and sponsor relations." (06:11)

• On Building Reputation:

  • "It makes such a difference to make eye contact with people, shake hands, have a laugh...that matters so much and it translates to how people think of your reputation and your company." (07:33)

• On Building Connections:

  • "Just creating those little connections like that...now, you continue those relationships online and people get to know you a little bit." (08:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Topic | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:14 | Inspiration for daily, informal podcasting | | 02:05 | Fatigue from interview-focused shows | | 03:23 | Plans and schedule for NYC Exit Five event | | 03:53 | Recognition of attendee dedication | | 06:11 | Expanded view of event ROI (team, chemistry, sponsor relations) | | 07:27 | Role of personal engagement, “Extroverted Dave” | | 08:15 | Continuing relationships from in-person to online | | 08:37 | Jokes about “shaking hands and kissing babies” and the germs issue | | 09:12 | Logistics and routine around the NYC trip | | 09:54 | Commitment to daily podcasting; preview of next episode from NYC |

Tone & Style

Dave’s delivery is informal, friendly, and self-reflective. He mixes practical tips on running events and leading a remote team with glimpses into his personal routines and humorous honesty about his introvert tendencies, germ concerns, and enthusiasm for authentic connection.

Summary Conclusion

This episode is an inside look at the real, often-overlooked ROI of business events for a remote-first company. Dave Gerhardt argues that the deep value comes not from sales or metrics, but from in-person chemistry, spontaneous moments, and authentic connections—both for the team and the wider community. Through a more relaxed daily podcast format, he aims to share these unfiltered, actionable reflections with his listeners.