Meet Austin Kelly | Podcast host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Kelly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Life is about risks. If you play it safe in life, you’re never going to live up to your true potential. That’s how I look at it. Most people don’t like being uncomfortable but that’s where you grow and learn about yourself the most. I started investing in myself with my podcast and other ventures a long time ago. But as of a year ago is where I finally felt like people started taking me more serious. Before I started my podcast in the studio I’m in currently, I was filming interviews inside coffee shops and music venues. I had my friend at the time do camera work with me and when we would film at the coffee shop it would be an outdoor setting to avoid the loud music or people inside. At times that led to lighting issues but more so audio issues if it ended up being windy that day. If I wanted people to look at my interviews in a more serious light then I knew I had to avoid those problems at all costs. They were still fun to do at the time but that format wasn’t long term. Fast forward years later and transitioning into a podcast style format inside a beautiful studio ended up being the best decision I could’ve made to continue my growth as an “on camera personality.” Which leads me to this. Putting yourself out there on camera and trying to get better than your last interview each and every time takes a different mindset and is a risk I continue to choose to do. Especially the more recognizable my show or myself will become, the more eyes and critiques I can expect. That’s something I’m willing to endure and put myself through because I love what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It was not easy. Putting yourself out there, being on camera and making connections doesn’t come easy for me. It may come off as easy but I’m actually more of an introvert than anything which adds a level of difficulty when you just want to stay home and be a hermit on a Friday night haha. I love making connections and going to events when I’m actually doing it in the moment, but the getting ready part and planning of those things can be a lot sometimes. I want to grow my podcast to the fullest extent and just who I know I can be as a brand as myself but in order to do that I know I need to get out there and overcome the anxiety of going out, meeting new people, planning for events etc. I’m excited to build more momentum with my podcast and other future projects I have planned. I want the world to know that I just want to make a difference and leave a lasting impact in some way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Okay, I’ve only had this place once but their mac and cheese left a lasting impact on me. It’s so orgasmic. Social Hall has the best mac and cheese hands down. Other than restaurants I would say checking out a show at the Rebel Lounge, Crescent Ballroom, Van Buren etc. Our venues in AZ is top of the notch. I wish I could go every week to a show. Of course, I’m a Suns fan so checking out a game at FootPrint Center and seeing Booker and Durant light it up is always a good time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
1. First and foremost I have to shoutout both my parents.I love them so much. 2. My friends in LA Malachi & Levi along with Levi’s girlfriend Kaley. I trust them 100% with anything.
3. Azpod Studios/Backlot studios – Where my sexy interviews take place.
4. Check out everyone I’ve interviewed. They’re all amazing people. But for the ones I became personally close with over the years who I’ve had on my podcast, I’ll personally shout them out – Prime Society, Lauren Case and The Color 8 – Check out their music now!!!!

Instagram: @TheAustinKellyShow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AustinKellyshow1