If you’re like me, there’s nothing more enjoyable than listening to a great podcast on my mp3 player. Whether I’m at the gym or in my car, I love being able to listen to a podcast on just about any topic of interest, and the beauty is, there is something for everyone. Sports, marketing, science, languages—there’s a podcast for every passion.
But what if you’re interested in doing more? What if you want to start your own podcast but don’t know how to get started? Luckily for you, we have a great resource right here in town called The Seattle Podcast Network (SPN). One of the guys behind SPN is Travis Petershagen and not long ago, I had the great opportunity to speak with him at the Gelato Tweetup. Being a thought leader in the Seattle podcasting space, I thought it would be great for you guys to get to know him and, thankfully, he allowed me an interview.
Please take a moment to get to know Travis. He’s a really good guy and can be found at many social media events around Seattle. When you see him, be sure to say “Hello!” 
The Basics:
1.What is your name?
Travis Petershagen
2. E-mail?
Travis at crapmonkey dot com
3. What is your occupation/company?
Digital Media Services Manager – Microsoft Studios
4. What is the best part of your job?
Finding creative new ways to create and deliver digital media content to audiences both live and on-demand.
5. Originally from?
I grew up in Federal Way, Washington, so I haven’t wandered all that far from the nest (though it sometimes seems like a very different world).
6. How can people find you on the web?
www.crapmonkey.com. Also, just add the social media service as a subdomain of CrapMonkey (example: facebook.crapmonkey.com). If I’m on the service, you’ll find me that way.
Social Media:
7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
I love being able to reach a much larger social community over a much greater geography than would otherwise be possible without social media. It’s great to know what people are doing and what their interest are in near real time.
8. How do you utilize social media?
I use tools like Twitter to keep up with people that have common interests and interesting perspectives. Connecting with hundreds of people who share your passions and interests is like having a finely tuned global antenna that keeps you aware of things and people that matter to you. I use Facebook to better connect with a smaller network of current and childhood friends. I use blogging and podcasting to express my opinions and share insights that may or may not be interesting to anyone other than my cat.
9. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
It’s not about the tools (Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc), it’s about what they allow you to do. The buzzwords may be a fad, but the underlying concepts and connections are here to stay. Don’t let the hype turn you off.
10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Occasional links to news about new media, marketing, and the craft beer industry. Occasional status updates about the tasty beer I’m enjoying on some patio in the Seattle area—sometimes accompanied by a picture of said beer or patio.
11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Alive and kicking. The Seattle social media scene rocks!
12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
I don’t have a single “wow” moment. I remember podcasting for the first time and thinking, “Wow, so the content will just show up automatically?” I remember seeing Myspacefor the first time and thinking, “Wow, so one friend will pass this to fivefriends, who will pass this to their fivefriends, who will pass this to their five friends?” I remember seeing Twitter for the first time and thinking, “This is stupid. Why would I use this?” The second time I saw Twitter, it started to make more sense; now, I’m hooked.
13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Not every aspect of social media will appeal to you, but do give the tools that seem promising a fair shot. Use them for a few days or a couple of weeks because, often, they make more sense after you’ve used them for a bit. Also, don’t engage in anti-social media tactics. Don’t be a spammer and don’t just tell me about special sales at your online store.
14. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
Nothing that anyone would find very interesting (though I’m always interested in seeing your best Karate Kid pose—submit them to www.karatekidpose.com if you’ve got them).
15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about?
We have Seattle Podcasting meetups about once a month and all podcasters or podcast enthusiasts are welcome (podcast.meetup.com/22), and of course, Seattle Social Media Club events are a must. If you like beer, keep your eye out for the next Seattle Brewmuster (www.seattlebrewmuster.com) in the fall or winter.
Just For Fun:
16. What are your hobbies?
Disk golf; beer tasting; camping; dinking around on the computer with video, audio, and blogs; and gadgets.
17. Favorite vacation spot? Thing to do there?
Zihuatanejo Mexico—relax and enjoy the sunset, snorkel occasionally. Nothing beats a delicious cup of coffee in the morning on a patio or beachfront in Mexico as you gaze out at the ocean.
18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
Toss up between La Carta De Oaxaca and Ocho in Ballard.
19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Hang out at Golden Gardens in Seattle and enjoy the breeze and the view.
20. Favorite quote?
Frank Sinatra: I feel sorry for people who don‘t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.
21. Guilty pleasure?
Landjaeger and string cheese.
22. Favorite actor/actress?
Christopher Walken, Winona Ryder.
23. I really like it when…
Great people come together for good conversation over a nice meal and a good beer.
24. One day I would love to…
Open a brewery.
25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
I’d choose alive; dead people don’t have as much to say. 
26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
I’m a nice guy (usually ), if you see me, come say “Hello.”
Travis Petershagen Links:
- Travis Petershagen on Twitter
- Travis Petershagen on Facebook
- Travis Petershagen on LinkedIn
- Travis Petershagen’s CrapMonkey Podcast Site
- The Seattle Podcasting Network on Meetup.com
