Launching a Podcast, Scaling Your Business & Leaning In To What Makes You Unique

Zack Peter is my babe. No actually. He is my mentee.

He is bigger than life, extremely gifted, good-looking, charismatic, dynamic & COOL.

And he doesn’t even want me as a mentor as a result of he completely has his shit collectively. Like, you’ll see after you learn this put up.

In this interview, which is so full of worth, Zack tells us all about his background, the best way to carve out a distinct segment for your self & shares his time saving suggestions ( they’re so good ).

Plus, he’ll inform you all about his Housewives Watching Wine. This q&a simply will get higher & higher.

I hope you’ve got as a lot enjoyable studying this as I did- LOL’d fairly a bit!

With that, let’s welcome Zack Peter to the weblog.

Launching a Podcast, Scaling Your Business & Leaning In To What Makes You Unique

♡♡♡

♡ Introduce your self to The Skinny Confidential viewers. Tell us every thing.

Zack Peter: I really feel like I’m on a primary date! So, main with my finest foot ahead: I’m Zack Peter, a podcaster, author, & general pop-culture aficionado. My present #NoFilter with Zack Peter is an iTunes Top 100 podcast, fashionable channel on YouTube, & now a trusted supply for the entire juiciest actuality TV tea.

I usually have buzzy actuality stars on to present me the inside track straight from the horse’s mouth. From Netflix stars to Real Housewives & different Bravo-lebs, like Lala Kent, Dorinda Medley, Heidi Montag, Harry Jowsey, & extra. The present’s even been featured on Summer House & Vanderpump Rules. 

As a author, I’ve printed 4 books ( my final one again in 2014, which was later purchased by Simon & Schuster ). I’d usually contribute to POPSUGAR & Men’s Health, normally specializing in the most recent happenings within the realm of TV & leisure or giving all of the deets on the most recent wellness traits. 

My background, nevertheless, is in non-profit fundraising, which was impressed by my brother Ethan, who has autism. I began after I was 15, interning at Jenny McCarthy’s basis, which in the end led me to being the group’s Executive Director by the point I used to be 25. All whereas constructing my very own podcast/model on the aspect, earlier than making the leap full-time! 

My newest enterprise is a brand new Real Housewives-inspired wine line, dubbed “Housewives Watching Wine!” Hopefully that’s sufficient to earn me a second date! ( Or not less than sufficient to take me dwelling tonight! ) 

♡ You’ve carried out an ideal job carving out a distinct segment. How do you suggest somebody goes about doing that in the event that they’d prefer to observe the same path?

ZP: You must ask your self: What’s the one factor in my life that I can’t cease speaking about? Even if it looks like the dumbest factor on the earth, should you can’t cease speaking about it, you may in all probability construct a model round it!

For me, that was actuality TV! I used to be virtually raised on it. Flavor Flav was my dad, Kris Jenner was my mother, Lauren Conrad was the older sister I all the time seemed as much as, & Maury Povich was the enjoyable uncle with all of the drama. I like watching the drama, digging up all of the tea, & spilling it, which opened the door for me to launch a podcast on simply that. It’s now grown manner past my expectations.

So my advice is to search out that one factor that you might speak about all day & don’t be afraid to lean into it! & actually get particular. I began with normal popular culture information, then refined it to actuality TV, & then acquired much more micro by tapping into the fandom of Bravo, which is the place the podcast actually popped off! The extra particular you may get, the extra of a cult following you may faucet into.

If somebody would’ve instructed me I might construct a model & wine line across the Real Housewives, I might’ve laughed it off. Yet, right here we’re. So simply ( Lisa Rinna voice ) OWN IT, child! Own it, lean into it, & get it began at the moment. 

♡ You are my mentee proper now! Can you describe the method to date? (Zack will come on the weblog once more to speak in regards to the mentorship when it’s carried out!)

ZP: It’s been so nice! I used to be excited after I first acquired the DM voice memo from you, deciding on me. And I felt like I used to be on Shark Tank & you actually noticed the potential in my thought. I wasn’t certain what to anticipate at first, however I’ve come to essentially sit up for our month-to-month check-in calls! They’ve been extraordinarily useful in serving to me refine the model & take a look at it from totally different angles I usually wouldn’t have centered on.

I used to hate homework in class, however actually sit up for the assignments you give me. I’ve realized the best way to construct new income streams, new forms of content material inside my area of interest, & the roadmap for my future. It’s additionally tremendous collaborative & I like how a lot religion & belief you’ve got in me! It’s all a lot extra palms on than I used to be anticipating & your assist has meant the world. 

♡How have you ever grown so efficiently on Instagram & what are your suggestions?

1. I all the time imagine in main along with your strengths!

My strengths are my character & my humor. While there are numerous Instagram accounts that “spill the tea” or share leisure information, I be sure that mine incorporates my strengths with the additions of Reels & Lives. It places a face & character behind the model, whereas additionally differentiating me. Plus, IG loves whenever you make the most of all their instruments, in order that they prioritize your content material extra! I additionally love the Lives as a result of it offers me a chance to attach with podcast listeners & YouTube viewers in real-time in an open discussion board. It’s an ideal group builder!

2. Collab, collab, collab!

I do not less than 1-2 collabs per week. Whether it’s an IG Live, a podcast swap, or meet-up with different creators for content material. Work with like minded individuals ( or manufacturers ) & cross-pollinate. It’ll assist you to attain a brand new viewers that’s concerned about your content material. Share their content material in your Stories & tag them. The extra you assist different individuals, the extra doubtless they’re to assist you in return. Build these relationships & assist one another develop. Never take a look at them as competitors, solely as fellow hustlers!

3. DMs are tremendous enormous!

I attempt to schedule out a few instances to sift by way of DMs & reply to as many individuals as doable each day. Not only a double-tap, however a real response. Occasionally I’ll ship a voice notice, which provides a extra private contact. When individuals really feel linked to you, you construct loyalty & belief.

4. You additionally want to ensure the aesthetic is enjoyable.

If it’s enticing, it’ll entice extra individuals. I prefer to hold colours, fonts, & types cohesive. I’m not tremendous inflexible about it, as a result of I don’t need it to really feel too stale, however I hold all of the content material/types inside the similar household. But strive to not focus  an excessive amount of on the vibe or aesthetic of different related accounts, as a result of (1) you don’t need to be a “cheater brand” ( as Bethenny would name it ) & (2) individuals can sense when one thing doesn’t really feel genuine to you. 

So I might say: Find your strengths, have interaction with individuals every day, & refine your fashion. Then go to bat! You’ll rapidly be taught & pivot as you go.

♡You’re an actual hustler. What do you assume the key is & what do you suggest to younger individuals seeking to be extra entrepreneurial?

ZP: I’ve all the time been a hustler! But it’s all the time round issues that I like, which is tremendous key! You HAVE to completely find it irresistible or else you’ll get burned out by it. The finest recommendation my mom ever gave me is: “Roadblocks are only put in your path to make you prove how badly you want something.” That’s my go-to mantra now. So in relation to “hustle,” it’s about determining what’s value overcoming these roadblocks. 

The #NoFilter podcast took 6.5 years to construct it to the purpose it’s at now, & it’s barely scratched the floor. I’m coming for that Joe Rogan/Alex Cooper stage! But I in all probability would’ve stop by now if I didn’t actually love the method of it & the scope of matters.

So many individuals come to me, asking for recommendation on getting began with podcasting & my first query is all the time, “Why do you want to start a podcast?” Usually it’s “because that’s what everyone is doing,” or “I want to make money on the side.” Those are the unsuitable goals. I began #NoFilter when no one even knew what a “podcast” actually was. I didn’t do it as a result of “everyone” had one. Or as a result of I believed I might make a ton of cash off it. I noticed it as a enjoyable alternative to assist develop the general model I used to be seeking to construct.

The podcast is simply one of many many instruments that’s serving to me get there.

& it’s true to who I’m at my core: I’m a chatterbox, I’m a little bit of a gossip, & I like to get into the nitty gritty & examine issues & then share all these deets with others! I realized the best way to monetize it ( over time ) & the best way to be sensible about rising it past simply the 30 minute weekly audio-only present it started as, again in 2015.

I imagine anybody could be a “hustler,” however you actually must outline what’s well worth the “hustle” for you.  And I feel Bethenny can be an ideal instance of that together with her Skinnygirl model. She was one of many first to enter right into a male-dominated business. She disrupted it as a result of she was obsessed with it, she was sensible about it, & she had a a lot bigger empire in thoughts. And she didn’t observe anybody else’s lead. Be a Bethenny. Find what’s value your hustle, search for the open area, & go for it! 

♡ Why do you’re keen on ice rolling?!

ZP: Hello, I’m on digicam 4x per week & I’ve acquired a wine line to advertise!! I want one thing to maintain my face good, tight, & chiseled! Ice rolling helps me depuff & debloat.

The rolling impact is nice for the lymphatic drainage & the coldness helps to scale back any irritation & hold every thing tight. Especially beneath the eyes. I’m a abdomen sleeper ( I do know, I’m the worst ), so I normally get up with puffy eyes! The ice helps to essentially scale back the luggage. ( That & I like the Peter Thomas Roth gold eye patches — a Housewives staple. ) 

I used to make use of these low-cost jade rollers for $10 on Amazon, however they by no means actually acquired the job carried out! They would all the time break & they by no means stayed chilly lengthy sufficient. Now I’ve a full magnificence routine & ice roll on the every day! It’s actually the perfect funding I’ve made in a very long time! 

I like to start out with a Vitamin C serum, then prime with a very good face oil. I’m obsessive about face oils, they only offer you a pleasant hydrated, dewy end. The ICE QUEEN FACE OIL is superb. Then I roll-out my face like a pancake to squeeze out the puff. 

♡What does your morning routine appear like? What units you up for achievement?

ZP: 6-6:30 AM: Wake up & make espresso. 

6:45 AM: Hit the fitness center for a fasted HIIT exercise ( my neighbor is my exercise buddy, so we hold one another accountable ). 

7:45 AM: Have a plant-based protein shake & bathe. I additionally prefer to squeeze in a bit private growth right here. Sometimes it’s studying a chapter of a e-book, a ten minute meditation, or after I’m strapped for time, it’s listening to a podcast whereas I’m within the bathe. 

8:15-8:30 AM (ish): I prefer to take stock of what must be carried out for the day to achieve success. I’m an enormous record particular person, so I map out what issues “must happen” by what time & schedule the day accordingly. 

8:30 AM: GET READY. Every day. I by no means go away my condo in sweatpants ( not even to throw out the trash ). My grandma all the time taught me, earlier than you permit: Brush your hair, brush your tooth, throw on a cute outfit, & throw on a bit make-up. It’ll put a bit pep in your step. If you look good, you’re feeling good. Your complete method & confidence stage is totally different. 

Then I prefer to get out of my condo & work from some place else — a espresso store, the downstairs lounge, and so on. That change of surroundings is tremendous useful for my productiveness. I discover that “working from home” can usually be distracting for me. It simply hinders my means to be absolutely centered. 

♡Can you share a few of your time-saving suggestions that make all of the distinction?

ZP: I’m actually massive on effectivity. It’s type of an issue! Even in relation to courting, I’m tremendous environment friendly ( which isn’t horny by the best way, haha ). It’s in all probability why I’m nonetheless single! 

1. I prefer to time-block!

It’s tremendous useful in relation to staying centered on the duty at-hand. I can get distracted, so if I block out my time to dedicate to a sure merchandise, I can higher keep centered on that single merchandise.

2. Another good tip is I prefer to dedicate sure initiatives to sure days.

So I’ve filming days, I’ve advertising marketing campaign days, I’ve household days, and so on. Especially for freelancers, this helps construction the week & time-block extra effectively.

3. I Uber in every single place.

I dwell in Downtown LA, so there’s no actual want for a automotive & the price balances out. Ubering permits me to work whereas within the again seat, particularly if I’m caught in LA visitors. I can make amends for an audiobook, I can reply to DMs/feedback, I can reply emails, or analysis/provide you with questions for my friends. It’s tremendous handy. & it’s good down-time, too, like if I ever want a bit break or a small energy nap! If value is a matter, there’s all the time public transit! I used to take the bus/prepare each day whereas working in faculty. It labored simply as properly again then too!

4. I additionally prefer to devour numerous podcasts & books ( generally for private growth, & generally to prep for friends approaching my present ).

With the books, I prefer to take heed to the audio model, as a result of then I can take notes whereas I hear alongside. & I all the time velocity them as much as not less than 1.5x, that manner I can breeze by way of them faster! Works simply as nice for quickly listening to a podcast. 

♡ Tell us about your Housewives Watching Wine. It’s so main. 

ZP: Thank you!! I’m obsessive about it myself. It’s a crisp, evenly fizzy rosé in 4 enjoyable cans, designed round a number of the most iconic Housewives moments in TV historical past.

We have one impressed by RHONY that claims “I’m ready to MENTION IT ALL, RHOA “Now tell me WHO GON’ CHECK ME, BOO?,” RHOBH “I stole KIM’S GODDAMN HOUSE,” & RHONJ “I’m Ready to FLIP A TABLE.” We additionally simply launched a restricted version Potomac can, “DRAG ME, I dare you.” 

It packs a punch at 14% ABV, so that you’ll positively be littly metropolis, however has lower than a gram of sugar, so that you shouldn’t get that gnarly wine headache that individuals get from most standard wines.

Again, I’m all about effectivity! So I wished one thing sturdy, however with out all of the junk components & sugar! & voila, right here we’re! They’re additionally cute, compact, & discreet, so you may sneak them into your purse or into your Uber simply. They’re accessible on-line at NoFilterWine.com, so that you don’t even have to fret about going out to search out them. We ship proper to your door!  

It’s fascinating as a result of I had reached a degree with the podcast, the place I felt prefer it was time to scale the enterprise, however I wasn’t certain what to do.

Launching “merch” felt too primary & unoriginal. I didn’t need to launch a Patreon as a result of I prefer to hold my content material accessible at no cost ( it reaches extra individuals, with extra long-term worth ). I wished to create one thing that was (1) genuine to me, (2) of curiosity to the viewers, & (3) would additional construct a way of group.

I’m not shy about becoming consuming into my life-style, which is pretty wholesome. & I’ve really thought-about leaping into the booze enterprise for some time. One night time, I used to be consuming wine & yelling on the TV watching Teresa Giudice on RHONJ, whereas chatting in regards to the present on Instagram. That’s when it simply clicked: We’re all already consuming whereas watching these reveals, yelling on the TV! Why not create one thing we will imbibe on collectively? Making this OUR signature drink… THE “Housewives Watching” drink. & right here we’re! 

♡ What’s a e-book, podcast or useful resource you suggest? 

ZP: I LOVE the You Are a Badass sequence by Jen Sincero. I feel the ideas in it are fairly relevant throughout the board. And I additionally actually love The Tools by Phil Stutz. I realized so many worthwhile classes in them, each about myself & about the fitting mindset it takes to construct a model. 

♡ Where can everybody discover you? Pimp your self out! 

For all the most recent actuality TV & pop-culture tea, try #NoFilter with Zack Peter! You can hear on iTunes, Spotify, & all different main platforms. Or watch full episodes on YouTube. The Instagram account is all the time conserving you recent in real-time, @nofilterwithzack. Or you may observe me personally at @justplainzack for behind-the-scenes stuff, humorous Reels, & cute selfies ( my DMs are extensive open, boys ). & stock-up on some Housewives Watching Wine at www.nofilterwine.com. 

♡♡♡

There you’ve got it. Told you, he’s dynamic AF. Be certain to observe Zack on all his channels. He’s hilarious & as you may see, a REAL deal hustler.

Oh ya, should you’re concerned about being my mentee, introduce your self on my newest Instagram. We’re in search of mentee for 2022.

x, lauryn

+ try posts from my different mentee, Bailey & Deepa.

++ scope the following tips for taking your aspect hustle up a notch.

SHOP THE POST: