Summary: Ray Ortega has been producing podcasts for years. It started with his video podcast about picking produce and eventually led to The Podcasters Studio. Ray's success in podcasting can be attributed to his investment in himself. "I go into things 100%, I go into learning something new and I just soak it up. It's in my nature to just learn every detail possible about something." says Ortega who recently just booked a trip to Manchester (not New Hampshire, but England) for a podcast he produces for his company in Washington D.C. It's exactly why out of 1,200 applicants, Ray found himself #1 in his graduation class for the Police Academy in California. After a few years on the force, Ray knew he needed a change. So he headed to D.C. with his girlfriend in hopes of a fresh start. He landed a job working in the produce section at a local grocer when he came across something new in his iTunes software. "I was like Podcasts? What is this? So I clicked on it and heard some dudes talking and I thought, whoa I need to do this." The Produce Picker Podcast was born. It was a video podcast that would help shoppers learn how to pick fruits and vegetables correctly. He landed an eventual full time job with a local company in D.C. producing their video podcasts which are now live streamed. One of the perks about this new career path? The commute. "My commute is now 25 seconds its just a quick walk down the stairs." In 2012 Ray also launched a new podcast utilizing Google+ Hangouts on Air. The show is called the Podcasters Roundtable and each "round" a new issue in podcasting is discussed and debated. To hear the journey that Ray has been on is very inspiring. Ray is a tremendous example of how hard work, perseverance and a little bit of luck can pay off for you and your podcast. If you want to sit on the Hot Seat for Rapid Fire, email me at feedback@spnt.tv Review the Show in iTunes Please rate and review the show in iTunes! If you're listening to us on an iOS device or you have an iTunes account, please leave a review today at startpodcastingnow.com/itunes. We'd love to hear your feedback good or bad! This week I CHALLENGE YOU to go and leave 5 reviews on the podcasts you listen to. Or try 5 new ones and leave reviews. Podcast Consulting If you’re looking for some one on one podcast consulting, I am available for hire. You know sometimes you can listen to all the podcasts and read all the books and all the tips on the web, sometimes its just nice to sit down and talk it out. Don’t hesitate to email me I am here to help. If this is something you’re interested in shoot me an email or give me a call at 404-946-3397. Podcast Intro's Sweepers ID's and More Need some audio production to help make your podcast sound top notch? Check out the folks at MusicRadioCreative.com! They'll help you with script writing and provide you with the best sounding intros in podcasting. What are you waiting for? Podcast Cover Art AND Google Hangout On Air Lower Third Designs Maybe you need some cover art for your podcasts? Logon to podcastcovers.com and for just $125, I can get you setup with some custom cover art designs. If you’d like to see some examples of our cover art, just log on to SPNT.tv. I also now can custom design lower third graphics for your Google Hangouts! 1and1 Affiliate Signup If you’re looking to start up your own podcast and you’re in need of a host server, please use my affiliate link with 1and1.com. I’ve been using 1and1 for years and I must say they have the best customer service I’ve ever dealt with and I do get a generous commission for everyone who signs up using 1and1, just logon to spnt.tv/1and1
