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

Hi Jim, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to do something with audio. I’ve released 2 music singles this year and have two successful podcasts running, The Jimbo Podcast, my personal interview show and Crispy Coated Robots, a sci-fi-themed top 5 comedy show. And, I have close to 30 years of hosting/audio production in my radio career. So, after brainstorming with a friend/bandmate/copywriter Jason Meeker, a guy who had been self-employed for a lot of years, we came to the decision that podcasts were the answer. And, the podcast boom really exploded during Covid. So, I did my research. There wasn’t many podcast consultants out there. In fact, there weren’t many businesses that help people either start or cultivate their podcast. I thought this was a great idea – be a Podcast Consultant and see where that leads. So, I called a lot of my close broadcasting friends to see if I was crazy or not. The good news – I wasn’t crazy. The better news was the my former boss, Robert Scorpio, said he wanted to do into the venture with me. Shortly after, Podcast PDs was born! We thought the name would play off our radio experience and that we could be the “program directors” of your podcast. Our tagline is simple and true: PODCAST PDS – WE COME FROM RADIO TO MAKE YOUR PODCAST BETTER!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Being self-employed, I do a little bit of everything creatively to create revenue. I still write screenplays for myself and for hire. I write and produce music for myself and different groups. I still do radio and host a morning show on Houston Radio Platinum (classic hits – houstonradioplatinum.com). And, I host a live radio talk show at 9am “The Kovacik Kontroversy” TNC.Radio.Live (The News and Information Commercial Drivers Need -The Music and Entertainment They Want). However, right now, my work is mostly consumed by podcasts. I host “The Jimbo Podcast” which is an extension of my morning show on HRP and features extended interviews with radio legends, comedians, celebrities and pretty much anyone I find interesting. I also produce and co-host with George W. Padgett the sci-fi themed top 5 list comedy podcast “Crispy Coated Robots.” Check out the ‘Bots -you haven’t heard anything like it. And, I just started Podcast PDs is a full service podcasting company which is run by Radio Legend Robert Scorpio and myself. We help people, businesses and even corporations start or grow their podcasts. We offer all types of services – Show critique with notes, Show creation, Show production meetings, Show formatting, Talent coaching, Content consulting, Audience building, Technical advice, Show Editing, Voice Overs, Original Music and more! And we are starting to get into cutting-edge services like developing content for the new clubhouse app, which is getting a lot of attention. If you’d like a free 15 minute consultation – call me at 281-799-1750 and mention this article. Or, contact us via the website – podcastpds.com and mention this article.

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?
I love the places I get to play my guitar in the city. Fortress Beerworks (2606 Spring Cypress Road) in Spring is a pretty amazing place. Big enough for a drive-in concert (which I played last summer) and intimate enough for tap room acoustics, Fortress Beerworks is a great family-friendly venue. They have a great staff and although I don’t drink beer – I hear it’s excellent! I play there every first Friday with my brother George in our acoustic group, The Surrealtors (check out our music on your favorite streaming site). I also recommend Christian’s Tailgate (2000 Bagby St). They boast the best burger in Houston – and I think they are right. My longtime radio friend, Chris Alan, is one of quality people running the place and they have created a fun atmosphere with games (a Jenga right on the table), music and more! Oh, yeah – they let me play my guitar and harmonica sometimes with Blue Raven (the best keyboard/guitar duo in Houston). And, finally if you want to get out of the city to a great outdoorsy place with food trucks all-around, check out Rosehill Beer Garden (14540 Cypress Rosehill). Royce and the crew out there have a great family atmosphere. There’s even an outdoor playground for the kids. And, of course, live music. I played there with both Blue Raven and The Surrealtors.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?
My shoutout goes out to the Director of Marketing & Communications at AgencyKPI, Inc. in Austin, Jason Meeker. Jason has been a friend since Humble High School. Last year, we reunited our garage band, The Elastic Plastic Band, during lockdown and released an Christmas EP at the end of 2020. While the music was a highlight of a crazy year, it was Jason’s guidance in helping me find something innovative in the second act of my career. Jason was a freelance copywriter for many years and his talent helped him to pick up jobs while still remaining independent. I had always been attached to a traditional company. So, taking the leap to start a business is a little scary. Strike that – it’s a lot scary. It was Jason who brainstormed with me – what’s the best thing I can do next – have a passion for – and can be profitable? That’s when the initial idea for Podcast PDs came. Despite never being a co-owner before, we had a very successful launch of Podcast PDs. Jason helped us a lot from looking over press releases to being our first person that we consulted. I’ve never had so much coverage in broadcast trades in my close to 30 years in traditional radio. And, even now, he is always willing to give free advice. So, Jason Meeker- you have my respect, love and this shout out!

Website: https://www.podcastpds.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimbeazy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-kovacik-a8aaa1b/

Twitter: @jimbeazy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimbeazy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdEAFIx4-Kbv-2gcMOEufA

Other: http://www.crispycoatedrobots.com/ https://thejimbopodcast.buzzsprout.com/ https://houstonradioplatinum.com/ https://tncradio.live/

Image Credits
Shelley Wade

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