What a Year...

It's Friday night, September 30th. I'm tired. The last month has been one of the longest, most exhausting months of my life. But it's also been one of the most exciting. Earlier this week we dropped our 50th episode. In less than a month we are coming up on our 1-year anniversary of launching Greetings From the Garden State.

It's almost impossible for me to comprehend. This is the second podcast I have launched and its growth, engagement, and overall vibe has been like nothing I have ever experienced. I remember having the idea to start this show. I was getting burned out with my old show, The Morning Spotlight, which was successful in its own right, but loved the medium of podcasting. I knew I wanted to start talking about things I was passionate about and what better than my home.

I also wasn't sure exactly what the format of the show was going to be from the start. There are some other successful podcasts that existed prior like New Jersey is the World and ones that have come on line since like The Garden State and Maybe She's From Jersey that are all amazing podcasts, but I think our format makes us unique.

We're about the people. Every guest we have on the podcast has a story. I have said this so many times to so many people but one of my favorite things about New Jersey is the fact that not only is it the most densely populated state in the country, it's also one of the most diverse populations in the country. That's what makes New Jersey real, that's what makes New Jersey unique, and ultimately that's what makes New Jersey great.

Every single story we have shared on the podcast is from someone who, in some cases, might live 5 minutes away from you, has an entirely different life experience, but you somehow feel a connection with them. You'll hang with them "down the shore" and also fight with them over whether it's "taylor ham" or "pork roll." Nothing against middle-America, but travel there and tell me you feel the same way, they're not going to know what the hell you're even talking about!

While the guests are what make up the actual content of the show (and trust me, without them we are absolutely nothing. I might be a good host but our guests have been amazing), it's all of you, the listeners who are what drive our growth, attract our sponsors, and frankly keep me and the show going. If I was sitting here shouting into a microphone, traveling all over the state, for no one, I would have stopped a long time ago.

I think my ultimate goal with this blog post was to say thank you. I am sure I will have more to say as we get closer to our 1-year anniversary on October 18th, but sometimes you feel the need to write some things down and address your people. Which is all of you.

Thank you so much for everything so far over the first 50 episodes and (almost) a full year. The support, the engagement, the love, and the laughs have helped me in ways you don't even know. I cannot wait to continue to bring more great content to you and I hope to get the chance to meet you all soon!