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“Don’t underestimate who you can get—leaders in their field want to share their expertise with a dedicated audience.” - Hugh Hiemstra

Talking to Hugh Hiemstra was truly a game-changer for me, both as a podcaster and someone who’s constantly looking for ways to improve the creative process. Hugh brought incredible insights into the power of curiosity and authentic questions in creating meaningful conversations. He emphasized how going into an interview with genuine interest—not just for the audience but for yourself—can lead to impactful episodes.

It’s a reminder that we don’t always have to position ourselves as experts but can instead approach each discussion as an opportunity to learn alongside our listeners.

Hugh also shared practical strategies for preparation, from leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to involving his audience in shaping episode topics.

What struck me most was his advice about aiming high when it comes to guests—don’t underestimate who might be willing to join your show. His experiences with securing top-tier experts reminded me that podcasting is not just about content creation; it’s about connection, learning, and continuously improving to deliver value to your audience.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

Strategic Guest Selection: Don’t underestimate your ability to secure top-tier guests—they’re often eager to share their expertise.
Listener Engagement: Conduct surveys to understand what your audience craves and plan episodes accordingly.
Efficient Use of AI: Tools like ChatGPT can streamline research and categorization, saving hours of prep time.
Tailored Introductions: Keep bios concise and relevant to the episode's theme to maintain listener interest.
Plan, but Stay Curious: While planning is essential, leaving room for spontaneous curiosity can lead to more authentic conversations.

Chapters and Timestamps

02:30 - The Origins of The Vet Vault
06:00 - Challenges of Planning in Podcasting
10:00 - Hugh’s Planning Process
20:30 - Leveraging AI for Episode Research
31:00 - Listener Engagement Strategies
35:00 - The Importance of Flexibility During Episodes
38:00 - Tips for Getting High-Profile Guests

"Send me a message!"

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

This show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

“My tongue is on fire right now… Holy sh*t, it’s still burning. Is it going to get worse? It’s getting worse.”

In this special edition of Saigon Sunday Sessions, we turn up the heat—literally! Join me at Brick and Barrel for the ultimate hot sauce and taco-eating competition, where local chili aficionados battle it out for bragging rights and fiery glory.

From tasting sauces like the infamous Vietnam Reaper to cheering on contestants in a high-stakes taco showdown, this episode is packed with flavor, laughter, and a lot of sweating. Special guest Chad Mitchell from Mixtape joins the fun, tackling spicy tacos while answering big questions about life and beer.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to eat fire for fun, this is the episode for you.

– Niall Mackay

5 Key Takeaways (With Timestamps)
1. “The Vietnam Reaper” Takes the Crown – Sauce #5 earns its reputation as the spiciest in Saigon. (00:01:00)
2. Anne Pham’s Taco Triumph – Five fiery tacos in 13 minutes—Anne Pham wins the competition with grit and determination. (00:17:00)
3. Hot Ones Homage – Chad Mitchell faces the heat while discussing his journey from California to Saigon. (00:25:00)
4. Spice Brings People Together – From laughter to out-of-body experiences, the event highlights Saigon’s lively food culture. (00:33:00)
5. Pro Tips for Spice Lovers – Lessons learned: don’t touch your eyes, and keep the lime handy. (00:35:00)

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Brick and Barrel: The Heat Is On
01:00 – The Hot Sauce Gauntlet: From Mild to Mind-Blowing
17:00 – Taco Showdown: Anne Pham vs. Kung
25:00 – Spicy Q&A: Chad Mitchell Talks Beer and Life
33:00 – Reflections on Saigon’s Fiery Spirit

Reflect with Me

As someone who barely survived tasting just one taco, I have nothing but respect for the contestants and the brave souls who sampled all 11 sauces. This event perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, bold energy of Saigon’s food scene.

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"Send me a message!"

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Support the show

This show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.

If you would like to work with them too check out their website!