Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Hondel.
Hi Dave, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the host of The Stage Door Show podcast on all streaming platforms. We celebrate the independent artist community. This includes actors, musicians, writers, any genre in the creative arts. We are here to support their journey. On our podcast, we interview celebrities that speak about their career path in their given industry and offer helpful advice to our listening audience so they can be inspired to achieve the same success. We also highlight the independent artists themselves on our show.
Since moving to South Florida, I am excited to work with artists in the talent-rich area here. My goal is to give the local community a platform in which to share their talent and tell their story on our show. I started the podcast four years ago as a way to give artists a voice. In this time, we have had many industry professionals and celebrities that has allowed us to gain a following on Instagram of over 40K followers and a spot on the popular app, iHeart Radio.
I started in the entertainment business 20 years ago when I produced and directed music videos for Grammy-winning artists. One video was the Grammy-nominated R&B hit, “I Apologize” by multi-Grammy-winning Ann Nesby. I was also fortunate to work on two projects that peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Charts. During my time in the music business, I met some very talented artists that were doing everything on their own with literally no support or financial backing. I really started the podcast as a way to give back to these artists and do what I could to help by giving them a platform.
Here in the Miami area, there is a treasure trove of talent and to be based here now is a blessing. I want these artists to know that we’re here and willing to work with them by helping to promote their work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any venture that people are passionate about, there are obstacles along the way and my journey is no different. When I began my podcast, I knew very little other than to have the ability to talk into a microphone. I did a lot of research on equipment, studio sound treatment setups and platforms in which to distribute my content. Then there was the challenge of getting interesting guests on the show that listeners would find engaging.
So I went to work and started by registering my podcast name The Stage Door Show with the US Trademark and Patent Office, which took several months. I then built a studio in my home, complete with a sound booth and I purchased an industry-standard microphone. Now that I had all of that, I subscribed to an online radio station and I was ready to start the process. I think the biggest challenge was that I was a one-person show and everything was done by me, including getting the guests, producing the show and editing the content after the interview was complete. Not to mention creating the promotional material for social media to market the podcast so people would listen. All of this while having a full-time day job. Even though there are challenges, when I get behind the microphone, knowing I’m helping a community of artists, both here in Miami and around the world, it makes it all so worth it.
Through it all, my wife has always supported my vision and the time it takes to produce the show. Our children have also been in the creative arts in various capacities for years and are always helping to spread the word of the podcast. I cannot say enough about the importance of a strong support system.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always had a lot of interests growing up and I really tried hard to excel in everything I did. I spent years as a music video director and was able to work with many successful artists over that time. I also have a passion for photography and have been very fortunate to have had my work displayed in some amazing galleries in different countries.
If you look at my IMDB, it says I’m known mainly as a music video director, but what I feel that being a podcast host is really my calling. What I believe sets me apart as a host is that many public relations firms as well as actors, singers and other artists reach out to me to be on my show because of my preparation and research that I conduct on each guest. I take pride in getting to know the artists I interview and go beyond their art to get to know them as a person, which I think they appreciate. I end every show with the question, “What do you want your legacy to be when it’s all said and done. What do you want people to walk away with when they think of you?”
I think the thing I’m most proud of is that I understand what it’s like to have nothing and have to struggle. I’ve always gravitated towards the people who work labor jobs or professions nobody else wants to do. I empathize with those who may not be necessarily accepted by society because of a physical or mental disability. I give thanks every day that I grew up with a mom who was a housekeeper who had to work several jobs to make ends meet. I’m proud that I’m able to be a kind, compassionate and caring person in a world that’s not always nice.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I always love to collaborate with others who share a passion for helping independent artists. I believe that we all have the ability to help, even in little ways. It goes a long way.
My Instagram is @TheStageDoorShow (my main social media driver)
Facebook is Facebook.com/davehondel
IMDB Search Dave Hondel
Twitter TheStageDoorSh1
TikTok @TheStageDoorShow
email dhondel@live.com
We’re always looking to book guests on the show and we’re looking for independent artists to showcase or industry professionals that can give insight to the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: davehondel.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/thestagedoorshow
- Facebook: facebook.com/thestagedoorshow
- Twitter: twitter.com/thestagedoorsh1
- Youtube: youtube.com/thestagedoorshow
Image Credits
Backlot Photos: Elliott Ramsdell Personal Photo: Kayla Arroyo The studio pics are not credited as well as the one with me and Ann Nesby and her husband/manager, Tim
