When we think ‘business podcast’ in Southeast Asia, we think about corporate interviews and formal discussions around business topics. That’s not a knock on the podcast industry here, but often lacks the flair to attract and retain the casual listener.
Two entrepreneurs want to help leapfrog the industry without losing the essence that makes business podcasts a necessity – adding value to the listeners.
Author and illustrator (warning: website name is NSFW) and marketer David Bobis, as well as PR practitioner and regular contributor Terng Shing, are looking to create a digital ‘business drinks’ experience with their listeners. Their podcast Business Over Drinks blends their unique sense of humour with a rawness that is quite refreshing.
We had a chance to speak to both of them over email to find out what they’ve been up to and what the podcast is all about. Just like the podcast, the duo riffed with each other email and here’s their (slightly) edited interview.
Congrats on starting your podcast. Give us the elevator pitch.
Terng Shing (TS): Thanks. We’re excited to get this off the ground finally.
Business over Drinks was a fun concept that we came up with over a few drinks. Dave and I always discussed business, as we’re both entrepreneurs, and usually it was over a few drinks. After a few laughs and actually gleaning some value from our conversations, we thought it would be a great way to share some of the lessons we learned in a fun and unique sort of way.
So we created this podcast, as a way to replicate the experiences we usually have and share some of the insights with everyone.
David Bobis (Dave): There are a bunch of ‘business and professional advice’ type podcasts out there, so why should you listen to us? Firstly, we actually run our own businesses so we can report what we’re actively learning from ‘the field’, or what we’ve learnt in business ventures in the past. Secondly, we’re not so serious that you’ll fall asleep. Our podcasts are short, fun and filled with drinks.
Why podcasts though? What made you pick this medium?
TS: Podcasts are such a fun medium that requires less technical skill to start, but is a really good way to engage your audience. Also, our brand of humour is a bit difficult to translate well over text.
Dave: Terng constantly pushed me into starting a podcast with him, until eventually, to quiet him down, I surrendered and said, “Fine, okay, let’s do it.”
Who are some of the guests you’ve had on the show and what has been some of the better highlights?
Dave: We’ve got a lineup of some very interesting people coming to our podcast. Basically, we speak to fellow overachievers and mavericks in their fields, as well as anyone with an interesting story worth learning from. To start, we’ve had William Gilchrist, CEO of Konsyg, and Sidney Cachuela, COO of POP Tax. Plenty more to come. Contact us for business enquiries.
TS: I don’t know if this counts as highlights, but to be honest, our guests tend to sound a lot better than us and come off sounding professional as well as funny. Also, contact us for business enquiries or to donate cash (or alcohol) if you want us to continue.
What are some of the topics you want to cover in the future and how does it relate to the startup and technology field?
TS: I think we want to cover so many different topics that we’re a bit swamped with the opportunities. We don’t exclusively focus on the tech and startup world, but because of our networks and what we do, we naturally tend to attract that community.
However, we’ve made it a point to make sure whatever we share or talk about is relevant to the entire business community out there. Our goal is to add value and a bit of laughter to your day.
Dave: I agree with Terng. I think we’ll continue talking about topics that will add massive value to business people and working professionals alike.
What tips would you give someone looking to set up their own podcast in Southeast Asia?
TS: Don’t do it. We don’t need the competition.
In all seriousness, just go in there trying to add value rather than having a business KPI or strict plan on how fast you want to grow. Also, make sure you have a solid marketing plan, because recording the podcast is probably the easiest part of the entire podcast process.
Dave: Yes, exactly: don’t do it. But if you must, start small – it doesn’t need to be perfect. Some people get stuck in the setting up, planning and research part (maybe also as a means of procrastination), but all you really need to do is record something with your phone or computer and you’re ready to go. You’ll learn along the way.
Do you have any podcast horror stories when it comes to your guests on the show?
TS: Haha, thankfully none at the moment. We have had to redo takes after one too many drinks, but nothing really that can be categorised as ‘horror’. Maybe Dave has more he wants to share.
Dave: I wouldn’t call it a horror story, but when Terng and I were recording our first episode, we had to record multiple takes, therefore having to consume multiple drinks. Everything escalated from there – we invited friends over, and the whole thing became a party. You will never hear that podcast episode.
Also, it’s a little embarrassing to hear my voice on podcast. I didn’t realise I sounded so nasally!
TS: No one likes your voice, its not just you.
What’s next for the podcast?
TS: Just aiming to keep it going for as long as we have fun. We’re always on the lookout for great guests and you don’t have to be an entrepreneur or business owner – just be passionate and have something fun and valuable to share. Being able to drink isn’t a must, but it does help.
Dave: we’re slowly bringing in video, and our sound quality is improving. Thanks to everyone who’s given us feedback so far. We’ll also be bringing in more exciting guests.
I think we’re only going to get better, more informative and more entertaining for all our listeners.