<p>If you&#39;ve ever asked yourself, “Am I born or made to be a podcaster?” this episode is for you. In my conversation with Larry G. Dix II, bestselling author and host of the Born or Made Podcast, you&#39;ll get honest, behind-the-scenes insight into what it really takes to grow — not just a podcast, but as a person in the process. Larry shares the ups and downs of his unconventional journey, from starting out with zero podcasting experience to building a show that explores how top leaders think and operate.</p><p>In this episode, you&#39;ll find out:</p><ul><li><p>Why embracing flexibility and being open to change can unlock opportunities for your show, even if your original plan starts to shift.</p></li><li><p>How focusing on storytelling, genuine curiosity, and careful listening (instead of canned questions) will help you create deeper connections and standout interviews.</p></li></ul><p>Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck, Larry’s perspective will remind you it’s normal to learn as you go, and that your growth as host is just as important as your show’s growth. Dive in for a relaxed, real talk that might just help you get unstuck, too.</p><p><strong>Connect With Larry G. Dix II</strong><br>Website: <a href="https://bornormadepodcast.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://bornormadepodcast.com</a><br>Website: <a href="https://larrygdix.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://larrygdix.com</a></p><p></p><p>If <em>My Podcast Story</em> speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.</p><p>There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the <em>My Podcast Story</em> newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.</p><p>Sign up here: <a href="https://mypodcaststory.com/join">https://mypodcaststory.com/join</a></p><p>If the stories you hear on <em>My Podcast Story</em> bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.Support the show: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq">https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq</a></p><p>Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: <a href="https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory">https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Meet Larry G. Dix II<br>01:19 The Story Behind “Born or Made”<br>02:52 Asking Guests: Born, Made, or Built?<br>03:19 How Long the Podcast Has Been Running<br>03:51 Larry’s First Podcasting Experiences<br>04:23 Comfortable Conversations &amp; Loosening Up<br>05:33 Surprising Backstories Guests Reveal<br>05:53 Biggest Challenges Starting Out<br>06:36 The Power of Listening as Host<br>07:12 Podcasting Habits That Spill Into Life<br>07:47 Why Larry Loves People’s Stories<br>09:06 Behind-the-Scenes: Episode Production<br>10:08 Who’s On the Podcast Team<br>10:50 Balancing AI With the Human Touch<br>12:09 Recording in Different Studios<br>13:06 In-Person vs. Remote Conversations<br>14:53 Lessons from Marathon Interview Days<br>15:57 Knowing Your Limits as a Host<br>17:00 Why In-Person Feels Different<br>17:58 Evolving Growth Strategies<br>18:26 Launching With a Book, Pivoting to a Podcast<br>19:17 Keeping the Format Flexible<br>20:16 Building Brand Around Your Name<br>21:24 Testing, Pivoting, and Social Content Ideas<br>22:51 Letting Listeners (and the Market) Decide<br>24:07 The Podcast’s Personal Impact<br>25:25 Why Guests Aren’t So Different After All<br>26:53 Overcoming Fear and Mental Hurdles<br>29:36 Honest Conversations About Failure<br>30:02 The Real Value for Listeners<br>31:30 No Such Thing As Overnight Success<br>32:15 Sharing the Full Journey, Not Just the Highs<br>33:41 Feedback From Guests and Listeners<br>35:10 Interviewing as a Two-Way Street<br>36:10 Podcasting’s Finances and Reality Check<br>37:13 Costs, Investments, and Long-Term Bets<br>39:20 The Bare Essentials for Gear<br>41:45 Getting the Setup Right, Not Fancy<br>43:14 Leveraging Your Unique Strengths<br>46:42 Focusing on the Gain, Not the Gap<br>48:17 Big Projects: New Book and Framework<br>49:18 Where to Find Larry and His Resources<br>50:41 Final Reflections and Thanks</p><p></p>