Everyone has a story.
Thats something journalists learn quickly.
Everybodys got a story to tell.
Photo courtesy of Anthony Ponce
Now he drives for the ride-sharing serviceLyftand interviews his passengers about their lives, producing a podcast calledBackseat Rider.
His passengers tell him things crazy, real, profound, thoughtful, unexpected and true things.
Everybodys an expert on their own life, says Ponce, 39.
So-called ordinary people have some of the most interesting stories that exist.
I like being the one thats pulling this oral history out of them.
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He grew disillusioned with it.
And talk to him they do.
Youd be surprised how many people say yes.
So in July 2016, he left his TV job to launch his new venture.
It was only four months after the birth of his son, Theo.
But his wife, Maggie, gave him her blessing to take the risk.
Not everyone wants to talk.
Some are fixated on their phones or off in their own world.
I just start chatting, making small talk, he says.
That gives you a good gauge of whether a persons interested in speaking to you.
There are also little signs in the car explaining whatBackseat Rideris.
Sometimes hell prompt them by asking his question of the week.
What is your most valued possession?
Have you ever feared for your life?
Have you ever witnessed anything paranormal?
What motivates you in tough times?
Do you have any rituals?
Is there a single day that changed your life forever?
What keeps you up at night?
The back seat of the Subaru functions as a miniature recording studio.
Ponce keeps his eyes on the road, his hands on the wheel.
He listens carefully and keeps the conversation going.
He recently wrapped up his 53rd podcast.
Making It Work Financially
Heres how he and his wife are making it work, for now.
They moved out of their house and into the second floor of his parents house, also in Chicago.
Thats supposed to be temporary.
Theyre renting out their old house, so they get income from that.
And of course, he drives forLyft, which allows him to set his own hours.
I drive two or three days a week, he explains.
If I drive all day, it usually comes out to about 100 bucks, give or take.
Thats five longer rides or 15 shorter rides.
Ill usually call it a day after 100 bucks.
I get fatigued because Im multitasking.
Im really aggressively listening to these people.
The trickiest part has been figuring out the business of podcasting, a growing industry.
He produces one episode ofBackseat Riderper week.
Hes earning some advertising money from it, and hes trying to build on that.
Between all those things, Im able to make it work, he said.
I consider myself an entrepreneur.
Im really fortunate to have a wife and parents who believe in this project.
Advertising and promotion should come after creating a quality show.
Get to know the app, get into a groove.
Start in the off hours.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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