Speaker 0 00:00:00 <inaudible>
Speaker 1 00:00:11 Hey everyone. Welcome to part two of the two part series with John Rossi of the Rastafari podcast. If you randomly clicked on this episode and haven't listened to part one of my conversation with John that I highly recommend hitting pause and heading over to episode nine, to hear John's story from the beginning, if you don't mind starting in the middle of the conversation or have already listened to the previous episode, then awesome. Let's keep her ongoing. And this part of the conversation, we dive deep into how John made the Rastafari podcast happen, including connecting with zookeepers and conservation organizations, plus all of the hoops that were involved and make them happen. And let me tell you there's a lot, we also chat about some personal struggles like battling mental health issues after losing his musical career to COVID and an even bigger life event unexpectedly becoming a father again, if you're liking these two part interview series or not, that's cool.
Speaker 1 00:01:05 Hit me up on Instagram at <inaudible> or email me at hello at <inaudible> dot com. Let's get to the show. So this most recent episodes that I just published, we actually went very deep into mental health and, um, just like her personal struggles on what she's had to go through and how she's overcome that. And I would love to talk about that a little more, um, because in so many situations and so many, you know, people that might not have had an outlet, how did you, how did you come out of that to get enough motivation to start this podcast? Like, what was your process for you? Like, you know, I wasn't like I had to do something or like how, how did you, how did you come through that?
Speaker 2 00:01:55 Um, I don't think as it was happening, I was aware of the fact, but yes, that was what was going on behind the scenes. Um, and I'm just a very driven person. I mean, to make it in the industry that I've made it in, um, you have to be, you know, um, there are literally, you know, hundreds of thousands of people who would take my job if not millions and, uh, not only do I want to do it, uh, but I want to be paid well for it. And I want to get to do it touring around the country and, you know, um, it, I was always super driven. And so when I started the podcast, uh, it definitely was just a, okay, cool. Now that I'm starting to do this, I'm driven and all I'm doing is studying how to make a podcast and relearning the audio engineering tricks that I knew from recording drum stuff and applying them to this and finding my gear and figuring out what of my drum gear I could use to, to record a podcast and all of that.
Speaker 2 00:02:49 And then studying podcasts and reading. And as I'm sure, you know, podcast statistics are very weird. They are not aggregated the same from every place that your is downloaded. And it's all very strange. And there are a lot of theories out there, um, about, you know, what makes for a good podcast and they often contradict each other. And, um, I know we we've talked a little bit about like the length thing. Like I keep my in shorter because I've read things that say that that is what people want, but then at the same time, like the most popular podcast out there is like Joe Rogan and he'll go three, four hours. So who the heck knows. And, and there's so little data on this, this newest newer form of, you know, uh, show that it's really frustrating, but I was still out there reading every article I could and all the contradictory ones I'm trying to put it together.
Speaker 2 00:03:41 And, um, yeah, I really threw myself into it and I think it definitely helped a lot, but I don't think I realized it at the time. I'm just a driven person when I want to do something. But now looking back, I'm like, Oh yeah, this is insane. And I still think it's insane. I'm doing two episodes a week that is so much work. And, um, I started off, I had read an article that said that when you release your podcast released two a week for the first couple of weeks, because it gives people content. It makes them want to sign up it, um, you know, earlier on when people find your podcasts, it's easier for them to go back to the beginning and not feel overwhelmed, whatever. So I was going to do three weeks, I think, of two episodes and then go back to one and, and Zoe and I, girlfriend was like, well, I really like it.
Speaker 2 00:04:24 And you're putting out a good message. And I think you should keep doing two a week. And I was like, okay. And so I was already signed up in my brain cause I was like, yeah, that seems like better than, you know, sitting on my couch, being sad that I'm not playing the drums probably. And so I've kept it going. And who knows when I go back out on tour, if I'll be able to keep up that pace or if I'll go back to once a week, I, I don't know. But, um, but yeah, I do two fully produced podcasts. Uh, all I do all the work myself, uh, Zoe listens before I released two to check for a little editing help, and she's amazing at it. But even then I'm the one that has to make the edits, whatever. Um, and, and it's all it's occupying my brain right now, which is, which is pretty important, you know?
Speaker 3 00:05:05 That's good. That's, that's great.
Speaker 2 00:05:07 Yeah. I've had other things too. Um, I, I've done a lot of remote recording. I have, uh, an electric get here, but like a really top of the line one and I can multi-track record from it and stuff. And so I, I've spent more time putting out tracks for people and helping composers develop stuff and, and all of that than I've ever been able to. And that's been a lot of fun, but it's, it's not the same. I like creating with people. Um, so yeah, it's sometimes it's actually a struggle to go do those tracks because it's just not the same, you know, and it's not what I want to be doing with the drums, but at the same time, it's also really cool. It's, it's a weird mix of something I love and struggle with at the same time. But, uh, yeah, mental health is definitely, um, it's definitely a bit of a struggling COVID times when everything you've ever worked for is kind of stripped away, you know, unexpectedly as you know, thanks for sharing
Speaker 1 00:05:58 That I think is the more stories that we can get out there because it's not talked about enough, like the struggles that we all think that we're all just going through a struggle and that no one can relate, but just like you said, we're all going through something and somebody who's now that I would completely say is completely melded in this world to have something so valuable to you taken away like that. It just goes to show, Oh, just how resilient you are and just finding a way and finding something to occupy your mind and moving forward. I mean, I can't even imagine what it was like for you March 8th when you were in your place by yourself. And I mean, like, I just wish that I could have been a fly on the wall and just to see how far you've come from that moment of losing everything that you had driven, because obviously at that time the podcast didn't exist. So that wasn't even an outlet yet. Um, but that's so,
Speaker 2 00:07:02 Oh, no, back then it was like, Hey, I need to figure out, uh, how to shower again. And, um, to, uh, to stop ordering shitty food, um, cause I'm a stress eater and then the whole not drinking and not really engaging in other stuff that much makes me a heck of a stress eater. Um, always have been. And, uh, and it's just so damn easy now to order pizza and subs for dinner and, um, and you know, whatever. And so I was doing a lot of that. Yeah, it was, it was not a healthy time. Um, I, there was a time in my life where I went through this kind of freakish car accident. And, uh, after that I had PTSD for about a year, but I was getting treatment and I was on drugs and it had helped and it cleared up and, and, you know, I handled it well.
Speaker 2 00:07:43 And with the possible exception of that time, that was definitely the darkest period of my life. I've never been a person who struggles with, with depression or anxiety too much or anything. Um, and I think drumming really helps with that because I'm hitting things very hard and it's a very physical activity and, um, it is. And, and on top of that, I'm also traveling, which I love and meeting new people, which I love and having adoring audiences, cheer for me, which does not suck for your self-esteem, I'm not gonna lie. And, um, so to not have any of that and, and not even, um, you know, I have my electric kit here, but I can't even set up an acoustic kit and really slam the drums. There's, there's a big difference as you know, and, and playing an electric kit and play drum set and just destroying
Speaker 1 00:08:34 Is like, not even the same thing,
Speaker 2 00:08:36 Insanely different, no insanely different. And, and I am a, um, the beauty of touring is that I am a heavy player. Like I am in big venues and I am amplified, you know, what they're hearing is amps. So I can pound the snot out of a kit and, and with proper technique and doing it. But, um, I am, I am not one of these little tap of the drum guys I like to play. And it really does help when you're doing that five, six, eight times a week, um, you know, for an hour or more, um, it's, it's, it takes a lot of the aggression out. And so I didn't have that anymore. And yeah, it was, it was, it was a real dark time, um, ironically, uh, or, you know, but not surprisingly, I guess, um, Zoe was doing her externship at the Pittsburgh zoo at the time.
Speaker 2 00:09:23 And, um, I went out there to help her leave when she got shut down because of COVID and we got to go to the zoo, like the day before it closed. And so suddenly I had a girlfriend again and was at a zoo again. And, um, boy, did that help a lot? Uh, that, that was, that was the start of, of turning it around those first couple of days were rough. And every time a new email came in, I just sank a little further into my couch and, you know, yeah, it was, it was an intense time.
Speaker 1 00:09:56 Thank you for sharing that and having the courage to share that. And, um, there's another part of your story that I know a lot of people can relate to and you can talk about it or not. It's, it's completely up to you, but when we were chatting, as we were, as we were like, you know, getting to know each other, you shared with me that you unexpectedly became a father and having personally known a lot of people, including some of my own closest family members having gone through something like that. Um, and I know a lot of people listening have probably gone through something similar. So could you, could you take me through that, what that was like for you? I know, I know that you absolutely love your son now and I mean, you said it then, but that came out completely wrong, but if you could just, just take me back to that and, and how you worked through that and, um, you know, and how that's worked with your life now.
Speaker 2 00:10:48 Sure. So I was, um, I was in a marriage and it was, um, not great and, um, I was pretty much sure I was on my way out. There were certain things that adults have to do in order to have a child that we were not engaging in. Um, and then, uh, one night, much to my surprise, the opportunity to, to do so happened. And, um, wouldn't, you know, it not, not only was the last time that ever happened between us, but, uh, there was a, a lovely little consequence that, that happened from that, um, the irony of life. Oh yeah. Oh yeah. And, um, you know, to me, it, I don't know, it was just another thing that was happening in life. I am not much of a worrier and I live very much in the moment. Um, sometimes keeping up my spreadsheet on who my, my next couple of interviews are, is a bit of a challenge for me.
Speaker 2 00:11:52 Um, one thing I love about tour is you have a person who sends you a daily or a weekly of what your schedule is going to be. And then you just have this magical thing that you don't have to thank you before you go to bed, you look at what your next day is and you find out when you have to wake up and what city you're going to and how you're getting there. And then you can quickly research if there's a zoo or aquarium, and then you go to sleep and it's lovely, and it takes no planning on your part, which is amazing. Um, and so for me, the whole thing was just kind of surreal. Um, and this happened, I was traveling a little bit for gigs, but I wasn't like touring yet. And so I was still so focused on drumming and that life that it was almost like this side thing where I was like, Oh, look, she's more pregnant now.
Speaker 2 00:12:43 Cool. And like, this is interesting. And I guess there's going to be a kid sometime. And, um, you know, my son miles was born, um, in the night after a show where I played a show Saturday night and I had a, um, a matinee Sunday and I had to leave by like, I don't know, I would say 10 20 to make it to the matinee. And he was born at 10 18. And, um, I still made that matinee, like that is how focused I was on drumming and my career and all of that. Um, and it was such an unexpected thing, um, to me, especially because like I said, I wasn't really, by living in the moment, I wasn't even thinking about like, Oh, what is it gonna be like, like if we, you know, you have nine months to realize like, Oh, you're gonna get it.
Speaker 2 00:13:32 There's going to be this other human, but I, I don't really work that way. And it's not how my mind works. And so, you know, at some point there was a pregnant person in my house and at some point there was a not pregnant person and then a baby. And, um, uh, I got my first tour shortly thereafter and, and hit the road. And it was all very, very weird time. And I, I did not really know what it was going to be like to be a dad or anything. It was, it was confusing. Um, I had a lot to learn. Uh, I had a lot of responsibility. Like I truly believed that I want to be a good dad and I want to, you know, um, love this kid and I want to raise this kid as best I can and everything. Uh, but I also found myself in a situation where, um, I was unhappy in a relationship.
Speaker 2 00:14:21 And I thought, if I stay here, will I be doing a service or will I resent this child? And will he be raised in a house where he sees people who aren't truly in love? Cause it was, it was definitely mutual. Um, you know, and I really, and we talked about it and like we had an honest conversation and it was not an easy conversation. And in the end I was like, yeah, no, I think I want to, I want to get the divorce. And, uh, and so that was a thing. And, um, it was very interesting. Uh, and then I remember I would come home from tour and I would go and pick up this little wiggly potato, try to connect with it. And, and I did not know how to do that. Um, so I studied and I, I learned, and, and as he got older, it got easier.
Speaker 2 00:15:15 And, and now he is, you know, the absolute, uh, joy and love in my life. And I, I look forward to every day with him and, um, during COVID, I've had way more opportunities to spend even more time with him. And it's always amazing and exhausting and, um, you know, ironically his mother and I get along way better now than we did for a lot of our relationship, um, which is super cool. And I really appreciate, especially during COVID because we, you know, normally I would go up and take them out to restaurants and stuff. And, um, I can't really do that. So now that it's gotten colder, so, uh, the, the four or Zoe can come up, the five of us sit and have dinner together and, um, you know, she's remarried now. And, um, and so, yeah, it's, it's, uh, it's our big goofy family and we make it work.
Speaker 2 00:16:03 I think it's pretty cool. And, um, you know, I think it's also cool that miles gets to see me, uh, you know, his mom's a very traditional mom and his stepdad is a very, um, traditional guy in a lot of ways. He, he likes to build stuff which I'm like other than Legos I'm lost. And he works a nine to five and, and is, uh, you know, good at his job and, and works at a computer and, and miles gets to see all of that from, from them and then gets to see Zoe and I out there chasing our dreams and her becoming a vet and me doing this podcast, which he can listen to on Spotify and hear my voice and, uh, and knows that I'm on tour. And he's come out and seen a couple of the shows that I've toured with now. And, um, gotten to travel a little bit to do that. And, and I think it's really cool that, you know, he's growing up getting to see the more traditional thing, and then also like what can happen if you're a dream chaser, you know? And, and if you're a little bit on the fringe, but in a good way and can make it work. And, and I think that's awesome.
Speaker 1 00:17:06 Wow. Thank you so much for sharing that as almost like making me emotional, because even though I don't necessarily have my own children, I view my, my role in my nieces and nephews life, very similar because I'm like the out there, I mean, my mom calls me like her hippie flower child. Like they don't even know, like, we don't even know how to introduce her. Like, so what do your daughters do? And they have no idea what to say that I do. And I'm like out, and I'm a fricking know what I do. And so it's just showing that, you know, cause we talked before about how such a small town that I'm from and, and how a lot of people don't see a different way. And so for you to imprint that in your son, as such a young age is so special and so powerful for what he might want to do in the future.
Speaker 2 00:17:55 Yeah. It makes me really happy. And I do see in him now, so he's six now and he wants to be a video game designer. And, um, I see the same drive. He's, he's absolutely locked on that. And he, um, he has a journal that he keeps about his game ideas and he wants to play video games and he wants to talk about video games. And sometimes he'll be telling me a story about his mom, like a real story, like, Oh, this happened and we were talking about school and then suddenly Mario shows up and I'm like, wait a minute. Um, you know, but like he has that same focus that I have and that same drive that I have. And, um, who knows he's six, who knows what's going to happen, but I do like that. I can show him like, Hey, this is a thing that you want to do. Whatever that thing is. Cool. Go do it. That's what I'm doing. And I did it with music and now I'm doing it with the podcast and, um, yeah, you can do buddy. You know, that's cool.
Speaker 1 00:18:51 I just had this idea that just hit me like right this very second, when COVID decides to shut up her ugly face, is there like a way, or like, have you thought about a way to marry your two lives of like music in this conservation world that you're coming down? I don't know. I'm just like, I'm just thinking out loud. This idea is materializing right now, but I'm sure you've had time to think about it. Have you,
Speaker 2 00:19:18 Oh, I've been working on stuff. Um, yeah, I've talked to, um, well, I mean, it's all, it's all up in the air. You know, my, my original podcast idea, like I said, was as I tour to go to these facilities, you know, have it all planned out in advance and, and do my interviews there. And, um, I think that would just be incredible. Um, I think that will make for such a richer show than, than what I'm able to do now, even though I really love what I'm able to do right now. Um, and so that's part of it. And then also, um, you know, I've talked to a lot of the conservation organizations that have interviewed and stuff and pointed out like, Oh, Hey, if you ever need voiceover work or, um, you know, if, if you're making films or educational stuff and you want someone to compose music for it, background music board, I do all of that.
Speaker 2 00:20:06 And I, I can either do it myself or I have friends who are amazing and frankly who owe me because I've done a lot of free or very cheap drumming for them. Um, and so like my buddy Taylor and I, we do a lot of work together. He's, uh, the guy who does the acapella interrupting John stinger that I have in my show sometimes, um, he plays guitar and bass and piano and I play drums and I arrange, and I play some synthy stuff and we've done podcasts names for people and we've been the backing band for people and I've got great guitarists and stuff who I can hire on top of that if I want. And, um, you know, I also just make my own stuff when I did rasa Safari after dark, um, the, the like sexy porno music that I did for it, that was all me.
Speaker 2 00:20:50 I did it all myself, programmed, it all sad sitting here, you know, having a blast with it. Um, and so I can provide those types of things to conservation organizations too, for their films, for, you know, and I got a decent voice. I could do some video stuff. I know how to record, I know how to do all of that. So, um, I've been talking to people about that, um, a little bit. And then the other part is just the beauty of, of touring is that I, it's not like I'm working 52 weeks a year, you know, um, even my best tours, I'm going to have a month off here. I'm going to have three weeks off here or whatever. And so one of the things that I'm trying to figure out how to do both now and then is be more a part of the, um, conservation community.
Speaker 2 00:21:34 I want to start doing some actual traveling and actually working on stuff. And I think there would be nothing cooler than volunteering for project X and going and doing, you know, whatever they need. Oh. And also interviewing someone and talking about my time in the field there and making a podcast episode about it. Um, you know, and then also while we're there, you know, let's say it was worth it let's I was partnering with okapi conservation. Uh, they do a lot of radio broadcasts. Can I, can I help them with some music? Can I help, you know, there's so many ways to, to marry the two. Um, so yeah, I think about it a lot and I look forward to figuring all of that out.
Speaker 1 00:22:14 That's awesome. That's so good because I see them as very complimentary things. Like, I mean, the fact that, I mean, you already had all of these skills. I mean, yeah. Podcasting is like a different thing, but you already had so many skills going into it, which is so exciting. And going down this field, I mean, it's sometimes super hard to look in any other direction, you know, so know how to do any type of production or any type of music thing, even if it is somebody's passion. And I don't know many people in the zoo fields that also have in-depth music production skills in any way, shape or form. So you are probably an insanely valuable resource for anybody you met, because now you're going to be in the back of their mind anytime they need help with that kind of stuff.
Speaker 2 00:23:02 Yeah. And I'm really hoping that they will take advantage because I get, I get such a thrill from it. Um, my favorite things hands down with this podcast, haven't been meeting animals, which I thought it would be. Um, but have been the moments where somebody reaches out, like I said, and he's like, Oh, Hey, I got my stimulus check today. And my husband and I don't need it. So we donated it split between the zoo and red Panda network, both of which we heard about on your, uh, your podcast or, you know, um, like I said, just making connections in the conservation field, um, for people to, to help each other and grow and support each other and those things just every time, something like that happens. I just like, I, I can't believe it. It's just so cool.
Speaker 1 00:23:41 Yeah, absolutely. I agree. And so, and so it comes to your podcast too, if you wouldn't mind sharing what has been the, the really, really big highs and the really big lows, because coming into something that, I mean, I'm still such a newbie as well. I mean, I've got, I'm such a newbie. Um, but what has been like the hardest part of it? And I know you've already said so many amazing things that's happened so far, but what would you say is, is the best, what is the yin and the yang to, to going down this path and launching Rastafari?
Speaker 2 00:24:15 Sure. The, the best is just the overall impact. Um, knowing that, you know, the podcast has been downloaded over 12,000 times and, and people are learning and people care and people share it. And every once in a while I'll be like scrolling around on Instagram and someone who I don't know has shared my thing. And I'm like, who, who are you? And why are you helping me? And it's because of the message and that's awesome. And I love it and it makes me so happy. Um, so just all of that, whether it's the money, you know, for organizations or the connections, all, all of the stuff I just talked about, all of that also the animal time is pretty freaking awesome. Um, yeah, I'm, I'm pretty, pretty, uh, stoked about all of that. Um, the hardest part has been every once in a while someone will misunderstand something or, or we'll, um, you know, um, in a recent episode that I did, uh, about protecting, uh, golden frogs in Panama, um, I spoke to the, the two peop two of the people who are actually working on the ground in Panama, um, to save these frogs from kindred and their story is so sad in a way, um, because a couple of times now, as things have been going really well, some egotistical jerk got in the way and, um, let his human ego hurt the animals and, and it's really had a negative impact and they share it, uh, highly recommend checking that episode out.
Speaker 2 00:25:47 And, um, it's heartbreaking, but also, you know, encouraging as many, you know, uh, conservation stories are. Um, and I've run into that a little bit myself. There was one organization where it was signed off on and they, they did the podcast. And, and, um, I guess one boss did not know about it and did not appreciate a couple of the answers that were given, although they were accurate, but they feel that they need to be more secret about stuff. And I had to cut some minutes out of that podcast, which I don't mind doing, but the person who, um, was actually the interview, uh, subject, they really, really crapped on that person. And they were super mean about it. And it's, you know, I didn't, I didn't mind cutting the content that I, you know, I'm happy to help I've, I've done some, I I've sometimes been the one suggesting cuts because people get a little carried away with what they say sometimes.
Speaker 2 00:26:40 And, you know, I'm, I'm, I'm here for that I'm to, to, to support the organizations. Um, but yeah, there was one organization where the person was just kind of a jerk to, uh, the person that did the interview and, and it breaks my heart, knowing that a conservation organization that I love and respect, and I still do has a person, you know, in the leadership ranks who really caused a lot of drama for no reason, for absolutely no reason. I've, I've checked in with other people from other organizations and kind of explain the story without naming names or anything. And, uh, no one else thought any of it should have been a problem. No one even else thought anyone else, anything else should have been cut. But again, I didn't mind the cuts. I'm happy to do that, you know, um, but really ruined this, this, this young person's week and, and, uh, made this person questioned some stuff and, and, um, made me feel really bad and all of that's really unfortunate.
Speaker 2 00:27:35 Um, but that happens in conservation. Like I said, I've learned that not just in my world, but from talking to conservationists that, um, you know, they're, I know another person, uh, one of the keepers I've interviewed, I'm not going to say more than that, but who was, was working with animals that were their absolute favorite. They absolutely loved, they absolutely wanted to be there forever. And their boss was such a jerk to them that they transferred to animals. They don't care about as much, and that that's not cool. That's not fair. That's not nice. Um, and I'm, I'm only hearing one side of the story, but I'm hearing it with enough tears and enough, um, details to, to, you know, believe it. Um, and that's, that's a, that's a shame. So there are not many people that I've met in this industry or heard about in this industry that are opportunists or egotistical jerks or whatever, but they do exist and I've run into it a little bit.
Speaker 2 00:28:27 And, and that, that really sucks. Um, and then there was one other time where I didn't communicate a vision clearly and had a, uh, a person who's become a friend, um, clap back a little bit and that, that stung for a couple of days, but I'm good at the conversations. And we open it up and all is well, but, you know, I care so much about what I do and I'm so passionate about it. And I believe that it's important. Um, enough people have told me that where I've actually started to believe it. Cause sometimes it's easy to doubt yourself, um, that, you know, I do take it personally and it it's hard when something like that happens. Now, I just released my 63rd episode and, and I've had exactly two experiences that were, were personally painful. I've heard about other ones that bother me, but I've had two that were bothersome and one of which has cleared up and in, you know, completely fine. So I'm, I'm doing pretty well. Um, but, but that one moment does stand out and, you know, there, there are nights when I'm, I'm editing a podcast at three 30 in the morning and, uh, wondering, you know, remembering that moment and being like, is this even worth it? And I know it is, but, but for every awesome experience and for every awesome comment and message, uh, a, a whole lot of those can be stomped out by one real shitty experience, you know?
Speaker 1 00:29:44 Yeah, absolutely. On that similar note, like having been in the zookeeping field, how, how have you figured out how to work Zu politics? I'm just going to just leave that question there and I'll just let you answer
Speaker 2 00:30:04 I'm so dang lucky that I am an outsider and even more lucky that I can be pretty charming when I want to be, because the thing that I have found is that every PR department handles things differently. And if you don't follow their procedures, you'd better be ready to apologize and explain why you didn't and, and, and, you know, be super sweet about it. And super nice. I know that I am, everyone knows, you know, I think if you listened to the podcast, especially if you give me a chance, you're gonna understand who I am and then we're cool. Um, but yeah, like I will tell you, um, the zoo Atlanta, uh, the woman who runs their PR is this woman named Rachel. And she is amazing. She helped me so much. However, at zoo Atlanta, you have to go through Rachel to talk to people.
Speaker 2 00:30:51 And like, there was a time that I mentioned to her that a keeper spoke to me about wanting to be on the podcast and she very kindly, but reminded me, Hey, John, don't talk to keepers. Talk to me. And I was like, Oh no, I know this, this person reached out to me and I'm immediately reaching out to you. And it was totally cool, but like, that is how strict it is. You know, a casual conversation still has to be routed through the right thing. Um, at Columbus they're helping me set up a couple of interviews right now, uh, for, for post COVID and they've been incredible, but you absolutely have to go through the right people there at other zoos, like at Nashville, I've talked to a bunch of people there and they just have to make sure they got approval from who they need, but I've, I've never talked to a PR person at Nashville.
Speaker 2 00:31:33 And I think I've done six or seven interviews there, you know, um, their keepers need to go through the right channels and all that, but I'm not involved at all. So it's, it's really funny. And then some zoos are like County owned or, or whatever. And, um, and then I'm going through government people and that's, that's all the weird and yes, um, someone to call and have an hour long interview with me before they agree to it. And other people already know who I am and other people just love the vision. And every single zoo is different. And I, I learned early on that, um, the best thing to do is talk to a keeper directly or to someone directly and find out what their zoo does. Um, because that way I'm not, you know, stumbling through and making mistakes in the process. Um, but it's, it's a journey.
Speaker 2 00:32:21 And I have definitely had everyone I've been lucky that everyone I've talked to has been very polite about it, but there have definitely been moments of like Mr. Rossi, if you want to talk to somebody from our zoo, you are welcome to, we will set it up for you. We will help you, but please, please remember that you need to reach out directly to me between the hours of, and 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Um, I cannot guarantee that I'll see an email that comes in afterwards, so please, please accommodate us and we will accommodate you. And it's like, okay, I can do that. I did not realize that that's cool. That's cool. Whatever I'm here for it. I just didn't realize because I'm, I'm setting up interviews at six zoos right now, and you have six different policies. And my poor little head has just turned into one of those head explosion, emojis. That's fine. Whatever, but I do get away with a whole lot of, Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. Hi. I'm just trying to help. Let's do it. I will be the best partner. Just tell me how you know, I, and I, and I mean, it, I'm very sincere about that. So I think most people can read that I'm definitely not phony in my passion about this. And I think it helps.
Speaker 1 00:33:23 That was great. I'm sure that was one of those because you and I chatted about the things that you don't have any clue is coming down when you start a new path like this and, and I'm sure that was one of them. We were just like, what?
Speaker 2 00:33:37 Oh yeah, well, and like my best friend is he works in PR not for zoo or anything, but that is like what he does. And when I was telling him about this, he was like, Oh, this is so great. Zoos probably have, um, you know, either small or understaffed PR departments and everyone is going to love you. Free PR is the best thing in the world. And he's been mostly right. But like I said, some have, have specific. Some are just like, no, there is, there was a zoo that let their keeper do an interview with me as long as I didn't mention their zoo name. And that blows my mind. Why would you not want the free publicity? You know, some zoos want to preview the episodes first and I'm fine with that. I'm very accommodating. And I respect that. Um, I just ask that they respect my time as well, which they always have.
Speaker 2 00:34:21 Um, but why would you just automatically say, no, you know, this person can talk to you, but you can not say the name of the zoo. Uh, why would you not want that free publicity? You know, it blows my mind, especially as a pretty established podcast at this point. Like, you know, people know what's up and I find most times if I talk to somebody at a zoo and they haven't heard of me, if they ask around, somebody's heard of me. So, you know, we're getting there, but yeah, it's, it's very interesting. Um, some of that, that politics stuff and some zoos make me put, um, amendments onto the, uh, the release form that I have signed by my guests and others have me sign release forms. And a few have, like I said, wanted to preview the episodes or, you know, the one organization, like I said, had some stuff cut after it went live, which it's fine, whatever.
Speaker 2 00:35:13 Um, every one of them is unique and different and, and it's hilarious to me, it's even, even in how they treat me, some of them act like they're doing me a big favor and some, you know, I show up and they have a catered lunch rate waiting for me and they've lined up everything. And they've like, yeah, Fort worth zoo treated me. Like I was a, um, a famous person. Um, I got a private tour of the zoo, two people and, and got to meet ambassador animals. And they set up a whole room for me for the whole day. And they had had lunch waiting for me. And, um, yeah, it was amazing. And then other ones are very much like, all right, sir, we can help you this one time. Just tell us when. And that's fine too. And I love that a lot of times when that happens, then they see their follower count increase, or, you know, somebody reaches out to them with a donation or something, and then they're like, Oh, and, and then, then the relationships get a little, get a little better sometimes even just hearing the interview helps.
Speaker 2 00:36:09 Yeah. Yeah. And I get it. And I blame, um, I blame Blackfish for a lot of this. Um, you know, that, that caused a lot of damage to an amazing, um, rescue organization and conservation organization. And, um, there's, there's a lot of drama around it and people who were interviewed for it have come out against the film and said they were taken, you know, edited. Um, and, and to say things they didn't really say. And, uh, a lot of the footage was not from SeaWorld, but from, uh, non-regulated facilities. And unfortunately I think a lot of zoos took that information and went, okay, we need to go on the defensive. And so I do think that a lot of times people are like, who are you? What are you trying to do? And are you going to hurt our zoo? And once they see that I'm like, hell no, then it's cool, but I do have to break through that initial thing.
Speaker 2 00:37:01 And even then, you know, I'm still not allowed to take pictures in certain places or not allowed to record in certain places or whatever. And I get it, I'm fine with all of that. I wish there was more openness in the zoo community. I think it would help. Um, so that the next time somebody does a hatchet job, like Blackfish that, uh, people will, will already, you know, be like, no, that's actually, we see what these guys do. And, but I get it. And I get it from both sides. And I know how devastating it was to SeaWorld, which is one of the few organizations out there with enough money and power to survive, something like that. You know, if that had happened at, at a small zoo or something, it would just be wiped off the map. So, yeah.
Speaker 1 00:37:42 Yeah. Like that's why I just, I just had to pose the question that way, because I just know from experience that every single day is different. And I can only imagine talking to so many people at this point, just, just what you've experienced.
Speaker 2 00:37:57 It's always entertaining. And there's, there's a, there are a lot of times that I, I I've had to learn to be more organized. Like I said, like I keep a spreadsheet and everything and, um, I'm, that's not normally what I do in my life. I very much shoot from the hip. Like I said, I'm not much of a planner or anything, but I definitely need to know when it's time to email Rachel. And when it's okay to follow up with her, versus when I should reach out directly to a keeper, versus when it's the education department, who's going to be the best for me and you know, it, it, um, it's real interesting sometimes.
Speaker 1 00:38:31 Oh, that's great. That's great. Yeah. So it just goes, yeah. She's just such an inspiration. The fact that you released two episodes a week, like now that you've just talked about, like, we really laid out what is the Chuco through, and then you also have to do, you know, have to get through some hurdles along the way to even get the episode recorded. I guess it's amazing. It just goes to show that your heart's really in it, you know? Oh yeah. Great. So what are your goals from here? What do you think? Do you have more of a, yeah. W what's in your sights now? So
Speaker 2 00:39:11 I just want to keep growing the podcast for now as number one. Um, and I have been having a lot of fun doing, um, extra stuff. So I did an interview with a band, uh, Sammy Ray in the friends where it was mostly focused on music, but then we did have a long talk about, um, how awesome zoos are. And I kind of got to educate on, on some conservation stuff. And that was really fun. Um, and, uh, I did Rastafari after dark, like I mentioned, which was the more adult themed stuff about, um, you know, sex at the zoo and, and mating behaviors and all that stuff. Uh, and I did Rastafari around the world where I talked to keepers and other countries and different people and just little stuff like that, that I think is fun and cool and helps grow the brand.
Speaker 2 00:39:56 Um, I have thoughts though. Um, like I have this idea in my head about doing, um, uh, Rastafari reads where I would read a children's book as a short podcast. Um, but like a conservation or animal book, um, kind of yes, exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Um, and, and Dave, you know, when he would talk about those books was kind of when I was like, Oh, that could be cool. And I love LaVar Burton reads the podcast, which is reading rainbow for adults basically. And so that, that put that idea in my head and I was like, Oh, that could be a fun thing to do. Um, and then, like I said, I've started doing more, um, conservation organizations rather than just as zoos. And I have this dream of eventually being able to go into the field and doing, um, in C2 conservation work, uh, while recording and while, you know, making it all one big thing.
Speaker 2 00:40:50 Um, so that's, that's, that's the podcast goals. Um, obviously I think the more, just the more humans that know about it that hear about it that listen, that love it, that find my pictures, that interact. That's a big part of it. So a whole lot of what I do right now is figuring out how to, to make my, my presence more seen and felt and heard and, and doing Instagram stories and trying to get people to share and, and doing some brand ambassador stuff where they'll share my stuff and I'll share their stuff and, and partnering with somebody like you and, you know, all of that. Um, yeah, so fun and so, so helpful, hopefully for both of us, you know, and, and just growing, growing the brand would be really cool. Um, and then, yeah, beyond that, I don't really know. I know that I really want to do more in conservation and I want to be more hands-on.
Speaker 2 00:41:41 Um, unfortunately a lot of the field is very prohibitive. Uh, it's very hard to even become a zookeeper. You need a bachelor's degree at a lot of places you need years of experience volunteering, and you get volunteering, you need to, uh, have, uh, a semi schedule, like a semi-regular schedule. And as a touring musician, I can't do that. So, um, I don't know what that's gonna look like yet. Uh, but I also, you know, two months ago didn't know that I'd be publishing articles for right band and network. And seven months ago didn't know that my podcast would make it more than, uh, a month. You know, I, I had a dream, I was going to do a season of it. It was gonna be 12 episodes. And if I could get through 12 episodes, then I was going to take a break and reevaluate and see how it was going.
Speaker 2 00:42:22 And I'm 63 episodes in, and haven't slowed down and still in season one and never took that break. And so I'm just, I'm kind of seeing where it takes me right now, but I'm really hoping it opens up some opportunities. I would love nothing more than to be able to, you know, have the podcast pay for itself and maybe make a little extra off of it and start donating some, some of that money into conservation and stuff like that and grow my name in the conservation community and the zoo community in a lot of ways. And then also, you know, be a drummer,
Speaker 1 00:42:52 That's the life. Well, you're doing it. Let's keep saying it out loud. Let's manifest it. Let's manifest it. We're going to make this happen for you, John. You're doing it right.
Speaker 2 00:43:00 I feel like it's definitely happening. I could not, I can not believe where I am seven months into this journey. I can not leave it. It's insane. And, and I know like, you know, I talked about a lot of the big stuff that's happened and the cool things in the, the, the donations and all that stuff. But also like just every once in a while, I'll get a text from somebody and they'll be like, Hey, I just had a meeting with this person. And they also know you from the podcast. And, uh, we spent 20 minutes talking about you and how you're making an impact and how great it is and how the world needs more people like you. And what, how is that a thing? How is that, how is that a thing, you know, um, especially now like, yeah, I had no clue what this would become. Uh, so I can't wait. I have no clue where it will go, but I can't wait to see.
Speaker 1 00:43:43 That's a great, that's great. So do you have any advice, or I know we've talked about so much, but for anybody listening, if you could share anything with anybody listening, what would that be?
Speaker 2 00:44:01 Two things that I always like to share, and this is my message, which is to find and follow your passion. Um, I have made a lot of sacrifices in doing so, and, and a lot of things that have happened in my life are things that maybe people wouldn't want to go through, uh, in order to do it, but I get to do what I love to do every day, uh, you know, in a non COVID world. And, um, and I literally can say live in the dream. Like, you know how people always say, Oh, how are you today? And he goes, Oh, living dream. And it's always sarcastic. I say it, and I'm not being sarcastic. I'm legitimately living my dream. And that is insane. It's so cool. I love it so much. Um, so follow your passion and if it doesn't work, that's cool.
Speaker 2 00:44:45 At least you followed it. I think the most bitter people that I know and the saddest people I know are the people who just gave up without trying try, you know, there are ways to make things work. There are ways to do it, but follow your passion. And then the other thing, the best advice that I give to people, um, deeper than that, because that's, that's very, you know, new agey follow your passion, man, make it happen. Um, but, uh, is find your niche because rasa, Fari would not be successful if this podcast already existed. You know? Um, and I mean, there are close ones. There are definitely ones where it's, it's similar-ish I could see how you could think, Oh, this is, this is, you know, this podcast or that, whatever. But, um, I found a niche and I can define what that niche is, not just the, the zookeeper angle of it, but also being an outsider and learning.
Speaker 2 00:45:34 And you're coming along on my journey in this podcast, and that's really something that doesn't exist. And that's really cool. And, um, you know, I think when you find a niche that you can fill uniquely, then there's a reason for people to interact with you, as opposed to, you know, I'm a good drummer and I have certain styles and stuff that I'm a very good drummer, but so are thousands of other people, you know? And so even in that world to really build a career that's sustainable because most people that act most people that are musicians, even the ones at tour, even the ones that are considered successful still are also waiters or, um, you know, have some day job, whatever it may be. And I do not. And, um, the way I've been able to sustain that is I found a very specific niche in the, the actor, musician community as a onstage drummer, who is able to, to be kind of the on-stage rockstar drummer.
Speaker 2 00:46:31 And sometimes I have to act and I can say the lines and I can be convincing. And I do a lot of stick tricks when I'm playing. And I do, I am a show on stage and most people that are in theater are not that way. And most people that are drummers that are that way are not in theater by being a theater drummer. That is that way. I found a niche and there are others out there, but there are also enough shows out there where you could, you could support the small number of us. And, um, so by doing that, I, I built a career that is, is really solid, you know? And, um, so yeah, I think finding your niche, whether it's the podcast, whether it's how I'm doing most of my drumming, uh, and that's been the biggest thing for me,
Speaker 1 00:47:11 That's gorgeous. Yes. Thank you. Find it, what it is, find what it is. That's great. So how can anybody connect with you if anybody listening was to connect with John Rossi? How
Speaker 2 00:47:23 Well the, a there there's obviously, you know, the website is, uh, rastafari.com and I'm, if you're interested in my music, there's Rossi drums.com and, uh, I'm on Instagram, uh, at Ross Safari also on Facebook. Um, I think there's a Twitter, but I don't really use that much. Um, but it's all at Ross Safari. Uh, and, um, Ross Safari
[email protected] is my email address. And if you have a guest ideas or, or somebody who thinks you would make a good guest, I've been enjoying, I've had more people reaching out to me lately about being on the podcast. And boy does that make my life easier. So please, if you think you would be a good guest reach out, um, I would enjoy, you know, seeing if we think it would be a good fit. Um, but then the biggest thing is just go, go listen to the podcast it's available everywhere.
Speaker 2 00:48:10 It's called Rastafari, R O S S I F a R I. And, uh, it's, it's literally on every available app that does podcasts. It's, you know, Apple and Google and Spotify and, um, Amazon music and Pandora and all the places. Um, it's even on audible, if you're an audio book fan, uh, go, go grab some episodes, take a listen. I think it's a good time. And, um, if you hit subscribe, even if it's not your favorite thing in the world, and even if you think my voice is grading or whatever, uh, it'll still download the episode. And that actually still helps me get other people to see it and get the word out there. And, um, you know, that's really important the, the, the going in and supporting each other in the conservation community in little freeways, like that matters so much. And, you know, tell me about your group. I will like it. I will, I will follow you on Facebook. I will follow on Instagram, whatever it may be like, let's help each other out. Let's build our numbers. Let's show the overall world that the conservation world is bigger and more connected because all of these things podcast and Instagram and Facebook and all that run off of really annoying algorithms and the best way to get past that is to engage with each other.
Speaker 1 00:49:25 Couldn't have said it better myself. That was perfect. That was perfect. So everybody go out, you know, reach out, talk to John. He's incredible. I recently was just interviewed as well. And so we're going to be sharing each other's stories. So that's very exciting. And because I really haven't shared my story actually on, on my own podcast, which I think is really interesting. So yeah,
Speaker 2 00:49:47 I actually, I realized that so many people were, were wanting to learn more about me and hear more about me. And like, people were giving me feedback saying they love the episode, but like, who are you that, um, I actually had one of my guests interview me on my own podcast. Um, and I called it the reverse interview and people loved it. I was shocked, but people loved it. Yeah. It's it's it was a fun idea.
Speaker 1 00:50:11 Oh, that's great. I'll have to like ear tag. It's like maybe a future episode, but yes, everybody go, go listen to John. Um, on Rastafari. It's it's such a great show. It is so fun. Especially after dark.
Speaker 2 00:50:26 Some I'm guessing
Speaker 1 00:50:28 You've already heard Johnny Payne is on yours as well as Dave Johnson. Everybody loves Dave Johnson. So if you want to hear like a different, a different side of their stories, go check out Rastafari. Um, but yeah, thanks so much.
Speaker 4 00:50:41 Absolutely. Thanks for having me
Speaker 1 00:50:43 It's again, for listening to this episode of rewild ology, if you'd like that you heard hit that subscribe button, so you never miss a future episode. Do you have a cool environmental organization, travel story or research that you'd like to share? Let me know you bought all g.com until next time friends together. We will. Rewild the planet.
