The Enthusiasm Project
Tom Buck
My name is Tom and this is The Enthusiasm Project! Join me each week for deep dives exploring the world of what it means to be an independent creator on YouTube, starting your own creative business, and keeping a positive, enthusiastic mindset along the way.
- 1 hour 17 minutesA New Way Of Monetizing As A Creator
Send a text message to the show!
Over the past year my wife Heather has transformed her gaming YouTube channel into a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It’s a VERY different way to monetize and build a sustainable career as a creator, so I wanted to explore that journey with her!
Learn more at heatherjustplay.org
🎙This week's mic:
Hollyland Lark A1https://geni.us/w02vhCl (Amazon)
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Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S14E02 | Series Episode 186
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez15 September 2025, 8:00 pm - 1 hour 25 minutesA New Era - Season 14 Premiere!
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It's a new era not only for the podcast, but for a lot more too...
🎙This week's mic:
Warm Audio WA-87jr
https://geni.us/ZGaN (Amazon)
Chapter Markers:
0:00 - Intro
4:01 - Season 13 Mic Poll Results!
6:44 - Mic of the Week: Warm Audio WA-87jr
13:21 - A New Era
47:13 - Channel Check In
58:18 - Listener Messages
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S14E01 | Series Episode 185
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez9 September 2025, 6:00 pm - 1 hour 5 minutesHelp Me Find The BEST Mic! Season 13 Finale
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It's the Season 13 Finale! Let's recap what it's been like to produce a video podcast, see which mic sounded the best from all the episodes, and talk about what's next for The Enthusiasm Project!
VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE MIC!
https://geni.us/favoritemic
🎙This week's mic:
Blue Sona / Yeti Studio
https://geni.us/sonamic (Amazon)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E010 | Series Episode 184
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez14 April 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 24 minutesNo Fun Anymore
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Finding cynicism and jaded outlooks online is nothing new, but as our real and virtual lives mesh more and more, the "too cool for school" attitude can have more of a damaging impact than ever. So let's explore what that means and how to harness and protect fun at any age.
🎙This week's mic:
Shure SM58
https://geni.us/fNPEFQG (Amazon)
⚙️ Gear of the Week:
Saramonic K9
https://store.saramonic.com/products/k9
Mic Mount Video: https://youtu.be/hycjQY3fLwU?si=q5b_SrFCs7LFe2Ua
Mic Mounts: https://geni.us/shortmount (Amazon)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E09 | Series Episode 183
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez7 April 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 2 secondsWhat Should You Name Your YouTube Channel?
Send a text message to the show!
So you want to make a YouTube channel but you don't know if you should use your real name or a "brand" name. Let's go through the pros and cons of each and I'll also share why I'm so glad I changed my channel name after 3 years and 24K subscribers.
Register for NAB for free!
https://geni.us/NAB2025
🎙This week's mic:
sE Dynacaster
https://geni.us/IL9rw (Amazon)
⚙️ Gear of the Week:
Lilliput 4K Monitor:
https://bhpho.to/49v2Cwr (B&H)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E08 | Series Episode 182
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez17 March 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 18 minutesIs Camera YouTube Dead?
Send a text message to the show!
From the Canon 5D Mark II in 2008 to the insanely awesome mirrorless cameras of today, YouTube has always been THE place to go to nerd out about camera gear. But as tech matures, creators evolve, and audience tastes change, something feels...different now. What does that mean for "Camera YouTube"?
🎙This week's mic:
Shure Super 55
https://geni.us/ulcA (Amazon)
⚙️ Gear of the Week:
Rode XLR Cables:
https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E07 | Series Episode 181
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez10 March 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 8 minutesPobody’s Nerfect: Being Human in the age of AI
Send a text message to the show!
Many content creators work tirelessly to level up the quality of their work, but at what point does perfection go too far?
🎙This week's mic:
•Lewitt LCT440 Pure
https://geni.us/ygRb95l (Amazon)⚙️ Gear of the Week:
Hollyland Lark M2:
https://geni.us/wxwfX (Amazon)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E06 | Series Episode 180
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez3 March 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 11 minutesLet's A Some Q's!
Send a text message to the show!
It's time for the Season 13 Q&A Episode! This covers everything from tech and career advice to whether or not podcasting is too saturated and my biggest gear regret.
🎙This week's mic:
•Rode NT1 Signature Series
https://geni.us/rgjRyH (Amazon)
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E05 | Series Episode 179
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez10 February 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 34 minutesBye Bye Bias
Send a text message to the show!
What does it mean to be biased as a content creator? Should objectivity be the ultimate goal or is it ok to have personal preferences and biases?
🎙This week's mic:
•Earthworks ETHOS
https://geni.us/qBxUJ (Amazon)
⚙️ Gear of the Week:
•Mackie CR3.5 Monitors
https://geni.us/flCI1 (Amazon)
*White version is a Guitar Center exclusive
⏱️ Chapter Markers
0:00 - Intro
4:535 - Mic of the Week
9:00 - Updates on Last Episode
23:19 - Bye Bye Bias
46:46 - Channel Check In
1:08:58 - Gear of the Week: Mackie CR3.5 Monitors
1:13:17 - Listener Messages
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E04 | Series Episode 178
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez3 February 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 7 minutesThe Cons of Being a Pro
Send a text message to the show!
What does it mean to be a professional in the world of audio and video, and if you are a pro, how can you share what you know in a way that bridges the "knowledge gap" of your audience?
🎙This week's mic:
•Rode Broadcaster
https://geni.us/raVo7Y (Amazon)
⚙️ Gear of the Week:
•Apple Keynote!
———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom
——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)
S13E03 | Series Episode 177
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez20 January 2025, 8:00 am - 1 hour 16 minutesThe Only Good Review is a Bad Review
Send a text message to the show!
What makes a good YouTube review? More and more it seems like negative and critical reviews are thought of as being the most "honest," but is that really true?
🎙This week's mic:
•Shure SM4
https://geni.us/shuresm4 (Amazon)———————————————————————
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
——————————— CONNECT ———————————
Electronic Mail: [email protected]
Main Site: https://himynameistom.com
Social Medias: @sodarntom——————————— PODCAST GEAR ———————————
•Ecamm Live: https://geni.us/ecammtom
•Rodecaster Video: https://bhpho.to/3Ub88j2 (B&H)
•Rodecaster Duo: https://geni.us/ULKDFkp (Amazon)
•Elgato Prompter: https://geni.us/elgatoprompter (Amazon)
•Mic Arm: https://geni.us/zc7hAbW (Amazon)
•Elgato Stream Deck Plus: https://geni.us/EzyY6o5 (Amazon)
•Headphones: https://bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•XLR Cables: https://geni.us/bluexlr (Amazon)S13E02 | Series Episode 176
Podcast Artwork by Kevin Ramirez
Original theme music written by Patrick Boberg and performed by Mike Alvarez13 January 2025, 8:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App