YouTube, Here I Come!

Dear Readers, I realized just yesterday that my last blog post was from months ago. (My sincerest apologies!) It was an odd finding, considering I'm still unpacking from my trip to L.A. The last few months have been a happy blur... Making my first few podcast guest appearances, writing as a guest contributor for a magazine (also for the first time!), expanding my employee assistance (EA) reach, developing a more formal Lunch and Learn series, creating several conference workshops... Oh! And getting ready to launch my upcoming YouTube show, "Inside the Team with Jesse Favre." As folks have started to realize the show is no joke (like—through the help of my amazing family—we've constructed an entire talk show set), the questions have started to pour in, including: "Jesse, what in the world are you doing now?!"

Set progress (decorations coming soon!)

I get it: You've got questions. (And I've got answers.) Given that I'm about to host a talk show, I figured I'd practice my interview skills right here, right now! I'll do my best to play you, and if I miss any of your actual questions, drop them into the comments at the bottom of the page! You: Jesse, what in the world are you doing now?! Me: Drinking coffee. ☕🤙 But in the broader sense, I'm gearing up to launch a YouTube talk show that showcases insights and expert interviews about team dynamics and human behavior at work.

You: But why a talk show?

Me: Well, I had the unique honor of getting to be a guest on an established talk show back in May, and, quite frankly, it ignited something in me. As a speaker, I've had numerous opportunities to share my message, but I had never experienced the format of sitting on living room furniture, "chit chatting" about something so near and dear to my heart (while also being on camera). Because the episode was on mental health, it felt so punk rock to present information in a way that was casual and (dare I say) normal. That scratched an itch I didn't even know I had on a mind/soul level. A few days later, my boyfriend and I did the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and I got a behind-the-scenes peek at how TV show sets are constructed. Suddenly, the idea of having my own talk show felt very doable and practical (famous last words). So, I came home and immediately recruited the help of my handy family to start building my own set.

The Gilmore Girls gazebo at Warner Bros. Studio

You: But this is a professional development show. Shouldn't you just be doing "talking head" videos? [The kind where someone stares straight into the camera and lectures.]

Me: Are you craving more of those? 😂 I'm truly not hating on business trainers and speakers who produce talking head videos. There are some really brainy and helpful content creators out there, and you'd be shocked at how difficult it is to do those well! With that said, there's already so much out there that I don't feel like I add much unique value in that capacity. (I'll probably still release some here and there on social media, but I can't say it's "my thing.") What I believe I can do in a more helpful way is make professional development more engaging, accessible, and directly relevant by presenting my content via a talk show.

You: You're still so new to YouTube. Do you feel prepared?

Me: I have a lot to learn, but in so many ways, yes, I do feel prepared! I've invested a significant amount of time over the last three years in learning graphic design, A/V production, media appearances, and more. I also have a lifetime of performing arts experience, including writing and show production, which gives me confidence that I'll be able to figure this one out.

You: When you say "talk show," do you really mean podcast?

Me: I do think there can be some crossover between these terms, especially when your talk show is on-demand via YouTube. And there is a strong chance I'll release an audio version of "Inside the Team" as a podcast, just to make the information more accessible. However, I'm excited to play with the visual component of the show... the theatrics... the segments... the stuff that makes a talk show feel like a talk show. So, that term resonates more than "podcast" right now. You: Can you give a sense of what will be covered? Me: At the moment, all of the episode topics are subjects that have been raised by people who've written to me via Instagram or LinkedIn. I'll be covering ghosting at work, how to have mental health-related conversations with a supervisor, navigating workplace gossip, and much, much more! Being a human at work is hard, and I believe we can make it a lot easier by sharing insights from experts who live and breathe brain science, team dynamics, etc. You: I have an episode idea/I know someone who'd be a great guest. How do I get in touch? Me: So glad you asked! Feel free to e-mail me at support@jessefavre.com.

You: When will I see the first episode drop?

Me: Filming will start this month, so I'd expect it to be around the time that pumpkin spice lattes start getting popular again.

You: How will I know when the show is live? Me: To be the first to know about episode drops, you can subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow "Inside the Team" on Instagram. I really appreciate the support and look forward to this journey with each of you!