Since 2019, I’ve produced and hosted hundreds of podcast episodes at Evergreen Podcasts—shows that span everything from weddings (Bridechilla, Weddings Unveiled with Leah, Tales From Behind the Veil) to finance and innovation (Banking Transformed, FIsionaries), motorsports (Pit Pass Moto), design (Design Everywhere), fashion (The Katz Walk), and even medical education (InformED).
But my path behind the mic started much earlier—and really, long before high school. As a kid, while my friends were busy playing teacher or doctor, I wanted to play talk show host or MTV VJ. I took dance classes and performed in recitals, and later threw myself into high school and college theater. Performing, connecting, and being on stage or screen wasn’t just something I tried—it was something I dreamed of.
By the time I joined my high school’s daily morning news show, it felt like a natural fit. Students rotated hosting duties, and my assigned day was Tuesday. Every week I’d sign off with: “Have a terrific Tuesday!” It was a small ritual, but for me, it wasn’t just a gimmick—it was another step in pursuing a passion I had carried since childhood.
In 2004, I was selected as an MTV Choose or Lose News Correspondent. I spent a week training in New York at MTV headquarters before returning home to create a monthly segment on Cox Cable’s Hometown Highlights, encouraging young people to vote in the 2004 election. After that, I pursued some acting and modeling work before stepping into the world of Game Presentation.
In 2007, I joined the Cleveland Cavaliers’ game presentation crew, helping hype the crowd with promotions, contests, and (of course) t-shirt tosses. By the 2008–2009 season, I was assisting with overseeing the crew, which taught me leadership and teamwork under pressure. Around the same time, I became the original in-arena host for the Cleveland Gladiators, a role I held for the team’s first four seasons. Standing on the field with a mic in front of thousands of fans sharpened my ability to think on my feet, improvise, and keep energy flowing no matter what.
From there, I moved into broadcasting—interning on the WGAR Morning Show (live radio) and WJW Fox 8’s “Kickin’ It With Kenny” (live TV). Later, I anchored and produced taped news and community shows at TV20 Cleveland, before diving full-time into podcasting.
Each of those roles—whether encouraging youth civic engagement, pumping up an arena, keeping pace with live radio banter, or producing local news—shaped how I approach storytelling and connection today. And through it all, I’ve learned lessons that go far beyond downloads, gear, or ratings.
Here’s what I’ve learned “behind the mic.”
1. Consistency Beats Perfection
When you’re hosting in an arena, there are no do-overs. The crowd is live, the energy is moving, and you have to roll with whatever happens. That same mindset carried into my time at TV20 and later into podcasting—where it’s tempting to over-edit or wait until something feels “perfect.” What I’ve learned is this: it’s more important to consistently show up for your audience than to obsess over perfection. Growth happens through momentum, not flawless takes.
Takeaway: Don’t wait until it’s perfect. Done is better than perfect.
2. Storytelling Is the Heart of It All
My very first professional experience in media—training at MTV and creating a segment for Cox Cable—taught me the power of stories that connect. It wasn’t about production polish; it was about delivering a message that mattered and resonated with people. That same lesson has carried through theater, news, and podcasting: the most memorable moments come from honest storytelling.
Takeaway: Your role as a host or producer is to spotlight the story, not overshadow it.
3. Authentic Voices Make the Best Guests
At TV20, I often interviewed local leaders and community members whose names would never make national headlines—but their stories were full of impact. In podcasting, I’ve seen the same thing. Some of my favorite episodes have come from lesser-known voices who brought raw passion and insight to the mic.
Takeaway: Authentic voices often leave the deepest impact.
4. Preparation Creates Freedom
Live TV at WJW Fox 8 and live game presentation both taught me to always be ready for the unexpected. In podcasting, preparation is what allows me to relax and be present. When I do the research, I’m free to listen deeply, pivot when needed, and let conversations flow naturally.
Takeaway: The more you prepare, the more freedom you have in the moment.
5. Podcasting Is About Connection, Not Just Reach
Working in TV and live events, I learned how to reach wide — speaking to a whole audience at once. But what makes podcasting unique is the sense of intimacy it creates. When someone listens with earbuds in, it feels like a one-on-one conversation, not just a message sent out to the masses. Some of the best feedback I’ve received is when a listener says they felt like they were part of the conversation. That closeness is what makes this medium so powerful.
Takeaway: Think of your content as a conversation, not a performance.
6. Growth Is Slow… Until It Isn’t
In podcasting, most growth is slow and steady. You build trust one episode at a time, often without seeing huge changes week to week. But then—one guest, one timely topic, or one episode shared widely—can spark momentum that feels overnight. Those jumps don’t happen by chance; they’re the result of showing up consistently so you’re ready when those moments come.
Takeaway: Play the long game. Momentum matters more than quick wins.
7. The Mic Teaches You About Yourself
Perhaps the most surprising lesson of all: media teaches you about you. Being behind a mic or in front of a camera forces you to find your voice, trust it, and share it with confidence. Every stage—theater, Gladiators, TV20, Evergreen—has been part of my evolution not just as a host, but as a person.
Takeaway: Every episode you create isn’t just for your audience—it’s part of your own growth too.
Closing: From Childhood Dreams to Podcasts and Beyond
From signing off “Have a terrific Tuesday!” in high school, to encouraging youth to vote with MTV, to hyping up an arena crowd, to producing shows across industries, my career has been shaped by one through-line: the power of connection.
Media isn’t just about talking into a mic—it’s about listening, building trust, and sharing stories that matter.
So whether you’re a podcaster, content creator, or someone just trying to find your voice, remember: you don’t need perfect. You just need to show up, tell the story, and connect with your people.
And if you’d like to hear these lessons in action, tune into one of the shows I’ve had the privilege of creating. Because at the end of the day, the best part of being “behind the mic” is knowing someone out there is listening.
Cheers,
Leah
P.S. What lessons have you learned along the way? I’d love to hear your take in the comments.
Leah Haslage 
I’d love to hear from you!