Podcasts are awesome. I mean, that’s not a profound statement, but they really are. The opportunity to hear different stories, from different perspectives, and just learn something completely new you’d never even think about is unrivaled in any other medium. When scrolling Netflix, do you choose some obscure documentary you know nothing about or do you opt to re-watch your favorite Friends or The Office episodes?

With this same train of thought, I was pleasantly surprised the first time I listened to Profoundly Pointless (see what I did there in the opening sentence?). The Profoundly Pointless team takes pride in their obscure and eclectic interviews. Hear from a dominatrix, yo-yo world champion, Twitch streamer, a Satanist, and much more. Too often I realize I’m stuck in my bubble but this podcast enabled me to, albeit briefly, exit my comfort zone and truly learn something new.

We were fortunate to catch up with the Profoundly Pointless team and share emails with Nick VinZant, cohost of the podcast. We talked to him about the podcast, challenges they face, and how they got started. See below for our Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

VINZANT: I’ve always been fascinated by people. What their lives are really like and why we do the things we do. The show is an excuse for me to tell those stories. It’s something I thought about doing for a long time but couldn’t work up the courage to actually do until this year.

DP: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to Profoundly Pointless?

VINZANT: We showcase a side of people you don’t usually see. What does a Professional Dominatrix do when she runs into a client at the grocery store? How does a sports bookie sink so low he has to fill his pockets with Golden Coral buffet pancakes and hitchhike home? Details that tell you what someone’s life is really like. Plus, we have random animal facts. People need to know more about woodchucks. Their teeth grow 3 inches a year and are surprisingly light, weighing half of what a similar size dog would weigh.

DP: Are there any episodes you think new listeners should check out first?

VINZANT: I think Episode 13 with Levi the Dinosaur Hunter sums up what the show is all about. It’s an equal mix of profound and pointless. Episodes 10 and 19 with the Dominatrix and Sex Worker are fascinating from a lifestyle perspective. Episode 18 was a thrill for me personally, I’ve always wanted to interview a National Geographic photographer.

DP: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

VINZANT: Just getting noticed. Sometimes it’s downright depressing. I hope people listen to the show because I honestly think it’s good and that people would be genuinely interested in the people we talk to and things we talk about. However, you know what you’re up against. Big media companies could put out an hour long collection of boat horn noises and get 50 times the listeners just because of their size and resources. Indie shows have to fight for every inch. It drains you, but a simple comment or subscriber can be so rewarding. 

DP: Where do you want to take your podcast?

VINZANT: Of course it would be cool if it turned into something but that’s not the goal. I just want to have conversations with interesting people, maybe help them grow and talk to my friends. 

DP: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

VINZANT: My buddy hosts a show called Tom and Jim’s Top 5 so I check that out. The Daily. And then I bounce around depending on what show or comic book I’m into at the moment. Right now it’s the One Piece Podcast and Wars and Politics of Ice and Fire. Gotta get ready for the new season.

DP: Anything else you’d like to add?

VINZANT: The show is called Profoundly Pointless because it’s a show in two parts. The first part is supposed to be profound. Featuring fascinating interviews with everyone from actors and social media influencers to ghost hunters and Antarctic explorers. The second part is where we try to answer life’s most important questions. Mysteries like “what’s the worst email signature”, “is chili soup” and “what kind of soft drink choice says the most about you.”

I’d also like to say that some of the things we do are purposely no budget so we can keep the “made in your garage” feel. For example, I made the intro music on my 2-year-old’s toy piano and I have no musical talent.

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