For anyone seeking a truly agreeable and conversational dive into diverse stories, the Above The Bridge Podcast, led by the dedicated Thaddeus Park, offers a consistent library of insightful content. This podcast is more than just interviews; it’s a passion project born from a desire to bring humor and inspiration to listeners, fostering connections and promoting the unique “aloha” spirit.
The Genesis of a Podcast Vision
Thaddeus Park’s journey into podcasting was ignited by a deep passion for the medium, particularly popular shows like Rogan and Fighter and the Kid. The catalyst for Above The Bridge truly crystallized during the COVID pandemic, prompted by a friend’s comment about procrastination and Thaddeus’s role as a caregiver for his mother with ALS, where the podcast became an important distraction.
The podcast’s unique name, “Above the Bridge,” draws from organic conversations Thaddeus shared with friends on a walk bridge near his home. This natural exchange became the very premise for the show’s signature casual “talking story” format, a welcome departure from a strict Q&A style.
Building a Consistent Library: Challenges and Dedication
Launching Above The Bridge Podcast was a hands-on endeavor for Thaddeus. After hitting dead ends seeking help from local podcasters, he independently learned to establish the show, including building a website and utilizing platforms like Buzzsprout. A significant initial hurdle was the hesitation to release his solo work for public consumption without a supportive team.
Thaddeus’s resilience shone through when he lost his producer, leading him to master video editing – a skill that became invaluable. However, the biggest ongoing challenge in podcasting remains consistency. Many podcasts falter after just a few episodes, making Thaddeus’s dedication to releasing a weekly episode a remarkable achievement; simply passing 20 episodes puts a podcaster ahead of 80% of others. Overcoming obstacles like guest ghosting and time-sensitive topics by scheduling backups underscores his commitment to long-term success.
Connecting Communities and Sharing the Aloha Spirit
A substantial portion of Above The Bridge Podcast listeners are from Hawaii or maintain strong ties to the islands. They often discover the show through a guest and then delve into other episodes, finding a cherished connection to local culture through the “talk story” format. These listeners, many of whom have moved away, appreciate the inspiration drawn from everyday people rather than just mainstream celebrities.
A core mission of Thaddeus Park’s podcast is the promotion of “aloha”. He views “aloha” as a unique and essential cultural aspect of Hawaii that deserves to be preserved and shared, noting its universal appeal that transcends geographical boundaries, as exemplified by his wife’s family in New York.
Beyond the Mic: Inspiration and Personal Legacy
Thaddeus finds immense joy and inspiration from his diverse range of guests, which include business owners and fighters, whose unique stories, trials, and accomplishments deeply resonate. Beyond the immediate impact, Above The Bridge is also creating a personal legacy for his daughter. Thaddeus hopes that in the future, his daughter can listen to the episodes to understand him as a person within the community, beyond his role as a father.
Future Horizons for Above The Bridge Podcast
Looking ahead, Thaddeus Park has ambitious goals for Above The Bridge. He aspires to transform the podcast into a full-time endeavor, supported by a national sponsor. His vision includes producing other people’s shows from a dedicated “Above the Bridge” studio. Thaddeus aims to expand the podcast’s audience by connecting with the mainland community and featuring more mainstream guests, all while steadfastly retaining the focus on inspiring everyday stories. He openly stresses the importance of setting clear goals, overcoming complacency, and proactively seeking help and utilizing connections for growth.
Above The Bridge Podcast stands as a testament to dedication, community spirit, and the power of shared stories, always open for discussion and ready to inspire.
