Meet Dan McArdle | Podcast Creator and Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dan McArdle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Having children changed my entire perspective on balancing career and family. There was a time, up until my oldest child was about two years old, that I would carry my work home nightly. The workday was seemingly never over. Fortunately, I changed careers and that was driven in large part because of my growing family.

I am very protective of the time that I spend with my wife and children. It is crucial for me to be present with them as much as possible on nights and weekends. It doesn’t mean I have to be in the middle of the living room playing with them constantly. I just have to be approachable to my wife and children. A three-year-old doesn’t understand why daddy can’t look away from a screen or computer. I have learned that what your children desire most is your undivided attention.

I believe entrepreneurs and creatives have a particularly hard time shutting off from work and projects. Our wheels are always spinning. Depending on your career, it may be next to impossible to have work-life balance in perfect harmony. But I really try to be in touch daily with the time I’m putting in on both ends. For someone who’s single without kids, I think you still need to dedicate ample time to yourself and your well being. We spend most of our lives working, and we can have a significant impact on others in our work lives. But the people closest to us love us not for the title attached to our names. As Arnold Zack is quoted as saying, “Nobody on his deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I had spent more time on my business.’”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The “Dan Time” Podcast is an interview format show that features my conversations with impactful “Dan’s” of the world (Dan talking to other Dan’s) — as well as Danny’s, Danielle’s, Daniel’s and other interesting guests with different names. The goal is to share different world views, evoke critical thinking, laughter and to inspire the listener to take charge of his or her “time.” Is it time for a move? Put a plan together. Is it time to find a new job? Start thinking about how you’re going to make it a reality. These are themes I highlight on the episodes. My guests have included a city government official, an entrepreneur & visionary, singer-songwriter, former college football quarterback & more. I am most proud of my interview with Dan Kobylka, a two-time heart transplant recipient and Challenger baseball organizer.

I’m not sure if my concept is the first of its kind. At least I haven’t heard of a “Bob talking to other Bob’s” podcast. But what is important to me is that the show is always about that week’s guest and the listener. And for people to laugh—and to realize what is possible in their own lives. I make it a point to speak to my listeners during the intro (“I appreciate YOU being a listener”). I do this because I feel like many podcasters are only talking about themselves. I point out in the trailer episode that this is not a “vanity exercise” on my part. My intros are short. I do not talk over my guests or interrupt them. I also try to further set the show apart with unpredictable, random & silly questions near the end of the show.

The beginnings of “Dan Time” can be traced back at least two years. Originally, it was going to be co-host format. I eventually scrapped that idea in order to ensure the weekly variety of new guests and one-on-one interviewing. I also felt that I could better maintain a consistent product as the sole creator of the podcast. Taking it all on my shoulders certainly allowed for creative freedom. But I had to be willing to go the extra mile to put together a quality product and to attract interesting guests. I learned a lot about just how much work goes into producing and marketing a podcast.

I got to where I am today through persistence, a belief in myself and a support network of people who believe in me. Successful people most often do not take the easy path—even if it is laid out right in front of them. They expect and embrace challenges. In order to overcome obstacles, we must have an unwavering belief in ourselves and an ability to deal with setbacks. We must have a learning mindset and always be willing to take criticism. I try to solicit feedback from sources who won’t tell me only what I want to hear. Because there will come a time to shake things up with the content of the show. And I need to anticipate those changes.

Ultimately, I am just a regular guy who likes people and sharing their unique stories. “Dan Time” is a place for people to laugh, learn something new and be inspired to go after what’s important to them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would have to start with a lazy day at the beach! Pensacola Beach Boardwalk or the Gulfside Pavilion. Take in some live music & have a burger at Paradise Bar & Grill. Spend at least half a day at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Watch a performance at Pensacola Little Theater. Lunch at Hub Stacey’s. Have a beer at the Wisteria Tavern (in continuous operation on 12th Ave since 1935).

Check out the music calendar at Vinyl Music Hall and pick out a concert to attend. Grab coffee at the historic Rex Theater.

During baseball season, catch a Blue Wahoos baseball game at Community Maritime Park. Spend an evening at Seville Quarter, which features 7 different themed bars. Breakfast at Another Broken Egg. Stroll Palafox Street for Gallery Night every third Friday of the month. Look for the pink ice cream bus — Sweet Love — and get some homemade ice cream treats from Maggie Funk! Visit Johnson Beach at Perdido Key. And no visit is complete without stopping by to see the sweetest person in Pensacola—Ms. Lily at The Clothes Bin on E Cervantes St!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am thrilled to give a Shoutout to graphic designer Rob Wilson, who designed the “Dan Time” logo. I enlisted Rob’s help after the first few weeks of running with my own patchwork design. Rob has been a great source of support and encouragement. His creativity is sky-high and he has been a tremendous help in gaining visibility for the podcast. Thank you, Rob!

Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/dantime/

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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmcardle/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dantimepodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dantimepod

Other: dantimepod@gmail.com