043: Building Community Through Storytelling and Podcasting with Jeff Humphreys

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Humphreys, owner and founder of Shortline Creative and host of The Calgary Sessions podcast. Jeff and I met in person for the first time at The GRAND theatre in downtown Calgary in early 2024. Jeff’s company was doing some interviewing and filming for promotional material for PodSummit YYC, an upcoming podcast conference that I am so excited about taking place on September 20 and 21, 2024. More recently, Jeff has been a role model, sounding board, and mentor for me in the world of podcasting. I admire his laid-back yet professional approach, his curiosity, thoughtful questions, commitment to storytelling, and strong sense of community. Jeff Humphreys, a born and raised Calgarian, is the owner, founder, and creative storyteller with Shortline Creative, a digital marketing agency based in Calgary, Alberta. With over 20 years of experience in the digital space, Jeff has held various roles including digital and social media manager, web coordinator, web designer, and production artist. Beyond his work at Shortline Creative, Jeff hosts The Calgary Sessions, a weekly podcast about the people that shape Calgary. The podcast highlights the stories of local athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs, sharing their inspiring journeys, triumphs, and challenges, and contributions to the vibrant heart of the city. Listen in as we talk about: 03:00 Jeff’s story 04:02 Starting Shortline Creative and podcasting 10:48 Reflections on education and personal growth 16:29 The role of athletics and fitness in Jeff's life 21:03 An “unagency” approach to digital marketing  27:20 Creating space for sharing stories 30:58 Starting a podcast - advice and insights 37:18 Challenges and realities of monetizing a podcast 38:40 The value of community in podcasting   40:39 PodSummit - connecting podcasters and building community 48:00 Lifelong lessons from family foundations 51:39 What Jeff is most proud of 52:40 Jeff answers some rapid-fire questions 55:58 Curiosity creates experiences   Connect with Jeff: Websites:  Jeff Humphreys: https://www.jeffhumphreys.ca Shortline Creative: https://www.shortlinecreative.com/ Instagram: @jeffhumphreys  LinkedIn:  Jeff Humphreys Shortline Creative Facebook: @TheJeffHumphreys Podcast: The Calgary Sessions   Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    REFLECTIONS ON EDUCATION AND PERSONAL GROWTH Jeff's journey through school was a tough one, marked by repeated struggles and a series of dropouts. Despite trying various programs at Mount Royal and facing a constant battle with disinterest and poor grades, he found solace and confidence in hockey. He did experience school success in a visual communications class, which foreshadowed his eventual career in creative work. Jeff reflects that the traditional school environment, with its rigid structure and lack of engaging subjects, never suited him. However, he's found that exploring non-traditional learning paths and pursuing interests outside the classroom can be just as valuable. This perspective highlights the importance of finding personal learning styles and alternative routes to success. Education isn't one-size-fits-all and curiosity and diverse experiences can lead to fulfilling careers.   AN “UNAGENCY” APPROACH TO DIGITAL MARKETING Jeff describes Shortline Creative as the "unagency" because it deliberately deviates from traditional agency norms. While conventional agencies often follow a set structure to maintain their margins and efficiency, Shortline Creative focuses on a more personalized and creative approach. They emphasize human connection and storytelling, aiming to genuinely understand and represent their clients’ unique narratives. Rather than just pushing sales or ads,