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

Hi Brian, why did you pursue a creative career?
I didn’t, and that’s why I had so much bubbled-up frustration. Before I started my podcast, I had no outlet for my creative side. I have a great job as a construction manager, but I wasn’t totally fulfilled. I have always loved talking about politics, and since attending law school, I’ve picked up the confidence to start doing it again. I am much happier since starting this creative endeavor. I consider law, politics, and podcasting to each be creative fields.

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.
As I mentioned earlier, I spent many years on construction sites. At age 28, I began going to law school at night. I started my podcast, Searching for Political Identity, during my third year of law school. There was too much crazy stuff happening in the news for me to remain silent. Law school gave me the confidence I needed to pick up the microphone. SPI has two goals: (1) figure out where I stand on the most important issues in politics, and (2) help people on both sides understand each other a little better. The main tool I have to achieve this two-fold mission is of course interviewing guests from diverse backgrounds. I love talking to people. There are plenty of people doing long-form, “talk to anyone” types of podcasts — and I’m one of them. I guess that doesn’t set me apart, but it makes me part of a community that actively wants to scrutinize the American political landscape.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being in San Diego, we’d have to go on some hikes and walks on the beach. We’d do a tour of all the beach towns and go out downtown at least one night. Hopefully, a decent band would be performing that week at The House of Blues. We’d get some great tacos in Old Town, hit up a brewery, and definitely go to a restaurant in Little Italy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to have to go with my late Great Uncle Jerry on this one. He was a highly-respected acting coach in NYC decades ago. As a kid, I once had a conversation with him in his apartment in Manhattan. He must have asked me about my interests, because I started talking to him about music. I said something along the lines of, “I think I have some talent” (I know — right, the gall. Wasn’t even true.) That’s when he hit me with it, square in the eyes — “talent doesn’t mean s**t if you don’t work hard.” That stuck with me and has positively influenced my life.

Website: https://linktr.ee/brianeskow

Twitter: @BrianEskow

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