Meet Taylor Doherty | Podcast Host

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

Hi Taylor, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my first job out of college, I would listen to Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard and watch Howard Stern clips as I commuted on the train to Chicago. I would escape to this world of entertainment, so much so that I would envision myself having a conversation with Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Cameron Diaz…you name a celebrity, I “interviewed” them.
After watching Giuliana Rancic master the art of asking questions off the cuff, I decided my dream job was to work for E! News and host all the red carpets. True Hollywood Story: The second I saw E! was accepting auditions for E! News’ The Rundown, I drafted my version of a rundown and sprinted the two blocks to my sister’s apartment for her to video me. I didn’t get the job BUT thanks to a mutual friend Giuliana saw the video and gave me a few pointers.

Since I didn’t end up going the traditional journalism path in college, I felt discouraged and that my dream wouldn’t become a reality. Unlike where I could escape to the entertainment world, I couldn’t ignore my aspirations of being a TV host. With trepidation, I made the decision to move from daydreaming to asking questions to my very own guests. I was excited and also apprehensive about all the steps involved and what people might think, but I couldn’t NOT try and truly, people give me energy…I want to know what the barista at my local coffee shop ate for breakfast or why she isn’t as cheery today. I strive to emulate Howard Stern’s fearless approach to addressing what the listener would most likely want to know, while fostering an honest dialogue. My goal is for my guests to feel comfortable and seen. I’m coming from the perspective of someone that is trying to figure it all out…one question at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My New Year’s resolution in 2020 was to start a podcast so on January 1, 2020, I bought equipment and went for it, diving in with both feet. Without knowing it at the time, that was the best decision I made because I am never going to be 100 percent ready. I learn more and more every day. It hasn’t been easy and that’s the fun of it! I wouldn’t give up the endless hours of researching a guest, testing audio equipment/editing, and the nerves before an interview for anything because I’ve learned to sit back and enjoy the process. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s to be open to what’s behind the next door because there may be something in store for me that I didn’t even dream of. And that’s what I’m most excited for…seeing where this goes as I continue to learn and evolve, and allowing it to take different directions.
From recounting vulnerable life experiences to sharing Taylor’d Takes on topics that some would consider off limits, I am eternally grateful to my guests for being so open and willing to share their stories with me. Not only do my listeners take away so much from my guests’ but I have learned immensely about myself and have been inspired beyond words. One of the most rewarding parts of this experience is the friendships that have come out of it. I am always looking for the next person to inspire me so reach out if you want to share your Taylor’d Takes!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Most of my friends visiting would be coming from the Midwest so I would take them to the beach with a cooler of Coors light. Mountains will be blue of course…because that’s the kind of host I am!! Brunch at Great White and a Spanish latte from Menotti’s in Venice is a must, and now it’s time to stroll through the Venice Canals and walk along the Venice Beach boardwalk. My friends and I don’t work out on vacation buuuut we will pop over to Muscle Beach and the boardwalk to see what’s in store that day. I would have to take them to Élephante for the most unreal soppressata pizza and sunset views. A trip to Malibu would be on deck because I just need them to feel the pure joy I do when I listen to Malibu by Miley Cyrus on full volume while driving along the Pacific Coast Highway. The Point Dume hike should be on your list…because Kathy Griffin usually will be there as this is her go to hike. We are ending the night with a casual fish and chips dinner at Reel Inn and watching the sunset at Carbon Beach. Let the debauchery ensue!

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 truly wouldn’t be able to put myself out there like I have on a public platform without my friends and family’s infinite support. My boyfriend Caleb doesn’t have social media and the last thing he likes to talk about is pop culture, but when I get in his car and he has the latest episode playing where I have Israel Isaac from Vanderpump Rules talking about SCANDOVAL…now that’s support if I’ve ever seen it. My parents instilled in me that my possibilities are endless and that I can do anything I set my mind to with hard work. Without them ingraining this mindset in me, I wouldn’t be chasing my dreams. Speaking of chasing dreams, my sister Madeline gives me the jolt of inspiration on a daily basis as I watch her pursue her career as a screenwriter. My podcast wouldn’t be possible without her constant encouragement and amazing video content from episodes. Major shout out to Ryan Felberbaum – the most talented audio engineer that I am lucky to work with and call a friend. I also want to shout out my mentors and forever friends – Ryan Chiaverini and Danielle Robay. Their generosity and guidance has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I can’t thank them enough for being in my corner. And finally, lots of thanks sent to Dax Shepard, Howard Stern and Giuliana Rancic for teaching me when they didn’t even know it. My life’s mission is to get us all in the same room together. It sounds like a double date…I like to think that our significant other’s would let it slide. Giuliana, I call Howard. 😉

Website: https://taylordtakes.libsyn.com/site

Instagram: @taylordtakes

Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylordtakes

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Image Credits
@madelinexmedia