This week on Been Trying to Meet You, we roll into Clarksville, Tennessee, to chat with Lance Winters Smith, owner of Clockwork Custom Skates. Lance dives into what it’s like running a skate shop in today’s world, how the skate scene has changed, and what it’s like coming back to your hometown after years away.

But it wouldn’t be BTtMY without some wild stories. We revisit the legend of Brass Knuckle Entertainment, stolen liquor and garage parties, the infamous wet t-shirt contest with the BKE girl, free snacks, and that one time Robb and Lance accidentally wandered into a brothel in downtown Nashville. Yeah, it’s that kind of episode.

This week, Been Trying to Meet You goes straight to the heart of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee, with artist April Childers. We dive into deep topics like roadkill art, haunted houses, and the definitive ranking of horror movies—because why not? Sure, it sounds like we’re auditioning to replace a true crime podcast, but we promise there’s more here than goth vibes (though we’re not mad about it).

Oh, and we’re totally sponsored by pickleball. (JK, we’ve never even played—unlike certain other podcasts that claim to be relatable but are probably too busy being sponsored by overpriced mattresses or meal kits.)

This episode is packed with laughs, weirdly specific tangents, and the kind of energy that only small-town Tennessee and a podcast with no rules can deliver. Tune in, because Spotify isn’t gonna give us a multimillion-dollar deal for this, but you will have fun.

#BeenTryingToMeetYou, #AprilChilders, #GothTalk, #RoadkillArt, #HauntedHouses, #HorrorMovies, #PickleballNotReally, #TennesseeVibes, #PodcastComedy, #BTtMY

This week on Been Trying to Meet You, we hang out with the incredibly talented and totally chill filmmaker Domonic Smith, straight out of Tampa, Florida. Dom dishes on his unique bond with Freddy Krueger (yep, you read that right), navigating the wild world of YouTube comments, and what it’s like to handle social media fame.

He shares wisdom about never letting your passions sit on the sidelines and spills behind-the-scenes stories of working on commercials with Taraji P. Henson—including how he kept his cool while totally starstruck. It’s a fun, lighthearted episode packed with laughs, stories, and a reminder to always chase your dreams.

#BeenTryingToMeetYou #DomonicSmith #FilmmakerLife #FreddyKruegerFan #SocialMediaFame #TarajiPHenson #PassionProjects #BTtMY #PodcastFun #StarstruckMoments

This week on Been Trying to Meet You, we’re going international with our first guest from across the globe! Peter Banigo joins us from Nigeria to drop wisdom on everything from starting businesses and podcasts to growing veggies like a boss. Peter schools Robb, Toby, and Jim on harnessing solar power (literally), surviving as an introvert, and navigating life in the UK and Istanbul—because why stop at one continent?

Oh, and we couldn’t skip roasting the U.S. weather because apparently, it’s trash everywhere. This episode is all about leveling up, one laugh at a time. Don’t miss it—Peter’s brilliance might just inspire you to plant a garden and power it with the sun (or at least complain more efficiently about the rain).

Be sure to check out Peter's podcast at techyourbusinesspodcast.com.

On this week’s “Been Trying to Meet You,” we welcome Jon Karr, Philly’s photographer, filmmaker, and former corporate ladder-climber who threw his suit out the window (figuratively) to go full freelance. Jim and Robb get the inside scoop on Jon’s wild ride from boardrooms to balancing life with three kids, a wife, and a job that has him playing Scrabble on the regular to keep his sanity. Things get real about those “fun” pandemic times, growing up in Tennessee (hot chicken that’s too hot to handle), and Jon’s very suspiciously accurate math skills (who is he fooling?). There’s also a mystical parking spot, a disappearing guy named Steve, and a promise that no schoolwork was harmed in the making of this episode. Prepare to laugh, and maybe even shed a tear (or was that just from the fake hot chicken?).

This week on “Been Trying to Meet You,” we’re thrilled to host Sam Mirkovich, a Walla Walla-based artist and educator with a unique twist on connection. Sam spends his days crafting pottery, specifically mugs, during intimate, heart-to-heart “conversations” with friends and family. Each mug reflects the vibe of their talk and is shipped to its recipient as a lasting memento. In this episode, we get real about life’s quirky side—covering irrational fears, books we’ve totally never read, regrets, the teachers who shaped us, and foods that instantly bring us home. Sam’s vibe is inspiring, and he’s offering a limited chance for a few lucky listeners to snag a session! Just comment with the secret word to get in on this special offer.

Also, we’re on the lookout for guests who are as down-to-earth and cool as Sam. Head to beentryingtosignup.com and let’s make it happen!

This week, we welcome Deon Blackwell—Tampa artist, musician, and all-around awesome guest—to talk all things Halloween, fatherhood, and the wonders of Sweede Fest! From Black Friday Tic Tacs to dollar bills stapled on the wall, we go deep into some of life’s finest absurdities. And when it’s time to dive into being “girl dads,” Deon brings both humor and heart.

With Toby mysteriously absent due to “technical difficulties” (aka, his mic gave up before he even started), Brett steps up to save the day, delivering a chef’s kiss edition of Skyline chili 3-way that steals the spotlight. Meanwhile, Jim and Robb are starting to question whether Toby takes this podcast seriously—or maybe he just needs a new mic?

Get in on the laughs, the heart, and the heated Skyline chili debate. And remember, if you think you can bring more commitment than Toby, sign up to be a guest at beentryingtosignup.com.

This Week on the “Been Trying to Meet You” Podcast: Olivia Reiman Joins the Chaos!

In what might be our most hilarious (and awkward) episode yet, Olivia Reiman—photographer, podcaster, crystal connoisseur, and, oh yeah, Jim’s wife—stops by to make everyone squirm, especially her husband. The chemistry is palpable, the tension is real, and Jim might not survive this one. Tune in as Olivia takes the reins, dishing out some spicy takes that push Jim’s comfort zone to its absolute limit. It’s like watching a live therapy session, but way more entertaining.

Things get really interesting when we dive deep into:

• Little Middle Toes: Ever thought your middle toe was insignificant? Think again! Olivia has a surprisingly deep take on this overlooked digit.

• Dark Romance: Olivia and Jim may have married, but how dark is too dark when it comes to love? Spoiler alert: we might need a trigger warning.

• Toby’s Unstoppable Shrek Fantasy Smut Obsession: Shrek is love, Shrek is life… and apparently, Toby still isn’t over it. Things take a weird turn, and we’re not sure we’re okay.

• St. Louis Pizza Sucks: St. Louis, we’re sorry, but your pizza’s trash, and we’re here to let you know. It’s like trying to enjoy the third season of Frasier—flawed, and frustrating, with too much cheese in the wrong places. And don’t even get us started on that Provel “cheese.”

In between trying to make Jim cringe, we also take some well-deserved jabs at less fun podcasts—looking at you, Joe Rogan, your glow-up happened at the cost of our brain cells. We might even go as far as to suggest that listening to the Frasier reboot is better than sitting through a Trump rally. Hot takes? Yeah, we got ’em.

Whether you’re into photography, crystals, or just watching Jim sweat, this episode is a masterpiece of comedy, awkwardness, and far-too-honest revelations. You don’t want to miss this wild ride.