Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
In this special Editor’s Note episode, UNB Tim opens up about what’s been happening behind the scenes with the podcast, the blog, and life in general. From a major website hosting disaster to balancing two jobs, school, and mental health, this episode is a candid and honest look at the challenges of running an independent podcast and community.
Tim talks about why some episodes have been delayed, what’s coming next for the podcast, and how listeners can help support the show moving forward.
⸻
Topics Covered
Website Hosting Disaster
Tim shares the story of trying to move the UNB site to a new hosting provider — and how things went very wrong.
• Attempted migration to a new hosting service
• Account login issues caused by “Sign in with Apple” hiding the email
• Paying for a professional migration service
• Website suddenly going down with a 403 error
• Logging into the server to discover all site files missing
• Hours spent troubleshooting and dealing with support
• Ultimately restoring the site from a backup
Lesson learned: Always have backups of your website.
⸻
Why Podcast Episodes Have Been Delayed
Tim explains why the usual podcast schedule has been disrupted.
Current responsibilities include:
• Working two jobs
• Attending school
• Studying for cybersecurity midterms
• Managing the blog and podcast
• Handling technical issues
Because of this, episodes may not always come out on the usual schedule.
However:
• Recorded episodes will still be released
• The podcast is not going anywhere
⸻
Mental Health & Burnout
The hosting issue was the moment that pushed everything over the edge after months of stress.
Tim discusses:
• Financial pressure
• Exhaustion from balancing work, school, and content creation
• Feeling overwhelmed and burned out
He also talks about beginning the process of getting official testing for learning differences, including:
• ADHD
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
Growing up, Tim often felt something was different about how he processed information but struggled to get help. Now he’s finally taking steps to better understand how his brain works and develop better coping strategies.
⸻
Studying With Dyslexia & Acronyms
Tim shares one of the biggest challenges in his cybersecurity program: acronyms.
Cybersecurity fields are filled with acronyms, which can be especially difficult for people with dyslexia.
To help study and understand the material, Tim often:
• Uses tools like ChatGPT to break down concepts
• Studies late at night after work
• Builds structured notes and binders to keep things organized
⸻
The Cost of Running the Podcast
Running the podcast costs about $175 per month, including:
• Podcast hosting
• Riverside recording software
• Canva
• Audio processing tools
• Other production services
Currently:
• Patreon brings in about $130 per month
• That leaves roughly $40 short each month
The goal is to grow Patreon support so the podcast can continue and expand.
⸻
Patreon Updates
Patreon will now include a free membership tier that acts as a newsletter.
Plans include:
• Weekly or bi-weekly updates
• Podcast announcements
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Community updates
Support tiers help cover podcast costs and allow Tim to invest more into improving the show.
⸻
Merch Ideas Wanted
Tim is also exploring new merch options and wants listener feedback.
Current merch includes:
• Podcast logo shirts
• Coffee mugs
• Mousepads
• Hats (including the popular Thong Slut hats)
Possible future ideas include:
• Minimal logo merch
• Bold statement pieces
• New hats
• Community-driven designs
Listeners are encouraged to share ideas.
⸻
Upcoming Content
Several things are coming soon:
• Bikini Club – a fun new concept launching on the blog
• A State of the Industry podcast
• Results from the last two reader surveys
• A completely redesigned community-focused reader survey
Future surveys will focus more on:
• Podcast listeners
• Community engagement
• Connecting directly with readers and listeners
⸻
Community Focus
One of Tim’s main goals this year is to connect more directly with listeners.
Ideas include:
• Voice calls with listeners
• Direct conversations with the community
• Listener-driven content
• Expanding the UNB community
If you listen regularly but haven’t connected before — reach out.
⸻
A Message to Listeners
Despite everything going on, Tim emphasizes how much he loves doing the podcast and connecting with the community.
“It brings me so much pleasure doing the podcast and talking to so many people.”
He also reminds listeners:
• You are not alone in what you love
• There are many others in the community
• Be yourself and enjoy the things that make you happy
⸻
Support UNB
If you enjoy the podcast and want to support it:
Patreon (Free or Paid Membership):
You can also support by:
• Buying merch
• Sharing the podcast
• Leaving reviews
• Reaching out and joining the community
Comments are closed.