Turn Your Content Into a Show They Can't Stop Watching with Shawn Walchef
“We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.”
SUBSCRIBE HERE
How do you run a business and still find time to create content?
In this episode, Rain sits down with Shawn Walchef, owner of Cali BBQ and founder of Cali BBQ Media, to explore how storytelling and content creation aren’t distractions—they’re growth engines. Shawn shares how he went from struggling restaurateur to building a thriving media company on top of his barbecue brand, and why every business today needs to think like a media company.
They break down how to overcome the fear of looking foolish, why quantity and speed matter more than perfection, and how to turn your phone into your most valuable tool.
Shawn also gives practical tips on stacking content, building a team, and staying consistent without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle business and content—or whether it’s worth the effort—this episode will change your mindset.
In the episode, you will learn to:
See content as a growth tool, not a chore and shift your mindset around its value.
Overcome the fear of looking foolish online so you can finally start creating.
Focus on quantity and consistency first because that’s what leads to real quality.
Use simple tools like your phone to build a media presence without expensive gear.
Stack and schedule your content so that your “show” runs even when you’re busy.
"We make our media the same way we make our barbecue, and that’s low and slow.”
- Shawn Walchef
If you want to learn how to leverage content to build your business in ways like you've never imagined... this is the episode for you!
Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-storytelling-lab/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4lzDYE3HbAwTSmUYBXuMZp
Some of the highlights of the episode:
00:00 - How Content Creation Can Build and Save a Business
02:19 - Don’t Be the Commercial, Be the Show
04:32 - The Power of Doing More, Even When You’re Busy
06:28 - Storytelling in the Restaurant Industry
09:40 - Fear, Public Speaking, and the Content Barrier
13:30 - Finding Mentors and Staying Curious
17:21 - How Podcasting Builds Listening and Questioning Skills
21:19 - Why Everyone’s Story Matters
25:25 - Balancing Business and Content Creation
27:38 - The Four P’s: Plan, Produce, Publish, Promote
30:45 - From Solopreneur to Building a Media Team
32:41 - How Adding More Shows Unlocked Growth
36:08 - The Competitive Advantage of Combining Passions
39:51 - The Be the Show Philosophy
43:33 - When Storytelling Leads to Big Opportunities
45:04 - Showing Behind the Scenes in Your Business
48:05 - No Excuses: Your Phone Is All You Need
51:30 - The Future of Cali BBQ Media
55:28 - The Secret to Stacking and Scheduling Content
As always, I hope you enjoy the episode!
Rain
Follow Shawn on:
Or visit his website HERE!
For more storytelling tips and tricks,
Visit my website rainbennett.com, or
Follow me on TikTok @rainbennett.storyeller
Follow me on Twitter @rainbennett
Follow me on Instagram @rainbennett
Follow me on Facebook @thestorytellinglab
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel