Dr. David Dobson, associate professor at the University of the Fraser Valley’s School of Business, has started a new podcast series on YouTube called ‘Conversations with Dr. David Dobson.’ The series focuses on short conversations with people pursuing or obtaining PhD qualifications and discusses their work. I joined Dr. Dobson on a video call to delve deeper into what inspired him to start this podcast and the exciting aspects surrounding this new initiative. This article has been edited for clarity and flow.
Miraan Sahota: When did you record your first podcast, and what was it about?
Dr. David Dobson: I recorded my first podcast with Dr. Nataly Levesque a little over a month ago; I knew her professionally from my previous work with the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (ASAC). We discussed her work regarding social media and influencer marketing.
Sahota: What was the response to it?
The response was overwhelmingly positive, as I received over five hundred views on that podcast. It further encouraged me to continue the series and helped me realize that conversations like these help the research work of these people to reach a much wider audience.
Sahota: What inspired you to start this series in the first place?
Dobson: That’s a good question. So, during the pandemic, I couldn’t invite people to physical classrooms as I did previously since most classes were online. I realized that although I asked many people from the local community, which was great, now, thanks to this new technological shift, I could speak with guests worldwide. I started by inviting people online to share their valuable experiences with my students. I could provide value for my students and the researchers to present their work globally. This initiative helped me improve my technological skills. I went from being very nervous about recording a simple video to having these interesting conversations with people.
Sahota: What are the selection criteria for the guests? Is there a reason for the conversations being short?
Dobson: Most people want to learn about new things but need more time in the world’s fast-paced environment. Keeping these conversations short helped keep the audience engaged and nudged the speaker to be more efficient in their message. I selected people who were primarily researchers, but I am now expanding this series by inviting people from business backgrounds.
Sahota: You have recorded close to 10 podcasts now. What have you learned from this experience, and how has your mindset evolved?
Dobson: I have noticed that calling my podcasts conversations rather than interviews helps reduce the stress levels of the interviewee and helps make better conversations. We exchange a few notes before the start of the podcast to get more familiar with the topic to be discussed and the conversation itself. Thinking of it more collaboratively helps the process as well. Inviting people from different backgrounds, countries etc., is also essential to keep the conversations interesting for the audience. For example, in my discussion with Dr. Lenora Butler, we discussed how to run and successfully manage a non-profit organization.
Sahota: I’d like to know more about you as well. Would you like to share some experiences regarding your personal life?
Dobson: I like spending time with my son on nature walks, exploring new trails, etc. I feel blessed to be residing in a beautiful place like British Columbia. In this computer-based, technologically rich environment, the need to unwind by feeling the sun and wind against your skin and experiencing nature is rejuvenating and energizing. It feels like being authentically connected to our environment. I always keep my camera on and make short videos to capture those moments of nature for the world to see.
Sahota: Have you felt that a good work-life balance has benefited your professional life?
Dobson: It has helped me a lot. It has taught me about the importance of learning from everybody and appreciating the hard work which everyone puts in. I have much respect for my students as well as the work they put in. Despite being a teacher, I am also a lifelong student. It is very humbling to realize that there is so much more to learn, and I have immense gratitude for being able to have these conversations and experiences.
Sahota: On an ending note, as a podcaster, what message would you like to share with your audience?
Dobson: Please watch these podcasts while keeping an open mind regarding your experiences. These guests contribute in many ways to us personally, towards the community, and in many more things. Your time and feedback mean a lot to them. Life is precious, so connect with the nature around you. It is perfect for helping with the stress and anxiety many people face nowadays.
Dr. Dobson also has another channel, Positive Emotions, where he shares more experiences about his personal life with the audience.
Miraan Sahota is UFV student majoring in marketing. Miraan is passionate about technology, writing poems, playing the guitar and martial arts. He likes to make interesting conversations with people and looks forward to learning new experiences in life.
