TechJam

Steve Heywood is the host of the popular series of podcasts hosted @ thetechbuzz.net , he was nice enough to take a few minutes and answer a series of questions for the site.

Before I get into the interview questions, would first like to briefly mention that I found out about Steve’s podcasts through another online podcast host, Robbie Ferguson who hosts Category5.tv (the show for which this fan site originated). Coincidentally an interview with Robbie is due in the next few weeks, stay tuned.

First, a little bit of information about how I interview somebody, to make things easier. I use a template of interview questions that I have made, when I know who the potential interviewee is then I modify the template for that specific person, so do not be surprised if future interviews follow a similar question pattern. Each interviewee is asked 10 questions, of these 10 questions they are given the choice of which ones they want to answer and which ones they don’t. However, in most cases. All 10 questions are answered.

Questions that I asked Steve will be printed in bold, his answers will be in normal text, the font is a different size to help emphasize where the interview text is.

How long have you considered yourself a tech savvy person?

Since I was about 10 (I’m 31 now going to be 32 in a few weeks)

When did you first realize that you had a certain aptitude for technical related stuff?

I think when I started college and I knew a little bit about everything in tech, and when the college techs would break students computers, I would fix them and then I gained confidence that, “Hey I can do this.”

If you could do anything outside the technical field what would it be and why?

Well I technically already do stuff outside the tech field. I’m a youth/assistant pastor and I love it! I get to do 2 things that I love to do and even at times, merge the two together.

Did you find it hard growing up with a passion for technology during a time when it was not as present in everyday life, I know I did?

Absolutely! My parents were divorced when I was 16 and money was tight. We didn’t have the money for the latest and greatest, and so when I got into doing what I do now, I work my tail off to be able to continue getting the latest and greatest. When it’s necessary.

Why did you decide to do the Tech Buzz pod-casts?

I guess when I saw other streamers, like Chris Pirillo having people chat in a chat room, and talk tech while he just sat there doing his work. I got the notion that, “Hey I can do this, and actually give tech support, and interact.” So I life casted for about, well almost 2 years spent 16-18 hours in front of the camera 7 days a week. I had the audience, but it got old. So after almost 2 years I took 3 weeks off and re-invented myself and started doing a more structured show.

What would you consider to be your greatest strength as a person, it can be either technical or not?

My greatest strengths I guess is my Never Give Up attitude. All my life I was told I can’t do that, or I will never ever be able to do that, and that’s just something that drives me to prove someone wrong. I don’t know the meaning of the words, “I quit.”

How does knowing your podcast could have an impact toward influencing younger generations make you feel?

It’s humbling, I feel like even though my job is to partially entertain, inform and specialize, I also feel it’s to teach and raise up someone to replace me. If someone isn’t stealing your ideas, or mimicking you, then your doing something wrong. People should be able to take away strengths from your show or style to help them hone their skills to be better at what they do.

How has doing the Tech Buzz changed your outlook on the tech community if at all?

That’s a good question. The tech community is one big community of testosterone. I think the mentality is, “My tech is bigger then your tech.” attitude. I try to help anyone and teach anyone and if someone can show me something GREAT!! I think if the rest of the tech community had that mind set, it would be a better place.

When you not doing the Tech Buzz what is your favorite thing to do?

Playing with my daughter. Since she was born, I’ve spent so much time trying to give her a better life, and now that I’m in a position where I don’t have to spend those 16-18 hours in front of a camera, I take every chance I can to play with her and spend time with her.

I noticed that you said you and your wife are both youth ministers, Has doing the tech buzz influenced your ministry at all?

Absolutely. we’ve introduced things in ministry that has changed the way our church does things. It also has opened their eyes up to the endless opportunities that are out there because of today’s technology. The people you can reach, meet, and even influence.

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