Today we’d like to introduce you to James De Pietro.
Hi James, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Crown City Podcast is a Pasadena area-focused show that explores what makes our city such a special place to live, work and visit. I am originally from Los Angeles, but when I moved back to the area in 2009, Pasadena was the only place I wanted to live because of its cultural and historical vibrancy. The show’s concept came together in the summer of 2020 when our community and our country were challenged by once-in-a-generation health, economic, racial, and political uncertainties. I thought then, and continue to believe now, that we can break through some of the walls we have built around ourselves by simply listening and learning, and I hope that the podcast is an honest reflection of this optimism.
After completing my final term on one of Pasadena’s advisory commissions last year, I searched for a way to stay involved. Civic involvement was an inherited trait, but it has evolved into a strong sense of civic responsibility over the years. Thus, the podcast became an extension of this belief and a way to shine some light on a person, topic, or business that contributes to the area’s uniqueness.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part of the show remains writing and recording the trailer episode. More than trying to get the message and tone right, it was the risk of starting a project that I thought had tremendous promise but also an uncertain future. According to some reports, more than a quarter of podcasts will only make one episode, and only about thirty-five percent make ten episodes or more. Since my objective was to contribute to Pasadena, even in a small way, I knew that the show would require dedication, consistency, and a little bit of luck.
Like many podcasters, I don’t come from a broadcasting background. This has served me well in that I have more flexibility and can craft the show the way I want, but it is also a challenge because I have had to develop credibility from the ground up. I am constantly amazed to hear from guests that agreed to come on because of a previous episode they heard. I would have never imagined that the episodes, which sometimes differ considerably, would be linked as much as they are, but I am incredibly proud of this because it means that each episode is not an isolated island. Most of the guests I have had the absolute pleasure of getting to know had never heard of the show or me, so it has taken some time to cultivate those relationships. The show’s strength comes from the guests who take a giant leap of faith, and I am incredibly grateful to every one of them.
Approaching and speaking with strangers is not something that comes naturally to me, and I admire those who have that incredible talent. I have always been more comfortable behind the camera or using writing to share stories. But podcasts are different because they allow for personal, in-depth, and honest discussions without the pressure of performing on camera, and this format creates opportunities, especially for an introverted host such as myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At the heart of the podcast is a genuine sense of curiosity. We too often drive down the street or take a walk and don’t take the time to look around and ask how we got there. I have been an admirer of Pasadena for as long as I can remember but I am not a native. I don’t know a lot about the city’s complex history, dynamics, or stories, so I am trying to learn something new with each guest.
Every episode of the show is slightly different, but I integrate several central themes into each conversation. This includes a guest’s background, influences that have been critical in shaping them, more about their organization or business, and what their plans are for the future. Because of these elements, listeners can catch a glimpse into the lives of my guests, and I hope that they finish wishing that the episode was longer.
There are many podcasts and media projects that focus on community members or issues. But what I think differentiates The Crown City Podcast is its variety. To date, I have held conversations with community activists, historians, authors, public figures, and small business owners. As a currently self-funded passion project, I am not limited to who I invite or what questions I ask. It is simply guided by a desire to understand better and celebrate our neighbors.
What matters most to you? Why?
One of the many lessons from the past year and a half is that we have vastly undervalued connections. We took for granted the ability to visit with family and friends, attend our children’s school events, or even go to the grocery store. We quickly realized that we had to be more intentional – we had to put in the extra effort to maintain our relationships or support a local organization or business that was important to us.
When we think of Pasadena, images of our grand City Hall come to mind, or the roar of the Rose Bowl or the character of Old Pasadena. But there is such beauty and richness in all corners of our city, and we need to understand it all – the great and the challenges.
As such, it is all the more critical that we push our limits to get to know one another. The podcast has given me an incredible opportunity to meet and speak with people I would have never interacted with otherwise. But it shouldn’t take a podcast to realize that we need to expand our circles. My life story growing up in Los Angeles is different than a person from Northwest Pasadena so let’s have that conversation to figure out how we are different and how we are the same.
The pandemic has exposed some very vicious gaps in our education, economy, society, politics, and culture. A simple way to narrow this is to recognize that each of us has a story and that our differences are never too vast that we can’t bridge them. If given the opportunity, we need to share those stories because it is this connection and understanding that unites us. It starts with a conversation and an honest willingness to learn. No wall can withstand empathetic curiosity.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.thecrowncitypodcast.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowncitypodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrowncitypodcast
Image Credits:
James De Pietro
