We interviewed Tim Casperson, the writer behind The Hotshot Wake Up, who worked as a wildfire firefighter for 12 years before starting his Substack. Tim talks about filling a void in his industry, speaking to those on the front line, and hosting a podcast on Substack.
Appreciate the encouraging words about moving ahead with the podcast! Also, super impressive paid-to-free subscriber ratio. Any insight into how you've converted so many?
First of all, thank you for your service, Tim -- as a former volunteer firefighter, I know how extremely hard your work is. I live in New Mexico, and earlier this year we had the worst wildfires ever. Many hotshots were there 24/7. And I appreciate your comment about listening to one's own voice. I've been recording some of my posts but was so disgusted with my voice that I didn't pursue podcasts any further. I'll give it another try.
"What questions do you have for Tim that we didn’t ask?"
Hi Tim, The Daily Beagle here. I looked over your Substack to get a feel for the sort of articles, and noticed something that caught my interest. You mention you have thousands of paying subscribers and thousands of free, however your articles seem to average roughly 10 to 20 likes. Why do you think this is?
I believe it due to the fact that I post the articles on my Instagram. With nearly 40,000 followers there my article posts get thousands of likes. By the time they click the link they probably feel they already liked it.
Also, alpha firefighters are not the type to “like” things on The internet. Just the way my audience is.
This is amazing. Especially for those of us in California. (But everywhere, really.) My first thought was: We need the same thing but from a cop. Right? Wouldn't that help heal some wounds, by showing what it's like from an insider's POV? Maybe not; it might just make the "dialogue" (mud-slinging) worse. Firefighting may be the last frontier of non-racialized chaos. (Or am I wrong? Did this already start?)
Anyway, this is clearly a very important Substack and podcast, especially as climate change worsens over the years and decades. I'm not surprised by the interest in it. I will definitely subscribe. My folks almost lost their home in Ojai in 2017 during the Thomas Fire. Terrifying.
This person was not a hotshot supervisor, he barely fucking made it hiking hills due to his alcoholism. Puked more often than not. An absolute joke of the wildland fire community that nobody respects
Tim Casperson's interview in the Grow series offers a fascinating glimpse into how he successfully carved out a niche for himself on Substack with "The Hotshot Wake Up." His commitment to providing real-time information and support for wildland firefighters is not only commendable but also essential in an industry facing significant challenges. The way he blends personal experience with actionable insights, such as workouts and mental health tips, creates a well-rounded resource that resonates with both professionals and the public.
Moreover, Tim's approach to podcasting as an extension of his writing is particularly inspiring. By encouraging others to embrace their unique voices, he highlights the importance of authenticity in content creation. His success story serves as a powerful reminder that filling a void with passion and expertise can lead to meaningful connections and growth in any community. https://www.sprunkiphasegames.com
amazing niche
Appreciate the encouraging words about moving ahead with the podcast! Also, super impressive paid-to-free subscriber ratio. Any insight into how you've converted so many?
Thank you. I have an amazingly supportive community. Humbled daily by it.
Nah you are a tool and a joke to the community that continues to fight wildfires nobody actually doing the job respects you
Really filling a Need, it would appear, yes!
Respect
First of all, thank you for your service, Tim -- as a former volunteer firefighter, I know how extremely hard your work is. I live in New Mexico, and earlier this year we had the worst wildfires ever. Many hotshots were there 24/7. And I appreciate your comment about listening to one's own voice. I've been recording some of my posts but was so disgusted with my voice that I didn't pursue podcasts any further. I'll give it another try.
Cheers and thank you. 🙏
Tool you thanking a volley. You should be thanking him
"What questions do you have for Tim that we didn’t ask?"
Hi Tim, The Daily Beagle here. I looked over your Substack to get a feel for the sort of articles, and noticed something that caught my interest. You mention you have thousands of paying subscribers and thousands of free, however your articles seem to average roughly 10 to 20 likes. Why do you think this is?
I believe it due to the fact that I post the articles on my Instagram. With nearly 40,000 followers there my article posts get thousands of likes. By the time they click the link they probably feel they already liked it.
Also, alpha firefighters are not the type to “like” things on The internet. Just the way my audience is.
This is amazing. Especially for those of us in California. (But everywhere, really.) My first thought was: We need the same thing but from a cop. Right? Wouldn't that help heal some wounds, by showing what it's like from an insider's POV? Maybe not; it might just make the "dialogue" (mud-slinging) worse. Firefighting may be the last frontier of non-racialized chaos. (Or am I wrong? Did this already start?)
Anyway, this is clearly a very important Substack and podcast, especially as climate change worsens over the years and decades. I'm not surprised by the interest in it. I will definitely subscribe. My folks almost lost their home in Ojai in 2017 during the Thomas Fire. Terrifying.
Keep up the good work, Tim!
Michael Mohr
"Sincere American Writing"
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Thank you. A police officer Substack would be very interesting.
Right?!
I would
Like to know if we still fell trees in the American forest ? Seems like would would have less fires.
Nice to see how this is working well in what is a very niche area.
This person was not a hotshot supervisor, he barely fucking made it hiking hills due to his alcoholism. Puked more often than not. An absolute joke of the wildland fire community that nobody respects
Tim Casperson's interview in the Grow series offers a fascinating glimpse into how he successfully carved out a niche for himself on Substack with "The Hotshot Wake Up." His commitment to providing real-time information and support for wildland firefighters is not only commendable but also essential in an industry facing significant challenges. The way he blends personal experience with actionable insights, such as workouts and mental health tips, creates a well-rounded resource that resonates with both professionals and the public.
Moreover, Tim's approach to podcasting as an extension of his writing is particularly inspiring. By encouraging others to embrace their unique voices, he highlights the importance of authenticity in content creation. His success story serves as a powerful reminder that filling a void with passion and expertise can lead to meaningful connections and growth in any community. https://www.sprunkiphasegames.com
Thanks.