Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Townes.
Hi Tyler, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Starting out in my college apartment at Texas State University in 2017, I decided to start my podcast Talk To Me Tyler T. I had no experience at all with podcasting, no equipment, or anything. All I had was an iPhone 7, some great conversation, and a Soundcloud account. Wanting something of my own with no one else’s name attached to it, I decided to just go for it. With the help of some of my good friends Katoria, Soloman, and Sweet James, I made it happen. I went from inviting people over to sit in my bathroom to record shows twice a week to having my podcast on all streaming platforms, interviewing local talents such as rappers, young entrepreneurs, creatives, and much more. Talk To Me Tyler T has brought me so much joy because knowing that I am impacting my listeners means the world to me. It is crazy to think about how I have already celebrated 4 years of my podcast. Listeners from all over the nation have reached out to me via Twitter and Instagram showing how much they enjoy my episodes and the content I am creating. I am HEAVY on the gratitude because without my listeners my podcast would literally be nothing. On the second hand, there have been some hardships with Talk To Me Tyler T just like there are with anything else. I have had times where I wanted to hang it all up and quit. I have had times where I was unmotivated to record an episode because I was mentally fatigued because you know, life. My podcast is still on the rise I feel and I know there are more good things to come. I am confident in my abilities and know what I am capable of. During my last year obtaining my undergraduate degree at Texas State University, I really got into fitness also. I was always an athlete throughout grade school, but when I got to college, I had to figure out a way to stay active without being engulfed in basketball 24/7. During the summer of 2019, I really locked in and told myself I would change my body in the next 30 days. I started working out 5 times a week doing 2 lower body days, 2 upper body days, and a core day. I honestly had no idea what I was doing but I just knew the consistency would get me somewhere if I kept going. I saw how my body changed and noticed the growth in myself physically and mentally. I continued this post-graduation. I ended up getting a job at a sports training called D1 Dallas. I was working as a front desk attendant but I got to take the workout classes for free and shadow all of the personal trainers who worked there. Being in that environment, I was able to observe, learn, and pick everyone’s brain about fitness. This is where I figured out, I wanted to be a personal trainer. People always asked me if I could assist them in working out, create them a program to follow, or even be their trainer. I was not yet comfortable with any of those tasks because I felt like I did not know enough and I did not have any credentials to back it up. Once I got furloughed from my job during the start of COVID in 2020, I started studying for my certification to become a personal trainer. I studied for 6 months while being in graduate school at the University of North Texas and passed my exam on the FIRST try. I was ecstatic. Shortly after that, I decided to go into business for myself and this is when Trained 2 The T came to life. I hit the ground running with my business, but after a while, I decided that I wanted to work for a corporate gym to see how I could thrive there. I accepted a job at Lifetime Athletic in Mansfield during the Summer of 2021. I have been here for roughly 6 months and my knowledge on the industry has gone through the roof. That was the main reason I made the decision put my business on hold. At the start of 2022, I will be leaving Lifetime and going back into business for myself full time. I know what I am worth and me betting on myself will always be better than having a corporation controlling my time. I want to make an impact on anyone that comes in contact with me so anyway that I can do that is the way for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is nothing smooth about being your own boss and running things independently. I have been frustrated, confused, indecisive, and everything under the sun. The grind is what make the victories so sweet though. When you are starting a business, you are starting from scratch. There is really no blueprint or no one coaching you step by step. You are honestly just going out on a leap of faith trying to figure things out as you go. Being resourceful has helped me out a ton. Even with all the resources that I have, I am still the one who has to make my business grow especially with being a creative (podcaster) and a personal trainer. Both industries are saturated and are being taken over by social media. Instagram influencers who do not really have any education, background, or certifications in fitness are the ones leading the pack. This just makes it that much harder for people like me who are passionate about the work to succeed. But then again, there is no victory sweeter than one that you put in the work for. I wake up every day and tell myself that I am right where I am supposed to be. If I had everything that I desired for myself right now, I would not be able to handle it. Great things take time. These are some of the hardest things to hear from people or yourself, but some of the truest things you can tell yourself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a podcaster and a personal trainer. My podcast is called Talk to Me Tyler T which I have been recording since 2017. I specialize in urban culture that is real, uncensored, and uncut. I discuss topics that people may talk about among their friend groups but are not brave enough to let the world hear. I am known for how organic and authentic I keep it no matter the circumstances. I feel like that is what will take me far. When it comes to personal training, my business is called Trained 2 The T. I started this business about a year ago and specialize in weight loss, performance enhancement, and functional training. I am well-versed when it comes to my knowledge of the human body and know how to get clients to understand why they should be weight training. I am most proud of my consistency and my yearning desire to succeed. No one can take my motivation from me and I will not take no for an answer when it comes to my success. I feel like that is what sets me apart from others. I am closer to my dream today than I was yesterday, so why stop now?
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to those starting a business regardless of what it is to make sure you know what you want out of what you are doing. Start with the end in mind. If you want to be a podcaster, listen to podcasts. If you want to be a personal trainer, reach out to personal trainers and be in that environment. Have ambition and know that your success will not come overnight. Know that it will be frustrating at times and things may even feel like they are not getting any better. Do not let that discourage you. Stay the course and know that what is meant for you is already written. Know that if you see it, you can have it. Fill your mind with positive thoughts and surround yourself with people who have the same aspirations that you do. You are who determines how successful you are so know that you have to believe in yourself because no one else will if you do not. Most importantly, do not be scared to fail. Do not look at your failures as losses. Look at them as lessons. You can learn from everything you go through.
Contact Info:
- Email: talktometylert@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.talktometylert.com
- Instagram: @talktometylert
- Twitter: @talktometylert
