Content Creator, Storyteller, Podcast Producer
Welcome to “7 Questions with A Couple,” a monthly series that includes quick conversations with a variety of experts and influencers from throughout the MS community. We often refer to him during episodes of A Couple Takes on MS podcast as “our fully masked and socially distant producer Ryan,” but here’s a look behind the mask at our superstar podcast producer, Ryan Evon. Ryan is an extremely talented photographer and incredibly creative content creator who has a way of capturing people’s stories and honest realities. True story: In addition to writing several stories about us, he snapped the photo (we didn’t know he was taking it!) that is on the cover of our book. And here is the recent conversation we had with him in our attempt to capture his story and honest reality.
1. You had approached us about the potential of creating a podcast relating to our life with MS. What made you think this was where our experiences belong?
You are both so good at talking about your experiences, but text doesn’t quite nail your back & forth. I figured that out having tried to write my article, the audio is where I felt like your story really stood out. And with the continual nature of your blog, it seemed like a podcast would be a perfect fit. The connection of hearing someone telling you their experience can be very powerful.
2. A Couple Takes On MS isn’t your first podcast. Tell us a little bit about your previous podcasts, and what gave you the confidence to get started with pursuing this venture?
I started an entertainment review podcast (movies, TV, etc.) and I roped in anyone I knew to help. That show started from an idea of writing the story “After the Credits,” and we made up a fake newspaper that reported the stories a journalist would tell after the credits rolled; the Tri City Times World Herald Gazette Courier Chronicle Vindicator Sentinel Daily Picayune. Over time, the homework of writing the stories became too much with work, and we would just talk entertainment and drink beer.
I had enough equipment to just try it without buying anything. I immediately liked it. I never really considered it a career path until 2020, but I’ve pitched a few podcasts to networks over the years and do enjoy it as a “job.”
3. What podcasts you are listening to and what is it about them that keep you coming back?
I listen to a lot, but I’ll use Stop Podcasting Yourself to emphasize what I think podcasts can be and why I come back. SPY was started by Dave Shumka and Graham Clark, two Canadian comedians I’d never heard of, but they started early in podcasting and kept grinding. They are funny as hell and often have hilarious guests and some fun segments. My favorite episode is 293 with Alicia Tobin. When I first listened to it, I legitimately had to pull my car over because I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes. I’ve probably listened to that one episode 100 times in the last eight years.
But over the course of listening to them talk to guests and talk about themselves, I grew to like them as people. Dave talked about his dog Grandpa (best dog name, ever; “Grandpa pooped in the kitchen,”…etc.) so much that when Grandpa was put down (not as funny) I was a little sad.
In episode 281, they very candidly described an incident where Dave was almost shot in the head (he posted the photo of bullet graze on the top of his head) and it made me relieved that he was OK. That kind of connection with people I’ve never met seems strange but the way the two of them express themselves and talk to their guests and the amount of laughter I get from just that show, has made it an important part of my life.
4. We got to know you as an innovative photographer and storyteller. Is this still an area you’re pursuing? Why or why not?
I burnt out pretty hard on journalism and that kind of took photography down with it. Even if you don’t take people threatening your life or job seriously, when it happens a couple times, it kind of wears on you.
But also I saw the modern trend of pure hatred of truth-tellers coming up from ground level interactions. I figured that threats and attacks on journalists were going to become the norm for the job. As much as I loved learning and telling the stories of a community, I knew the stress would ruin it for me forever.
I still get a little nervous when I pick up my camera, but I feel like there is a road back, I just haven’t found it yet.
5. What sparks your creativity?
Occasionally competition, which is weird because I’m not competitive outwardly. But I like to have others to compare my work to, so I can know how well I’m doing and I really like having proof I know what I’m doing.
My normal creative process is almost like intrusive thoughts, they pop in and won’t let go. I usually want to complete whatever it was just to get the idea out of my head. I still remember pieces of a story from a college creative writing class that I never finished.
6. What does a good day look like for Ryan Evon?
It feels like it’s been a bit since I’ve had one of those. Lately, any day I don’t have near crippling anxiety about the state of the world or some personal/family drama is pretty good. Right now, a good day sounds like being outside, walking through the woods letting my mind and body aimlessly wander.
7. You used to work in Texas and made numerous trips back to see your family here in Michigan. If you had to make that trip again tomorrow, what are the top seven songs you’d have loaded onto your road trip playlist?
I usually listen to podcasts on road trips, but some standards from recent playlists are: