The REAL Story Behind Toby and Neal

TL;DR

Toby and Neal discuss their paths to hosting the Morning Brew Daily podcast.

Transcript

Good Morning Brew Daily Show. I am Neal Freyman. And I'm Toby Howell. Neal, Today is a special Memorial Day podcast. It's a holiday, which means there's not our typical news diet to consume. So we decided to shake things up a little bit. A lot of you guys have probably been listening to us for over six or 70 episodes at this point. Thank you for th... Read More

Key Insights

• Toby Howell's journey to Morning Brew began after college when he moved to Portland, Maine, and discovered the newsletter, leading him to cold email the founder for a job.
• Neal Freyman initially pursued a Master's in geography and urban planning before discovering Morning Brew through a LinkedIn post, despite having no business knowledge.
• Toby was a Division I soccer captain at Brown University and considered going pro until injuries and other factors shifted his focus.
• Neal's love for classical music and cooking stems from childhood experiences, including playing the cello and piano, and exploring diverse cuisines.
• Both hosts have a history of bending rules in high school, which they believe contributed to their creative problem-solving skills.
• Neal's work ethic is influenced by his family background, where long hours and dedication to work were the norm.
• The podcast production involves extensive research and teamwork, with a dedicated control room team working behind the scenes.
• Toby and Neal both value diverse interests and skills, seeing them as tools to enhance their personal and professional lives.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Toby Howell end up co-hosting the Morning Brew Daily podcast?

Toby Howell's journey to co-hosting the Morning Brew Daily podcast began after he graduated from college in 2019. He moved to Portland, Maine, to work at a sports marketing startup. During this time, he discovered the Morning Brew newsletter and became a fan. Encouraged by a friend, he cold-emailed the founder, pitching a sports newsletter idea. Although the idea was initially rejected, he was invited to apply for a writer's role. His persistence paid off, and he was hired after a successful interview and audition process.

Q: What led Neal Freyman to join Morning Brew?

Neal Freyman joined Morning Brew after a serendipitous discovery of a LinkedIn post by Alex Lieberman, seeking a content creator for the newsletter. At the time, Neal was pursuing a Master's in geography and urban planning at Temple University, having no prior interest in business news. Despite initial rejection, Neal's polite follow-up email kept him in consideration, and when the original hire didn't work out, he was offered the position. His passion for writing and news, combined with a background in urban studies, made him a perfect fit for the role.

Q: What was Toby Howell's experience with soccer during college?

Toby Howell was the captain of the Brown University Division I soccer team during his college years. Playing sports was an integral part of his life, and he never felt he missed out on the typical college experience. His dedication to soccer shaped his college life significantly, providing a built-in group of friends and a sense of purpose. Although he considered going professional, injuries during his senior year led him to pursue other opportunities, ultimately bringing him to Morning Brew.

Q: How did Neal Freyman's love for classical music develop?

Neal Freyman's love for classical music began at a young age when his mother signed him up for piano lessons and later encouraged him to play the cello. Despite early reluctance, Neal grew to enjoy practicing and became involved in his high school's orchestra. Playing in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Boston Symphony Hall, Neal's passion for classical music deepened, and it remains an important part of his life. His involvement in music also fostered lasting friendships and a strong appreciation for the art form.

Q: What motivates Toby Howell's competitive nature?

Toby Howell's competitive nature is driven by a desire to be competent in various areas of life. He finds it fulfilling to be good at multiple skills, whether it's sports, puzzles, or public speaking. This motivation stems from a belief that being well-rounded is valuable and exciting. Toby's background in sports, including running marathons and participating in triathlons, highlights his commitment to continuous improvement and embracing challenges. His approach to setting ambitious goals, like breaking three hours in his first marathon, exemplifies his competitive spirit.

Q: How does Neal Freyman manage his workload and avoid burnout?

Neal Freyman manages his workload by maintaining a genuine passion for his work at Morning Brew. He enjoys the dynamic nature of news, where each day brings new stories and challenges. This excitement keeps him engaged and motivated, preventing burnout. Neal's family background, where hard work was a common value, also influences his work ethic. He acknowledges that being single and without dependents allows him to dedicate more time to his job. Despite the demanding nature of the role, Neal finds fulfillment in producing content that he loves, which helps him stay energized.

Q: What are some behind-the-scenes aspects of producing the Morning Brew Daily podcast?

Producing the Morning Brew Daily podcast involves extensive preparation and teamwork. Each episode requires hours of research and reading to ensure the hosts are well-informed on the topics discussed. The production team plays a crucial role, managing graphics, social media content, and technical aspects of the show. The control room is equipped with multiple screens and equipment to ensure a smooth broadcast. This collaborative effort results in a polished 20-minute segment, showcasing the dedication and coordination required to deliver engaging content to listeners.

Q: What advice does Toby Howell give to those intimidated by ambitious goals?

Toby Howell advises setting ambitious, even seemingly outlandish, goals to motivate oneself. He believes that having a challenging target pushes individuals to rise to the occasion. For example, when training for his first marathon, Toby aimed to break three hours, a demanding pace. This goal inspired him to train diligently and improve his performance. He suggests that setting a high bar can lead to unexpected achievements, as the process of striving towards a significant goal often leads to personal growth and enhanced capabilities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Toby Howell shares his journey from college graduation to becoming a co-host on the Morning Brew Daily podcast. His path included working at a sports marketing startup and discovering Morning Brew, which led to his hiring after a successful cold email to the founder.

• Neal Freyman's path to Morning Brew involved a pivot from a geography and urban planning Master's program. Despite initial rejection, his persistence and passion for news and writing secured him a role that has evolved into a leadership position at the company.

• The episode highlights the hosts' personal interests, with Toby's athletic background and Neal's love for classical music and cooking. They also discuss their work ethic, the podcast's production process, and the importance of setting ambitious goals.