STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After years of working in media, Prince’s Bay resident Nicholas Durst, 31, developed a catchy theme and hook for his podcast that features a range of celebrities, including many well-known sports figures.
It all started when his wife, Rosalie, gave him a shirt for Christmas that said, “You Know I’m Right.”
“It’s something we used to say to each other. So when I started the podcast, I said to myself, ‘Maybe this will work,’ [as a name]” said Durst. “I have to give my wife full credit because she said, ‘You have to ask them what their ‘you know I’m right’ moment was.’ So it’s like their ‘I told you so moment.’ … This question delves into a time when our guests decided to pursue something despite receiving discouragement, ultimately proving that they were right.”
Pictured from left are: Joseph Calabrese, entrepreneur David Meltzer, Nicholas Durst and former NFL star Shawne Merriman.Courtesy of Nicholas Durst
“You Know I’m Right” was launched from Durst’s home in 2020 just as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shuttered the world. And ever since, he and his co-host, Joseph Calabrese, 31, of Great Kills have interviewed a host of celebrity guests, from broadcasters, entrepreneurs and journalists, to reality television stars and olympic gold medalists on the podcast.
Some prominent guests have been NFL star Shawne Merriman, Tim Kurkjian of ESPN, Marc Malusis from WFAN, comedian Mike Marino, reality star Joe Gorga, and singers William Hung and Constantine Maroulis.
Pictured are: Nicholas Durst, American Idol’s William Hung and Joseph Calabrese (Photo by Antonio Abrego)(Courtesy of Nicholas Durst)
‘A LIFELONG AFFAIR’ WITH ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS
“My passion for both entertainment and sports media has been a lifelong affair. In high school, I excelled in my freshman year speech class and was part of the morning television program at St. Joseph by the Sea High School, which fueled my interest in broadcasting,” he said, noting he obtained a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from St. John’s University, Grymes Hill.
After working stints at the Brooklyn Cyclones, Bleacher Report, MLB Network, DAZN, Daymond John’s The Shark Group, Durst’s current day job is sports broadcaster for the PDF Sports Network and the College of Staten Island, CUNY.
THE LAUNCH
To launch the podcast, Durst used his connections from the various jobs he’s held to book “big name” guests. But for his very first show he brought on Calabrese, a former schoolmate, who he had reconnected with while working at MLB Network.
“We had met attending I.S. 75. Shortly after Joseph’s first appearance on the podcast, he became my permanent co-host. My initial guests on the show were people I had worked with at MLB Network. Once I built up my guest list, I was then able to figure out prominent media members’ email addresses and pitch them to come on based on my past guest star level,” he said.
Pictured from left are: Comedian Mike Marino, Joseph Calabrese, Reality Star Joe Gorga, and Nicholas Durst(Courtesy of Nicholas Durst)
Soon, Durst and Calabrese were flooded with celebrities who wanted to be guests on the podcast.
“It was like an avalanche, and we were recording up to seven episodes per week in December of 2020. While the podcast started before the pandemic, the pandemic played a role [because] prominent guests were more accessible while working from home. .. Recently, publicists and management agencies have approached me with guest pitches,” said Durst.
PODCAST SUCCESS
Durst says the success of the “You Know I’m Right” podcast can be attributed to both his and his guests’ social media efforts.
“Targeting guests with active social media profiles ensures that our interviews reach a wider audience when they share them. Building and expanding a network of notable guests also contributes to our podcast’s success,” he said. “I have been able to meet so many great people through hosting this podcast, and I am always amazed when someone I never met before let’s me know that they listen to and enjoy the show.”
Pictured are Nicholas Durst and Joseph Calabrese. (Photo by Antonio Abrego)(Courtesy of Nicholas Durst)
He can also chalk his early success with the podcast up to his hard work and determination.
“I’m a go-getter, enabling me to pitch potential guests effectively. My preparedness and thorough research make guests appreciate our interviews. I maintain a concise and organized interview structure, asking direct and relevant questions. My active listening, observational skills and friendly demeanor put guests at ease during interviews.”
Pictured from left are:
Nicholas Durst, Musician James Maslow and Joseph Calabrese(Courtesy of Nicholas Durst)
YOU KNOW I’M RIGHT PODCAST AT A GLANCE
Social Media Links: linktr.ee/youknowimright
New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners. If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail [email protected].
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