Rising Tides Live: Building An Audience From Anywhere

Interview Takeaways

Start Before You’re Ready – Your content won’t be perfect in the beginning — and that’s exactly how it should be. David Lissah reminded us that the only way to improve is by actually creating. The more you post, the more you learn what works, and the better you get over time.
Authenticity Wins – Social media doesn’t reward fake personas. David built his audience by being unapologetically himself — sharing honest stories, showing real moments, and resisting the urge to follow trends for the sake of it. When you show up as your true self, people pay attention.
Engagement Builds Community – Posting is just the first step. David emphasized how important it is to engage with your audience — reply to comments, connect with other creators, and be part of the conversation. That’s how you build real relationships and turn followers into a supportive community.

In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered around a powerful idea: how can creators build an authentic audience from anywhere in the world? The guest was David Lissah, a UK-born entrepreneur and creator who moved to Bulgaria in 2024—and whose candid content about life abroad turned into a viral storytelling journey. What began as a simple Instagram DM between Shawn and David quickly evolved into a real-world connection, a podcast recording in Sofia, and now a global conversation about creativity, community, and the courage to show up online. From smartphone storytelling to social media algorithms, Shawn and David explored how creators and business owners alike can stop overthinking content, embrace discomfort, and unlock real growth—no matter where they are.

Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard

Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tides Live room streaming with Riverside on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and more. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.

The Big Quote

Homework Assignment

Post something this week — even if it’s not perfect. The only way to improve is by getting the reps in.

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Episode Links

Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
David Lissah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidlissah_/
David Lissah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidlissah_
David Lissah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidlissah1/
David Lissah YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_uDfvxHqJVl_asiwiMrlA

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About Cali BBQ Media

Digital Hospitality is an interview-based video podcast hosted by business owner Shawn P. Walchef (@shawnpwalchef) and produced by his Cali BBQ Media company. The weekly digital series explores the ways successful businesses and entrepreneurs have merged old and new with innovative digital strategies that harness the power of the Internet and social media. Shawn is the founder of Cali BBQ Media and creator of the Restaurant Influencers podcast on Entrepreneur Media.

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