Listen

Hear the latest episodes

Watch

See the latest videos

Read

Browse the latest content

Social Media Rule #1: You’re Going to Suck When You Start

In This Episode

Interview Takeaways

  • Authenticity Wins Every Time – David Lissah learned the hard way that forcing content that doesn’t feel right only burns you out. Whether you’re a business or a creator, staying true to yourself builds lasting connections.
  • Boundaries Make the Dream Work – From working with his wife to setting strict work hours, David shares why structure and clear boundaries are the secret to making content creation sustainable — and fun.
  • You’ll Suck at First — That’s the Point – Everyone starts at zero. The key is to pick up your phone, hit record, and get comfortable being uncomfortable.

When Shawn Walchef connected with David Lissah in Sofia, Bulgaria, it wasn’t part of a grand plan. Shawn had simply followed David on Instagram, impressed by his honest storytelling and creator journey. A direct message turned into a podcast invite, and before long, two creators from opposite sides of the world sat down for a conversation about business, content, and the power of sharing your story.

“I never thought I’d be on your podcast,” David told Shawn. “But it happened because I started posting. That’s all it took.”

For David, moving from the UK to Bulgaria sparked a new chapter — not as a planned creator, but as someone who shared his real experiences online. That honest storytelling helped him build a personal brand and launched a freelance marketing business with his wife, Marina.

Content Boundaries: Why Structure Matters

Like many creators, David and Marina found themselves caught in the hustle. They were filming all day, juggling freelance work, and forgetting why they started creating in the first place.

Eventually, they put boundaries in place. No work before noon. No business after 7 p.m. Ideas go into Notion for tomorrow.

“If you don’t protect your personal time, you lose sight of your purpose,” David shared. “Structure keeps it sustainable.”

For business owners, this message hits home. Content creation should fit into your life, not consume it.

The Secret to Content: You’ll Suck at First — And That’s Fine

David doesn’t sugarcoat it.

“You’re going to suck at first,” he said with a laugh. “Everyone does. But you have to start.”

His advice is simple. Grab your phone, hit record, and expect the early videos to be awkward. It’s like lifting weights. You build strength by showing up, doing the reps, and getting a little better each time.

“Every video teaches you something,” David explained. “The only way forward is to do it.”

The connection between Shawn and David proves it. One post, one story, one honest share — that’s all it takes to build relationships and open doors you never expected.

For business owners and creators alike, the message is clear. Start now. Share your story. You never know who might be watching.

Listen To This Episode

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.

Join our Newsletter

Be the Show, Not the Commercial

Tell your story, share your mission, build stronger connections. See how the Cali BBQ Media team can help your business grow through the power of your own story. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *