Podcast
239: Chris Rodell
Chris Rodell, seasoned No BS Marketing Show guest, lives in Youngstown, PA, just right outside of Latrobe on Arnold Palmer Drive. Chris was a freelance writer for publications like Esquire, Playboy, and Men’s Health, often writing pieces with creative topics like traveling to the moon.
However, once his town changed his street name from Main Street to Arnold Palmer Drive, Chris became the “Voice of Arnie’s Army” and was known for the many pieces he wrote about The King, Arnold Palmer.
Listen to this episode to learn about Chris’ newly released book Arnold Palmer: Homespun Stories of the King. You’ll learn all about Random Acts of Palmer and how The King used the written word to spread kindness and joy to friends, family, and fans. Listen to hear stories directly from the Voice of Arnie’s Army and learn about the impact Arnold Palmer had on golf, the community, and the people he wrote many letters to.
Key Takeaways
[00:32] Content Experience
- Where, when, what, how, why
- How do you consume content?
- By them. For them.
[05:28] Building a Relationship with The King
- Coincidental
- Main Street changed to Arnold Palmer drive
- Arnold’s assistant, Doc, asked if Chris wanted to golf
- Began writing for A Kingdom Magazine, got to know Arnold well
[08:42] Many Sides of Arnold Palmer
- Further he got in life, the more comfortable he was at home
- Playing the lottery with people at Giant Eagle
- Book is more about Arnold, the town and his life
- Everyone can live like Arnie
[00:32] Random Acts of Palmer P1
- Made you feel special
- Sent letter to make peoples day
- Felt there was power and emotion in writing letters
[15:03] Arnold’s Final Letter
- Wrote his last letter the day he died
- Thanking people for bringing him peaches
[16:56] Random Acts of Palmer P2
- Sent an acquaintance’s father a letter after he had a stroke
- Letter got there before the family could get there
- Prostate cancer fighters
[18:18] Why Write THIS Book
- Felt personal, but didn’t think he had credibility
- Being the “Voice of Arnie’s Army”
- 1 part champagne, 3 parts beer
[23:35] How the Drink, Arnold Palmer, was Created
[24:24] Creating Genuine Content
- Not about $
- Will I have a good story?
- Enjoyment, happiness, engaging
- Creative, imaginative
[27:11] How Chris Got All the Arnie Stories
[29:45] Why Arnie Preferred His Hometown Club
- “It’s just so close.”
[32:25] Why You Need This Book
- Can’t play golf like Arnold, but you can live like him
Purchase the Book
Signed Copy: ChrisRodell.com
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