Behind The Curtain: The Art of Celebrity Interviews with Adam Rothenberg

I had the privilege of interviewing Adam Rothenberg, the founder of Call Me Adam, an entertainment platform that has grown from humble beginnings to hosting over 2,200 celebrity interviews and attracting more than 2 million visitors. Adam's journey from corporate employee to full-time entrepreneur offers valuable insights for anyone considering taking the leap into business ownership, especially veterans transitioning from military service.

Adam's story begins in 2008 when he launched his platform as a side project while maintaining his corporate job. For years, he nurtured his passion for entertainment interviews, building relationships with celebrities and growing his audience. However, it wasn't until November 2019 that he made the courageous decision to leave his secure job and pursue his entrepreneurial dreams full-time. His timing couldn't have been more challenging – the pandemic hit shortly after, decimating the entertainment industry that was supposed to provide his advertising revenue.

What struck me most about Adam's experience was his emphasis on preparation before making the entrepreneurial leap. Following advice from financial expert Suze Orman, Adam had carefully saved part of his corporate paycheck to create a financial cushion before transitioning. This preparation proved invaluable when the pandemic disrupted his initial business plans. For military members considering entrepreneurship, Adam's approach offers a practical blueprint: start building your business while still in service, ideally 5-7 years before your planned exit, giving your venture time to gain traction and generate income.

Another critical factor in Adam's success has been finding the right community. During our conversation, he stressed how essential it has been to connect with fellow entrepreneurs who understand the unique challenges of building a business. Through platforms like Clubhouse, Adam discovered mentors and peers who provided guidance, support, and accountability. This community aspect is particularly important because entrepreneurship can be incredibly isolating. Having a trusted group to bounce ideas off of and ask questions without judgment has accelerated Adam's growth and kept him motivated through difficult periods.

The evolution of Adam's business strategy also highlights the importance of flexibility and continuous learning. From his initial blog to developing a podcast and recently publishing his book "Behind the Curtain: The Mistakes, Lessons Learned and Triumphs of Interviewing Celebrities," Adam has consistently expanded his offerings and explored new revenue streams. Each new venture has brought its own learning curve, but Adam emphasizes that embracing this ongoing education is essential for business growth. As he aptly put it, "If you stop learning, I feel like you're going to go out of business."

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Adam's story is his perspective on timing and persistence. Many entrepreneurs quit just before they're about to make a significant breakthrough, typically around the five to seven-year mark. Adam's sixteen-year journey demonstrates that success often requires sustained effort and patience. For veterans transitioning to civilian life and entrepreneurship, this long-view approach aligns well with the disciplined persistence cultivated during military service.

Adam's parting advice encapsulates his measured approach to entrepreneurship: "Take the leap, but find the way to do it that makes you comfortable." Not everyone is built for high-risk ventures with no safety net. For many, including Adam, a more calculated transition works better – starting small, testing concepts, building gradually, and maintaining some income stability while the business grows. This wisdom is particularly valuable for military members who are accustomed to structure and security as they contemplate their entrepreneurial futures.

As we closed our conversation, I was reminded that entrepreneurship looks different for everyone. Whether you're podcasting once a month or launching a full-scale business, the key is to understand your process and stick with it until it becomes second nature. For veterans and military spouses considering this path, Adam's journey offers both inspiration and practical guidance on how to transform passion into a sustainable business.

Check out all of Adam's interviews HERE