Meet Aaron Schafer | Creator and Co-Host of No Simple Road

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Schafer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, how does your business help the community?
No Simple Road is in a unique position. As a music interview podcast we have the opportunity to have long-form conversations with our heroes that are organic and unscripted. In an increasingly disconnected and isolated culture we have found that we are providing connection and community simply through having these talks. We’ve had overwhelming feedback that listeners feel like they are sitting with their friends while they listen. For those of us that deal with some level of social anxiety or don’t have a friend circle in close proximity we are providing an avenue to feel like we’re a part of something bigger and something that is putting out positivity and love into the world. Most of all though, we are helping by creating a community.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
No Simple Road started with just myself talking into a cheap USB microphone on my porch. Over the past 5 1/2 years it has grown into three of us hosting the show, created a thriving community of listeners, and has made many of our dreams come true.

It has never been easy. It has been a learning experience every step of the way! I/we have had to find our way in an industry that is, honestly, still in its infancy. I think part of the reason we have found any measure of success in these uncharted waters is due to the fact that we create our show from the heart. We aren’t striving for fame. We are working to connect with our guests and have real talks with them that have meaning and find out about who the real person or people are behind the music and art that fuels our lives.

One thing I always think about while working on the show is why we are doing what we’re doing. What is our intention? For No Simple Road it’s, well, simple. We want you to feel like we’re there with you, like we’re asking the things you’d ask to the guest, and making folks feel supported and loved.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think first and foremost we’d head to Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox. We’d have to go to Red Rocks for a show since it is arguably the most iconic music venue in the world. A favorite breakfast spot for something a little healthy is First Watch.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Grateful Dead and Phish Communities have been integral in the success of No Simple Road. Being a part of those worlds has afforded us the opportunity to feel supported, heard, and has given us a place in something that has been so incredibly important in our lives. The encouragement and feeling of family is the fuel that has kept us moving forward.

Website: https://www.nosimpleroad.com

Instagram: @nosimpleroad

Twitter: @nosimpleroad

Facebook: @nosimpleroad

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/nosimpleroadpodcast

Image Credits
Ron Adelberg Photography