Meet Libby O

Today we’d like to introduce you to Libby O. 

Hi Libby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont in 2010 to pursue a degree is Mass Communications. I always had a curiosity for storytelling in the form of writing and production but didn’t actually pursue a role in front of the camera until my last year of college. In fact, an interest in becoming on-camera talent was there since I was a kid but I always felt “too shy” to pursue it in reality. I loved watching hosts on The Travel Channel, Today Show, etc., and found it fascinating they lived a “show and tell” career! During and after college, a few interviewing opportunities came about and from there I was hooked. In hindsight, I was always creating a blog, podcast, or content side project which helped me in my editing and branding development. I guess you could say my dream kept discovering me over and over again until I was brave enough to own it. Along the way, God was planting a seed of what has now become my dream project, The Libby O Show. 

I interned for a local news station in town when I moved here and loved the production process of working with the production team and on-camera guests. One of my professors at Belmont is still one of my greatest mentors who taught me the world of entrepreneurial media. Subconsciously I knew I wanted to create my own job which makes sense being where I’m at today! 

Throughout my career post-college, I worked in the marketing side of the entertainment industry. I then went on to host red carpet interviews and created an on-camera and podcast series for a not-for-profit here in town. I would say my learning style has been a mix of research and self-taught processes. I taught myself how to record/edit my own content which has led me to brand and host my own show. 

Before the pandemic, I was freelancing for a live production company helping them with their podcast featuring business professionals in live production while working to launch my own platform. 

Through solid relationships formed along the way, I was led to create my own brand with some amazing people who I’ve been lucky to support as well. The show spotlights entertainers in all walks of the industry while giving a nod to the TV Land aesthetic of the ‘60s. I’m all about providing my audience with wholesome messaging that allows them to escape from the uncertainties of this world. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Pursuing what you are meant to do is never easy. I think the biggest struggle for me was that I searched for that purpose a little too intensely early on. While it was a sign of being driven, I would encourage anybody who is on their way to discovering their dream should take time to enjoy living, form meaningful relationships, work hard, and let God handle the rest. Life is too short to make career the sole focus of your life. In this industry, you have to know who you are to handle any disappointments and delays that arise. I always remind myself of my passion to support other talent and bring listeners a sense of comfort through my journey as well as stories from my guests. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an entrepreneur and on-camera personality. I thrive learning a variety of roles as a host/producer and specialize in interviewing, emceeing, graphic design, social media, and anything else that involves a mic and a camera! I’m most proud of persevering through the twists and turns of a career journey that has been anything but a straight line. I would also say I am proud of my community. I’ve met so many amazing industry peers and friends in this town that have made a huge impact on my perspective and skillset. I would say starting your own digital variety show is pretty rare and I feel my pursuit as a host in this way sets me apart! 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
In terms of resources, I would say A More Beautiful Question (by Warren Berger) and Creative Quest (Questlove) are two books that impacted how I approach conversations in my interviews and creativity. I’m all about making lists so Asana or something as basic as the Notes app on my phone are in constant use! I would say just finding friends who are in your industry or other sectors of your particular field is so important. Not just in terms of networking but finding friends who understand the work and dedication it takes to grow in your respective role. 

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@libbyoshow.com
• Website: www.libbyoshow.com
• Instagram: thelibbyoshow
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibbyOShow
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thelibbyoshow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ05j5UIN42o7thCVE6koqg

Image Credits
Gabriella Tanner
Erik Georges
Jess Dynelle
Riley Mau
Annelise Loughead