Kevin Hall shares how he sells books every month without paying for ads, and why saying yes beats perfection. We also dive into Kodak/Xerox history, impostor syndrome, and practical podcasting tips that improve your on-camera presence today. In this David Watson Podcast episode, Kevin breaks down the steps behind his memoirs, his spiritual book, and his new guide “Book Marketing on a Budget: Simple Steps for New Authors.” If you’re an author or podcaster trying to grow without big spend, this conversation is a blueprint. Guest Kevin Hall — author of Ilion: My Childhood, My Memories; My Rosemount MN Memories; Signs – The Veil is Thinner Than We Imagine; and Book Marketing on a Budget (forthcoming). Website: https://www.kevin-hall.com What you’ll learn • A simple glasses fix to remove on-camera glare • Why perfection kills momentum (and why the answer is “yes”) • Local media, libraries, and alumni networks as free marketing channels • Podcasting basics that boost presence: eye line, lighting, pacing • A Xerox/Kodak crash course: what empires teach about innovation • How to pitch without being salesy, and handle rejection easily • Turning family stories into memoirs that actually get read • Why feedback isn’t criticism — it’s your growth engine Timestamps 00:00 Intro and a quick tip to kill glasses glare on camera 01:05 Small talk to confidence: saying yes, not perfect 02:29 Where Kevin grew up and why place matters to story 03:36 Moving states, friendship, marriage, and life lessons07:05 Kodak and Xerox: toner, film, and the cost of missed pivots 12:16 The office copier era, queues, and culture we’ve lost 18:10 From corporate lessons to author mindset 24:06 New authors: why local press, libraries, and alumni lists work 27:06 Book Marketing on a Budget: staircase strategy overview 33:10 Podcasting tips: eye contact, lighting, voice, and presence 40:14 Impostor syndrome and building confidence through action 47:20 The books: memoirs, spiritual stories, and the new marketing guide 1:04:00 Leaving a legacy for grandkids and your future readers 1:18:45 Viral moments happen to the consistent 1:23:06 Final question: time machine, songs, and perspective 1:26:00 Wrap-up and takeaways Calls to action • If this helped, like, comment with your biggest takeaway, and subscribe for weekly conversations. • Are you an author or podcaster with a story to share? Get in touch to be a guest. • Check Kevin’s books and say hi: https://www.kevin-hall.com