In this session of Rising Tides Live, hosted by Shawn Walchef, the community gathered around a powerful idea: how can creators build an authentic audience from anywhere in the world? The guest was David Lissah, a UK-born entrepreneur and creator who moved to Bulgaria in 2024—and whose candid content about life abroad turned into a viral storytelling journey. What began as a simple Instagram DM between Shawn and David quickly evolved into a real-world connection, a podcast recording in Sofia, and now a global conversation about creativity, community, and the courage to show up online. From smartphone storytelling to social media algorithms, Shawn and David explored how creators and business owners alike can stop overthinking content, embrace discomfort, and unlock real growth—no matter where they are.

Interview Takeaways:

• Start Before You’re Ready – Your content won’t be perfect in the beginning — and that’s exactly how it should be. David Lissah reminded us that the only way to improve is by actually creating. The more you post, the more you learn what works, and the better you get over time.
• Authenticity Wins – Social media doesn’t reward fake personas. David built his audience by being unapologetically himself — sharing honest stories, showing real moments, and resisting the urge to follow trends for the sake of it. When you show up as your true self, people pay attention.
• Engagement Builds Community – Posting is just the first step. David emphasized how important it is to engage with your audience — reply to comments, connect with other creators, and be part of the conversation. That’s how you build real relationships and turn followers into a supportive community.

Episode Links:

• Cali BBQ Media: https://content.calibbq.media/
• Join Our Next Show: https://betheshow.media/rising-tides/
• Shawn Walchef on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpwalchef/
• David Lissah Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidlissah_/
• David Lissah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidlissah_
• David Lissah Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidlissah1/
• David Lissah YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF_uDfvxHqJVl_asiwiMrlA

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