Global podcast star Dan Cummins to speak in Coeur d'Alene

COEUR D’ALENE — One of the most successful voices in modern podcasting is coming home. Comedian and creator Dan Cummins, an Inland Northwest native whose shows regularly rank among the most listened to globally, will headline a special fireside chat this Wednesday, June 11 at the Innovation Den. 

Cummins, who grew up in Riggins and attended Gonzaga University, has built a one-of-a-kind career blending stand-up comedy, longform storytelling, and business savvy. His shows Timesuck and Scared to Death reach millions each month, and his devoted Patreon community of over 11,000 supporters places him in the top 0.01 percent of creators worldwide. 

But behind the laughs and success is a deeper story—one that he’s ready to share with a local audience. 

“There’s so much pressure behind the scenes now for creators,” Cummins said. “The game has changed. You can do so much more to promote yourself and monetize your work, but it all comes at the cost of time. The main thing people don’t talk about is burnout.” 

The evening will explore Cummins’ path from performing in small clubs to building a global fanbase. It will also dive into the lessons learned along the way: the danger of chasing every platform, the grind of modern content creation, and the importance of protecting your creative voice. 

“What I’ve learned is you don’t actually have to do it all,” Cummins said. “The last couple years, we’ve scaled back, focused on our core content, and started enjoying the process more. We make the same money, but we have a life now. You can have one lane, and it can be enough.” 

The conversation is hosted by build_CDA, a civic innovation group based in Coeur d’Alene that supports creators, entrepreneurs, and community builders. Their goal is to help residents discover local projects, learn new skills, and build a stronger economy from the ground up. 

The event will be recorded for podcast and livestream broadcasts, but those attending in person will have the chance to ask questions and meet Cummins following the talk. 

For local creators, students, and fans alike, it’s a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the most distinctive voices in the creator economy—and a reminder that world-class talent can still come from small towns. 

The Innovation Den is located at 418 E. Lakeside Drive in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the live interview and Q&A starting at 6:30. The event is free, but seating is limited. Please RSVP by visiting lu.ma/build_CDA.