As I’m getting ready for a road trip, I’m finishing up as many things as I can. I always say I want to spend less time at my computer. That will definitely be the case for the next five days. Yes, please.
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Author: Craig Constantine
Right. In. My. Face.
I keep a board with sticky-notes. Right at eye level, right next to my most-common workspace. What’s the simplest thing that could possibly work? In this case it’s rows for day-of-the week, and date at the top. Then I just stick notes for rocks where they need to be. (The metaphor is that of putting rocks and sand into a glass jar… put big rocks in first. Also sometimes phrased as, “Eat the toad first.”)
This really works well for me. Every time I see the board I think: Am I actually doing the right thing?
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Engagement with Vince Quinn
What does it really mean to be an effective podcast host?
Good podcasts succeed by focusing on engagement, not biography.
[…] everybody loves podcasting and talks about their podcast constantly, and yet never talks about hosting— how can I be a better host?
~ Vince Quinn (2:00)
This conversation with Vince Quinn focuses on the role of hosting in podcasting, emphasizing that many podcasters neglect to develop hosting as a craft. The discussion contrasts how people obsess over gear or downloads but rarely consider how to become better hosts. A strong host is seen as fundamental to a good show—someone who prepares, guides the conversation, and stays aware of pacing, clarity, and energy. The act of listening back to one’s own show is framed as a vital method of improving, not just through passive review but through strategic reflection on structure, tone, and listener engagement.
Vince and Craig also discuss common pet peeves in podcasting, such as hosts who aren’t prepared or who rely on generic question lists. They stress that shows should begin with engaging topics, not guest biographies, and that silence and space are useful tools for dynamic audio. Another significant topic is the use of LinkedIn and other platforms not just for promotion but for building real, reciprocal connections. The conversation closes with reflections on using podcasts as core drivers of content strategy for small businesses, suggesting that most podcasters follow flawed blueprints and should instead focus on clarity of purpose and realistic goals.
Takeaways
Hosting as the core skill — Hosting is the defining feature of a podcast and is rarely given the attention it deserves.
Listening back with purpose — Reviewing episodes is essential for improvement, especially when done with detachment and intention.
Preparation makes a difference — Being prepared with guest-specific context creates a better experience for both guest and audience.
Avoiding biography overload — Starting episodes with long guest bios wastes listener attention and can be a major turnoff.
Letting guests lead — Asking neutral, open-ended questions enables guests to share authentic experiences without emotional projection.
Using space intentionally — Strategic use of silence can enhance tension, rhythm, and storytelling in audio.
Engaging social media mindfully — LinkedIn and other platforms can be used effectively to build strategic business relationships.
Avoiding generic questions — Personalized, thoughtful prompts are more engaging than standard interview scripts.
Choosing the right content blueprint — Most podcasters imitate high-profile shows without realistic alignment to their own goals.
Using podcasting for business — Podcasts can drive content strategy, relationship-building, and lead generation for service-based businesses.
Maximizing limited resources — Bootstrapped creators can use a podcast to generate multi-purpose content across platforms efficiently.
Clarity of purpose — Defining success and setting short-term goals are crucial for keeping podcast production focused and meaningful.
Resources
SBX Productions — Vince Quinn’s business providing podcast production services.
Vince’s free 30-minute consultations — To help creators improve their shows.
It’s Not “Just Talking” — Vince’s podcast
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Knowledge in
I spend a lot of time reading—frankly, as much time as I can sequester for it. I’ve read several of Seneca’s letters, randomly over the years. A while back I bought this delightful edition from Chicago Press and I’m beginning at the beginning. (There are marks in the book where I’ve already used it for referring to some of the letters.) What knowledge are you putting into your mind?
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Curiosity with David Wilson
How can older adults reclaim movement as a joyful, empowering part of life despite pervasive cultural narratives about aging?
Letting go of perfectionism opens the door to playfulness and self-compassion.
If I can be more compassionate toward myself, I can let go of this addiction to competence and just let myself try, and suck. So yeah, I have come to embrace the idea that if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly and playfully.
~ David Wilson (48:45)
This conversation with David Wilson explores how movement intersects with aging, self-perception, and cultural narratives. David begins by addressing how deeply internalized ageist beliefs affect people’s willingness to move, take up space, and try new things. The discussion challenges the idea that aging necessitates physical decline, emphasizing instead that variety in movement and awareness of personal stories can lead to growth and transformation at any age. David also critiques societal pressures that promote fear-based motivation, and he encourages a shift toward framing movement as a present-moment gift.
The conversation moves through practical barriers and misconceptions that keep people inactive, such as rigid goals, perfectionism, and the belief that certain types of exercise are required. It emphasizes meeting oneself where one is, using personal values rather than fixed goals as guides. The importance of self-compassion, playfulness, and the willingness to “do things badly” is highlighted as a more sustainable path toward movement. There’s also a critique of mainstream fitness messaging, which often excludes older populations by failing to address their actual lived experiences.
Takeaways
Internalized ageism — Movement hesitancy is often rooted in lifelong exposure to ageist narratives absorbed from a very young age.
Misconceptions about aging — Many decline-related assumptions are not due to age itself but to reduced movement and lifestyle limitations.
Curiosity over goals — Letting go of rigid, timeline-based goals makes space for exploration and deeper engagement with movement.
Compassionate self-awareness — Bringing compassion into one’s personal practice enables growth without harsh self-judgment.
Playfulness as practice — Play offers a route to joy and learning, especially valuable when countering addiction to competence.
Movement generalism — A broad, varied movement practice supports better adaptability and long-term capability.
Fear-based fitness culture — Much mainstream messaging about aging and exercise motivates through fear instead of empowerment.
Efficiency of the body — The body conserves resources by shedding unused capabilities, so maintaining movement variety is crucial.
Accessible movement — Movement does not require equipment, special clothing, or gym memberships—it can be integrated into daily life.
Time as a barrier — A perceived lack of time is the most common excuse for not moving, yet even minutes of activity show measurable benefits.
Specificity of training — Effective physical preparation must match the demands of real environments rather than generic or repetitive exercise.
Gratitude for the body — Pausing to appreciate the body’s enduring support helps reframe limitations and fosters a more engaged relationship with movement.
Imagination of aging — How one envisions growing older strongly influences present decisions about health and movement.
Practice as identity — How we treat ourselves in movement mirrors how we show up in the world and in relationships.
Resources
OldsCoolMoves website — David Wilson’s web site offering online courses and information.
Five Minute Movement — A series of short guided sequences emphasizing movement variety.
Ageism Unmasked — Tracy Gendron’s book exploring the deep roots and effects of ageism.
This Chair Rocks — Ashton Applewhite’s book offering another perspective on ageism and cultural narratives about aging.
Road Scholar — A nonprofit focused on travel and education for older adults.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The view is often the same
The view, when I’m doing my work is quite often a notebook and a computer. I try to make it be outside as much as I can too. Show-your-work photos are booooooring, I know. But capturing and gestating my thoughts, and then tapping on a keyboard. That’s mostly what I do.
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It’s all interconnected now
I know tonight’s talk is supposed to be about decaying tech platforms, but I want to start by talking about nurses.
~ Cory Doctorow, from Pluralistic: With Great Power Came No Responsibility
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Interconnection can be good. But generally, in the tech industry these days, it’s not. Interconnection is used against us.
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Interactive with Jeff Revilla
What happens when podcasters leave the safety of their studios to record in front of a live audience?
A physical space changes how podcasters, guests, and audiences engage with the medium.
You could actually just get out of your comfort zone, do this thing that you do in your house— do it live at a park and just see what happens.
~ Jeff Revilla (33:02)
This conversation with Jeff Revilla centers on the creation and impact of a physical podcasting theater, which offers independent podcasters the opportunity to record in front of live audiences. We explore how the controlled, familiar environment of home studios contrasts with the dynamic, unpredictable energy of live performance. The discussion covers how live podcasting challenges hosts to let go of production control and embrace spontaneity, leading to new experiences both for them and their listeners.
The logistics of creating the theater space are discussed in detail, including sourcing materials on a budget and designing the space to be flexible and immersive. The benefits of such live recordings are explored from multiple angles: audience feedback, performance energy, and personal growth for podcasters. The conversation also touches on the potential for this model to spread to other cities, encouraging podcasters to seek out or create similar spaces using resources like parks, coffee shops, and libraries.
Takeaways
Getting out of the studio — Shifting from a home setup to a live environment introduces discomfort but creates richer experiences.
Designing live podcast spaces — Flexible theater design enables immersive, close-range audience experiences with podcast creators.
Building on DIY culture — The physical space is assembled with minimal cost and creativity, reflecting a do-it-yourself mindset.
Live audience engagement — Audience reactions offer immediate feedback and energy, unlike the delayed response of online downloads.
Performance dynamics — Mistakes are part of the experience, and audiences are generally more forgiving than podcasters expect.
Hosting in person — Podcasters experience personal and creative transformation by stepping into a live setting.
Reimagining podcast venues — Parks, libraries, and coffee shops can serve as accessible, low-cost venues for live podcasting.
Community activation — Live events create tangible moments that draw friends and family into direct support roles.
Local expansion — There’s a growing opportunity for similar spaces in other towns, creating regional performance circuits.
Monologue vs. conversation — Structured content often falls flat in a live setting; spontaneous conversation resonates more.
Hybrid event strategy — Combining livestreams with in-person seating balances reach and intimacy.
Emerging infrastructure — Mid-sized live venues can help prepare independent podcasters to scale toward larger performances.
Resources
Poduty — The dedicated podcast theater space created and operated for live in-person podcasting.
My Guest Tonight — Jeff Revilla’s podcast.
Poduty Live 2025 — The two-day live podcasting festival planned for the last weekend in September, streamed and staged in-person.
International Podcast Day — An annual celebration of podcasting referenced as part of the event timing.
Indie Pods United — An earlier initiative mentioned in connection with previous live streaming events. (No public web site, but has a presence on various social platforms.)
Todd Glass — A comedian whose ideas on theater design helped influence the speaker’s stage setup.
Marketing Over Coffee — A podcast noted for being recorded in coffee shops.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Which tools you pay for
In the most-recent Podcaster Community campfire we got to talking about what tools and services are we currently paying for as part of podcasting. So today I put up a simple post in a few places to ask just that.
It’s one thing to talk about what we prefer, it’s another for us to have voted with our dollars. Me?
- Hindenburg Pro
- Zencastr (for recording podcasts)
- Zoom (for everything except recording podcasts)
- Vimeo (for hosting streaming video for the Podcaster Community)
- Discourse (for the Podcaster Community forum)
- Calendly (for scheduling, integrated with all the complexity of my personal calendar)
- Otter.ai (for all the various audio I need to transcribe— pod recordings via Zencastr come with a transcript)
- Podmatch.com
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Translating
Stany Foucher recently wrote a book, Art du Déplacement: Au delà du saut. I’ve been working on translating it for my own reading. I can read the French language at an “advanced beginner” level. From the epub version of the book (which I printed so I can write on it), I’m working in a notebook… writing things out longhand is part of the learning process. I don’t simply want to read this book, but rather I want to apprehend this book.
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One slip at a time
This morning I was working on adding some quotes to the ‘ol collection. I have a little box with the most-recent quotes, blank 3×5 cards and other little office-supply-ish things. Every now and then I pick up a bunch of those new quotes and move them back into these boxes. Today I realized, the second of these boxes is now nearly full—it seems like only yesterday that I moved the first few inches of cards (like ~400) into the first box. Time to order more of these storage boxes!
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Take note
I’ve been thinking about ways to get participants to engage after the session. I talked to a few experienced coaches about this, and there doesn’t seem to be a way that works well. Sure, after any session a few students might ask questions. But cultivating engagement beyond that is a big question—everyone I talked to said to tell them how to do it if I figure it out.
My first thought was to imagine something people could take a picture of. (Giving people things like business cards would be silly and wasteful.) Coaching in the context of Movers Mindset, I imagined a printed card with MM logo/name and QR to MM’s web site and lots of room for me to write. I imagined I could write a question on it; thinking it could be interesting enough to entice people to take a photo of it.
But further thinking led me to create this little card. It’s printed on some 4x postcard stock from Avery, where a full sheet is perforated to tear apart. In the phot you can see a little sketch showing how the printed parts are all arranged in the center of the full sheet, enabling printing very close to the final cards’ edges on the two sides that aren’t the actual printing margins.
My idea is that I’ll use these little cards for my notes as I’m preparing for a session. Then, any changes, problems, questions, etc. that come up are easily captured. This way I can close my personal loop of wanting to reflect afterwards into my more permanent notebooks.
And anyone who notices the card I’m holding, (referring to, writing on, stuffing in my pocket…) may want a photo of it. There we go! There’s no “please take a photo of this” pressure. Instead, if someone is interested, I have the perfect thing for them with some notes and details about the session and a QR to reach me. (The MM site has an email list and a contact form to reach me.)
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Begin. Begin!
Endings are elusive, middles are nowhere to be found, but worst of all is to begin, to begin, to begin!
~ Donald Barthelme
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It’s just lists
The first 90% of anything is vastly easier than the second 90%. Beginning something (an issue of 7 for Sunday, a new podcast episode for any of my 3 different shows) is so much easier if I know that all I have to do is go through these steps—look, it fits on one sheet, how hard could it be? I can totally do this…
Well, many of those tiny steps are big parts like “write the thing”. But by having all the little paper cuts listed out, I know that I won’t lose the entire kingdom for want of one horseshoe nail at the very end.
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Podcasting ‘process’ videos?
I have tons of ideas. That’s the source of my greatest challenge: trying to decide what not to do. The first step is to fully think through an idea.
This one is about an idea for little bonus videos for the supporting members in the Podcaster Community. It’s been simmering in my head for a few weeks. This morning, walked in the glorious weather, to my fave little cafe. An hour of thinking to paper powered by coffee and a sandwich. :)
Now… should I do it? …or leave it in my notebook? 🤔
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Show your work
I return often to Kleon’s matra of “show your work“.
I always fade out from the process. I think the reason is that I’m not necessarily doing something related to podcasting every day. (Which is fine.) Without a strong habit of podcast-specific work (for example, “I do podcast stuff at 9am every day”) I don’t get in the habit of doing the extra little bit of work to capture something showing my work…
I’m convinced, my work would be better—and it would help others too—if I showed my work more. But I can’t seem to crack this nut.
Zooming out, away from podcasting . . .
I keep thinking: I don’t have a clear, single thing that is “my work” — it’s not podcasting, it’s not blog writing, it’s not community building [here], … For example: Here’s some notes I took, over the course of an hour thinking about coaching movement, based on a long conversation I had with a coach I respect. We had a coffee meeting where I wanted to pick his brain…
I post all sorts of things here, on the ‘ol blog. In recent years, my posting grew, become a weekly thing which I cleaved off to be the 7 for Sunday weekly email. Here I continue to post new quotes from my collection, copies of all the podcast episodes I do [all shows, anywhere], and a lot of “this is interesting” links that I find.
This morning, I’m thinking: My blog has long been the place where I work with the garage door up. Maybe I should lean into that?
…develop the habit of showing something (anything, from any project I’m working on) there on my blog. 🤔
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Education
What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first step to something better.
~ Wendell Phillips
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Private
But it’s consciousness in the experience sense – what philosophers refer to as phenomenal consciousness – that I’ll be focusing on in the remainder of this Guide. This kind of consciousness serves as a fundamental part of our existence, perhaps even the most fundamental part of our existence. But despite its fundamentality, and though we are intimately aware of our own conscious experience, the notion of consciousness is a perplexing one.
~ Amy Kind, from How to think about consciousness
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The current tools so breathlessly referred to as artificial intelligence, are still only tools. They have no agency, no goals, and critically they are not consciousness. Or, so we think. “Is conscious” is exceedingly important to determine, and it turns out it’s really hard to do the less like us (think: bats, dolphins, octopus, bacteria, …) some living thing is.
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The discard pile
I think part of being a designer is to fail every day, to try things that don’t work out. In a way, every project fails every day until it succeeds! That’s what the iterative process of design is about. The projects that don’t launch, this is sometimes due to the fact that they’re too early but that doesn’t mean they don’t come back a few years later as ideas integrated in different projects. Timing in many ways is key.
~ Yves Béhar, from Yves Béhar – The Talks
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I’m reminded of the idea of one’s discard pile. Béhar’s work can fail (the idea of success versus failure in trading with others is baked into the way we use the word “work”), so he’s aware of “failure” as a salient feature of his creative efforts. Here on the ‘ol blog, this isn’t about “work” so it’s not possible for it to “fail.” But I do often think about the discard pile: I don’t actually create blog posts and then discard them rather than post them. But I do often read and find things, imagine what I could post about them… and then I don’t post it.
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Momentum with Robin Waite
How can podcasters build meaningful relationships that expand their reach, create new opportunities, and grow their shows—without relying on promotion or algorithms?
A five-step method helps you land dream collaborations by being helpful, not pushy.
[One little shift?] That’s it. If I hadn’t have gone to that event, if I hadn’t have just dumped my coat and helped direct people, if I hadn’t offered to help for free, if I hadn’t got to know the team, if I hadn’t, if I’d asked for the wrong thing or too much or too, I don’t know if I’d got the ask wrong, any one of those things could have ended up being like a Sliding Doors [the 1998 film -ed] moment where I then I go from 3000 leads to just going about my life as a coach.
~ Robin Waite (15:00)
Robin Waite shares how he reinvented his business growth strategy by focusing on building partnerships rather than following conventional marketing playbooks. Feeling burnt out by social media and traditional outreach, he adopted an “outside-in” approach—intentionally targeting people he admired, getting in the same room with them, and offering help without expectation. His approach centers on showing up, adding value, and making intentional asks that are aligned with what others actually need.
He illustrates this with a detailed story of how he ended up as a guest on Ali Abdaal’s Deep Dive podcast, which generated over 3,000 leads and $300,000 in business. Key elements included making himself useful at events, building relationships with team members, and being ready with a modest but well-timed ask. Waite expands on this philosophy by identifying five steps: be intentional, get in the room, be helpful, find the inside person, and offer something on a silver platter. The conversation underscores the power of authentic connection, strategic generosity, and long-term thinking in business development.
Takeaways
Intentional targeting of collaborators — Write down a list of specific individuals or brands that feel like a natural fit for connection and mutual value.
Be physically present and engaged — Attend events in person, sit in the front row, and look for ways to directly interact with people you admire.
Generosity without expectation — Offer help freely without asking for anything in return, and allow opportunities to arise organically.
Use social cues to create asks — Make requests that are context-aware, modest, and well-timed based on what you’ve learned about the other person’s situation.
Relationship-building is long-term — Partnerships can take months or even years to develop, and consistent presence matters more than speed.
Imposter syndrome is common — Many successful people share similar doubts and insecurities, making them more approachable than they appear.
Ask through value — Frame your request as a contribution or offer rather than a favor, focusing on what the other person would gain.
The power of introductions — Introducing others who might benefit from knowing each other is a high-leverage, generous act that strengthens your own relationships.
Reciprocity as rocket fuel — Gifts, paid gestures, or generous actions can accelerate connection when done thoughtfully and in alignment with mutual respect.
Avoid transactional thinking — Relationships thrive on genuine interest and value-sharing, not on immediate or one-sided exchanges.
Resources
Take Your Shot – Free Book Offer — Robin Waite’s book, offered for free (worldwide shipping) to podcast listeners.
Fearless Business Podcast — Robin Waite’s own podcast, combining solo and guest episodes on business topics.
Robin Waite’s YouTube Channel — Features practical, high-level content on entrepreneurship and coaching.
Ali Abdaal’s Deep Dive Podcast — The podcast where Robin Waite was featured, which led to 3,000 inquiries and $300k in business.
Simon Alexander Ong — Coach and speaker cited as a role model for being intentional and abundant.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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