Author: Craig Constantine

Getting control of mornings

September 2, 2021 · All posts on Sep 2

Staring this month, I’m making another large change to how I’m structuring my mornings. For as long as I can remember I’ve woken up about 5:30. There’s variability, but it’s a rare morning if I’m not actually awake, vertical and puttering towards my desk by 6:00. Unfortunately, for what might be two years now, what I’ve been doing upon reaching my desk has been an every-morning battle between my intention, and what I had actually set myself up for.

My intention was: Do self-focusing, restorative things. Meditate, some movement [yoga, mobility, etc.], maybe a quiet podcast, then do my reflection reading, and write in my journal. Then “surface, ” which means waking up a computer and checking in on a variety of places—multiple email programs, web sites, etc., to get a pulse for what today looks like. Checking the calendar to verify appointments, calls, etc.. And then, at 6:30 exactly, Tracy and I would have a quick morning meeting to compare our days. We’d discuss the day’s activities, meals, chores, our respective meetings, etc.. Each morning I make up a very crude, quick listing of things for the day, in a very small notebook that I carry around. But what actually happened was that, because I use a program to track everything, and I need to look some stuff up to fill out my little notebook to start my day, I’d end up starting by just peeking into one or two things… and bam! It’s 6:30 meeting time. Dammit.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I must begin the morning without any devices. (Pretty sure that’s safe to do without checking with my doctor, since it was fine for the first 25 years of my life, right?)

Have our evening meeting, figure out the basic layout of tomorrow, and jot my notes in my little notebook. In the morning, get up, gather my coffee, and start my day with the little notebook. No phone for podcasts, nor music… just me and my notebook. We shall see.

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Vulnerability with Rien MacDonald

September 1, 2021 · All posts on Sep 1

How does creating a podcast foster meaningful connections and personal growth for both the host and the guests?

A shared journey through vulnerability reveals how podcasting fosters authentic human interaction.

It’s so important to share, and I wouldn’t assert that it’s what you have to do in order to receive— but it almost is, right? You have to give in order to receive.

~ Rien MacDonald (7:14)

The conversation revolves around the transformative power of podcasting as a medium for deepening communication and fostering authentic connections. Rien reflects on how podcasting has sharpened his listening skills and provided a platform to explore and share stories. A poignant example is his mother’s revelation of a deeply personal family secret during an interview, highlighting how vulnerability can unlock moments of unexpected emotional resonance.

Another significant topic is the balance of power in podcasting. While the host controls the technical aspects, genuine collaboration and openness foster trust and enable guests to express themselves fully. Rien also discusses their journey from meticulous editing to embracing the rawness of conversations, emphasizing the importance of shared human experiences.

Takeaways

Creating invitations through questions — Open-ended questions encourage guests to share meaningful insights.

The host’s role in vulnerability — Being authentic and sharing personal stories can inspire guests to do the same.

Magic of storytelling — A microphone often becomes a catalyst for untold stories to surface.

Transformative listening — Actively listening improves not just communication but the ability to connect with others.

Evolution of podcasting skills — Transitioning from over-editing to embracing authenticity refines the podcasting process.

Balancing power dynamics — The host’s vulnerability and kindness can counterbalance their inherent authority in a podcast setting.

Podcasting as collaboration — Episodes become meaningful through shared effort and mutual storytelling.

Personal growth through podcasting — The medium helps hosts and guests reflect on their own lives and experiences.

Resources

Rien MacDonald on LinkedIn

The Hope Initiative podcast â€” Rien’s podcast, where they explore personal stories and insights.

Seth Godin’s Blog â€” The blog of a writer and entrepreneur referenced for inspiration and connection.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Storycraft with Brigitte Cutshall

September 1, 2021 · All posts on Sep 1

What role does storytelling play in learning, personal growth, and connecting with others through different mediums?

The intersection of storytelling and resilience uncovers transformative approaches to learning and sharing.

I have an older brother […] I was always trying to get his attention so I would write stories. He was into sports, so I would write a story about some football game which— I didn’t give a crap about football, but I would write a story for him about how the game went and I would tape it to his door.

~ Brigitte Cutshall (2:16)

The discussion centers around storytelling and its diverse applications in personal and professional growth. It explores how stories, whether in books, podcasts, or films, enable individuals to connect, empathize, and learn from each other’s experiences. Brigitte reflects on her journey of adapting storytelling methods across mediums, sharing how they’ve embraced podcasting despite initial reservations about recording their voice. She highlights the differences between written and spoken storytelling and how both formats have unique challenges and opportunities.

The conversation also goes into the role of storytelling in marketing and branding, emphasizing its power to build trust and convey authentic messages. Brigitte shares insights from creating a short film during the pandemic, which exemplifies how collaboration and creativity can overcome constraints. The underlying theme is resilience and positivity, showcasing how storytelling helps navigate challenges and connect meaningfully with others.

Takeaways

Storytelling as a learning tool — Sharing stories fosters connection and highlights universal experiences.

Adaptation in storytelling — Exploring different mediums such as books, podcasts, and films highlights unique opportunities and challenges.

Role of storytelling in marketing — Storytelling is a powerful tool for building trust and establishing a personal or business brand.

Positivity and resilience — Emphasizing optimism in storytelling encourages growth and helps overcome adversity.

Collaboration and creativity — Collaborative storytelling projects reveal the importance of diverse perspectives and teamwork.

Resources

Brigitte Cutshall’s web site

[Expecting the Good](Expecting the Good: A Personal Account of Triumph Over Adversity) â€” Brigitte’s book about positivity and resilience.

Screenwriting Guild of Atlanta â€” An organization mentioned in relation to the speaker’s screenwriting project.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Magic with Amanda Hsiung-Blodgett

September 1, 2021 · All posts on Sep 1

How can podcasting create meaningful connections and make learning engaging and accessible?

Teaching Mandarin becomes a magical journey of exploration and discovery through storytelling.

The listeners can hear your mood and how you present it, just from your voice. So if you talk with a smile, I think they can really feel that.

~ Amanda Hsiung-Blogett (12:51)

The conversation explores the transformative potential of podcasting as a tool for teaching, storytelling, and connecting with diverse audiences. Amanda reflects on her experience of blending bilingual education with creativity, emphasizing that podcasting allows her to reach listeners in unexpected and magical ways. She shares anecdotes about feedback from listeners, like students and families, who find joy in the accessible format of her lessons. A recurring theme is the element of surprise in what resonates with audiences, from discussing everyday topics like ice cream to creating a book that evolved organically from her podcast work.

The dialogue also touches on Amanda’s journey in podcasting, the challenges of maintaining engagement without immediate feedback, and the importance of conveying emotion and intent through voice. She discusses her goal of making Mandarin language learning approachable and fun, aiming to challenge preconceived notions about its difficulty. Practical tips for podcasters include presenting with a positive tone and leveraging storytelling to create immersive experiences for listeners.

Takeaways

Magic of podcasting — Creating unseen connections with listeners through voice and storytelling.

Engaging teaching techniques — Combining bilingual formats and relatable topics to simplify complex subjects.

Listener feedback — Using audience insights to refine delivery and adapt content.

Voice as a tool — Conveying mood and intent to captivate and engage listeners.

Breaking stereotypes — Challenging the perception of Mandarin as a difficult language through fun and simple approaches.

Evolution of ideas — How a podcast can lead to unexpected projects, like writing books or developing new formats.

Impact of preparation — Reducing stress for podcast guests through clear communication and easy workflows.

Resources

Playful Chinese Podcast â€” Amanda’s podcast teaching Mandarin through stories and interactive lessons.

Akimbo Workshops â€” A community-based learning platform mentioned for its influence on the guest’s podcasting journey.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Obsession with Andrew Obenreder

September 1, 2021 · All posts on Sep 1

Obsession with Andrew Obenreder

How does an obsession with movement shape personal practices and creative expression?

Exploring movement extends beyond physicality into music, art, and mindfulness.

I try to listen to whatever my heart tells me to be doing.

~ Andrew Obenreder (5:37)

The conversation explores Andrew’s lifelong obsession with movement and its far-reaching impact on personal and creative practices. Movement, in this context, is not just about physicality but also integrates art forms such as music, painting, and tattooing. Andrew describes movement as an intrinsic part of their life, dating back to childhood, where their passion extended even to the mechanical elegance of trains. He also reflects on how balance is a recurring theme—balancing creative urges, physical demands, and mental well-being.

Stress and mindfulness emerge as critical themes. Andrew challenges traditional notions of stress, suggesting it can be constructive in pushing boundaries. He also emphasize the importance of being present and prioritizing genuine desires over societal or internal pressures to perform. This perspective encourages letting go of “should” and replacing it with intentional actions aligned with personal motivations.

Takeaways

Balancing movement and creativity — Movement intertwines with various creative pursuits like art, music, and tattooing, requiring a balance between physical and mental expressions.

The role of stress — Stress can be both destructive and constructive, depending on how it is perceived and managed.

Mindfulness in practice — Remaining present and listening to immediate desires shapes both personal growth and movement practices.

The concept of “should” — Avoiding unnecessary obligations creates freedom and reduces stress.

Universal struggles — Everyone experiences moments of stagnation, regardless of expertise or experience.

Movement as identity — Movement is deeply personal and rooted in early life experiences.

Resources

MĂśV — Andrew’s periodical mixing written, audio and visual mediums.

David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” â€” A productivity system mentioned for its advice on balancing commitments.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Tops

September 1, 2021 · All posts on Sep 1

Those of us who visit wild places the way others visit churches and concert halls visit because we return transfigured, recomposed, exalted and humbled at the same time, enlarged and dissolved in something larger at the same time. We visit because there we undergo some essential self-composition in the poetry of existence, though its essence rarely lends itself to words.

~ Maria Popova from, Thoreau on Nature and Human Nature, the Tonic of Wildness, and the Value of the Unexplored – The Marginalian

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I’d never thought of it that way. But, maybe it is just that. There’s a definite feeling of dissolution I occasionally experience out climbing. I have been far off the trail, and perhaps the feeling is more common farther off the trail. But I’ve also experienced it standing in a parking lot, say, next to Niagara Falls. It’s a feeling of deep stillness. A feeling that all is right as rain. All of our recorded history is less than a blink in geological time scale… so there’s certainly plenty of time, at my scale, to pause right here—wherever that is, be it a mountain or desk top.

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Death does not frighten me

August 31, 2021 · All posts on Aug 31

When evening has come, I return to my house and go into my study. At the door I take off my clothes of the day, covered with mud and mire, and I put on my regal and courtly garments; and decently reclothed, I enter the ancient courts of ancient men, where, received by them lovingly, I feed on the food that alone is mine and that I was born for. There I am not ashamed to speak with them and to ask them the reasons for their actions; and they in their humanity reply to me. And for the space of four hours I feel no boredom, I forget every pain, I do not fear poverty, death does not frighten me. I deliver myself entirely to them.

~ Niccolò Machiavelli

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Easy!

August 31, 2021 · All posts on Aug 31

Informed Simplicity is an enlightened view of reality. It is founded on ability to discern or create clarifying patterns with complex mixtures. Pattern recognition is a crucial skill for an architect, who must create a highly ordered building amid many competing and frequently nebulous design considerations.

~ Matthew Frederick from, Architect Matthew Frederick on the Three Levels of Knowing

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As you’ve no doubt discovered, getting to the level of informed simpicity is difficult. It requires deep understanding of a field, and that requires significant time investment. In my opinion, a hallmarks of subject mastery is demonstrating a level of understanding that reaches informed simplicity.

If I think something is simple, either I’m a beginner or the subject isn’t complex enough to be a mastery practice. If I think something is complex, then I know I’m a beginner. And if when asked about the subject, I find myself looking up a little with my eyes, while making that lopsided, slight smile… suddenly lost in thought? Then I know things are getting easy.

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Authentic with Paul Jones

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

What deeper truths about human connection and self-discovery emerge from the pursuit of podcasting and other creative endeavors?

A journey through creative pursuits uncovers profound lessons about authenticity and overcoming self-doubt.

So we’ve got hands that we have to hold things in. But they have to be held lightly, because it’s about the connections that you and I make— that something is going to happen through the fact that you and I had this conversation today.

~ Paul Jones (19:06)

This conversation explores how podcasting serves as a means of personal and communal growth rather than just a technical or creative pursuit. Discussions touch on the inspiration drawn from others’ work, such as the significance of Seth Godin’s podcast episode, “It’s Not About the Chocolate,” and how it encapsulates using a passion as a vehicle to address broader, meaningful goals. Paul reflects on his journey with podcasting, revealing struggles with imposter syndrome, boundaries, and a lifelong pursuit of creative expression. He describes his experience of overcoming fears and how engaging in this medium has allowed him to uncover more about themselves.

The dialogue also highlights themes of human connection and the transformational power of shared experiences. Paul discusses the importance of resilience and authenticity, particularly in the context of navigating societal pressures and personal challenges. Reflections on art, self-improvement, and the value of community emerge as central topics, with emphasis on the balance between technical aspects of creative work and the deeper connections they foster.

Takeaways

Building connections through creativity — Podcasting is a medium that facilitates meaningful human connections beyond the surface.

Overcoming inner obstacles — Struggles with imposter syndrome and self-doubt are recurring challenges in creative endeavors.

Using passions as vehicles — Creative projects often serve as tools to explore broader life goals and purposes.

The role of community — Collaborating and sharing with others at different stages of similar journeys provides valuable perspective and support.

Authenticity over perfection — True creative expression requires embracing imperfections and focusing on genuine experiences.

Balancing ambition and self-care — Reflecting on personal limits is key to maintaining health and fulfilling creative goals.

Resources

Aardvark Chronicles â€” Paul’s podcast on SimpleCast, or you can subscribe over here if you’re feeling frisky.

Askinosie Chocolate â€” A chocolate company founded by Shawn Askinosie that uses chocolate-making as a vehicle for ethical and meaningful impact.

Seth Godin’s Akimbo podcast â€” A podcast exploring creativity, leadership, and change, referenced in the conversation.

David Allen’s Getting Things Done â€” A methodology and book mentioned in the discussion about productivity and work ethic.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Creativity with Dave Swillum

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

How does podcasting empower individuals to express creativity, overcome barriers, and connect meaningfully with an audience?

Building immersive creative spaces can transform how artists and entrepreneurs thrive in their fields.

Sometimes it’s one singular person who will send me a message saying, ‘You got me to do it,’ and I’ll keep doing this because that one person matters.

~ Dave Swillum (21:49)

The conversation explores how podcasting democratizes creativity by removing barriers to entry, allowing anyone with a message to share their thoughts with the world. This accessibility has made podcasting a unique platform for authentic communication. There is also discussion about how podcasting compares to other creative mediums, with a focus on its audio format’s emotional resonance. The dialogue emphasizes the power of podcasts to amplify individual voices and foster real connections, especially in an era of technological ubiquity.

A significant portion of the conversation centers around building spaces conducive to creativity. Dave describes his work renovating a historic farm into a studio and living space designed for artists and entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in their work. This concept reflects a broader belief in the importance of reducing distractions to cultivate focus and innovation. Other topics include overcoming imposter syndrome, finding inspiration through collaboration, and maintaining momentum in creative endeavors. Dave shares practical strategies for overcoming creative ruts, emphasizing the value of persistence and connection.

Takeaways

Low barriers in podcasting — Podcasting provides an accessible platform for anyone to share their ideas and connect with a global audience.

Amplifying voices — A podcast acts as a metaphorical microphone, making individual voices heard on a larger scale.

Immersive creative spaces — Dedicated environments can help creators focus and develop impactful work without distractions.

Collaboration in creativity — Working alongside others often sparks better ideas and outcomes than working in isolation.

Rekindling motivation — Small connections, such as audience feedback, can reignite passion for a project.

Versatility in creativity — Anyone can be a creator by leveraging tools that align with their unique skills and passions.

Importance of focus — Deep, immersive workspaces or routines help foster meaningful and sustained creativity.

Practical strategies for creators — Journaling, setting specific goals, and pushing through fear can break creative blocks and maintain momentum.

Resources

Waking Up From Work Podcast â€” A podcast about pursuing passion and creativity in life.

Deep Work â€” Cal Newport’s book that explores the concept of focused, uninterrupted work as a key to achieving meaningful results.

Steven Pressfield’s books â€” Works exploring creativity, discipline, and the muse, including The War of Art.

Brooklyn Podcasting Studio â€” A professional podcasting space offering resources and support for creators.

Audio Engineering Society (AES) â€” A professional society for audio engineers, producers, and enthusiasts to connect and learn.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Execution with Angie Flynn-McIver

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

What strategies can be used to overcome barriers to starting creative projects, particularly in podcasting and writing?

The conversation highlights how simplifying processes can make creative projects more achievable.

Just do the things. Stop talking about doing the things. Stop making lists about doing the things. Stop taking courses about doing the thing, and do the thing.

~ Angie Flynn-McIver (4:25)

The conversation examines the challenges of beginning and sustaining creative projects, such as podcasting and writing. One significant obstacle discussed is the tendency to overthink and complicate processes, which often leads to procrastination. There is an emphasis on embracing imperfect action by focusing on the essence of creating and publishing rather than getting caught up in technicalities or external validation.

Collaboration emerges as a crucial theme, drawing parallels to theater’s reliance on teamwork. The discussion highlights the benefits of seeking help and leveraging others’ expertise to overcome creative roadblocks. The importance of authentic, in-depth conversations as a tool for growth is also underscored, alongside reflections on how intentional dialogue can bridge differences and foster mutual understanding.

Takeaways

Creative work and perfectionism — Overthinking the technical details can prevent projects from starting.

The value of collaboration — Bringing in others’ expertise helps overcome creative hurdles.

Intentional conversations — Engaging in meaningful dialogue fosters growth and understanding.

Simplifying processes — Focusing on essentials reduces barriers to action.

Overcoming procrastination — Starting imperfectly is better than waiting for ideal conditions.

Accountability systems — Tools like scheduling and inviting others keep projects moving forward.

Iterative creation — Progress is achieved by producing and refining over time.

Resources

Ignite CSP â€” Angie’s coaching and speaking company, featuring her blog and other resources.

Angie Flynn-McIver on LinkedIn

Before You Say Anything â€” Angie’s book on improving conversations and communication skills.

Hindenburg — Mentioned as a tool for audio editing and leveling for podcast production.

Calendly — Used for scheduling conversations efficiently.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Family with Steve Mululu

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

What role does storytelling and legacy preservation play in fostering family and cultural connections?

Cultural heritage is explored through the lens of podcasting as a modern storytelling tool.

The first time I listened to a podcast, it took me back to my very early childhood years because it reminded me how much my own father, how much my own grandfather, how much stories, how much history, they passed to us after every meal in the evening. It was traditional for us to sit down with our elders, for them to tell us about their upbringing, about our culture, about what kinds of foods to eat, how to relate with your brothers, how to relate to your sisters, what kind of future is expected of you as a man— all those things.

~ Steve Mululu (1:23)

The conversation explores how storytelling plays a central role in preserving cultural and familial legacies. Steve reflects on childhood memories of elders sharing wisdom and history after meals, emphasizing the importance of capturing these stories before they are lost. Podcasting emerges as a modern extension of this tradition, allowing such narratives to be recorded and shared across generations.

Other topics include family dynamics and the challenges of maintaining unity in a large family. Steve describes how the lessons and authority of parents can act as a binding force, providing a shared foundation amidst disagreements. This contrasts with the experiences of small families, which may lack this communal grounding. The conversation also touches on values like sacrifice and the transition from individualism to communal responsibility, highlighting cultural differences in these principles.

Takeaways

Storytelling and tradition — Exploring the role of storytelling in preserving cultural and familial legacies.

Podcasting as a tool — Utilizing podcasting as a means to capture and share wisdom in a modern context.

Family unity through shared values — Reflecting on the importance of shared parental guidance in resolving family disputes.

Contrasting family dynamics — Comparing the communal experience of large families to the introspective nature of smaller ones.

Cultural lessons on selflessness — Teaching sacrifice and community-centered values through everyday rituals.

Resources

Steve Mululu on LinkedIn

Movers Mindset â€” Craig’s platform exploring the intersection of movement, mindset, and personal growth.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Invincible

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

The good man is invincible; for he engages in no contest where he is not superior. “If you want my land, take it, and take my servants, take my public post, take my poor body. But you will not cause my desire to fail to attain its end, or my aversion to fall into what it would avoid.” This is the only contest he enters into: How can he fail, then, to be invincible?

~ Epictetus

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What if I just did the thing a bunch more times?

August 30, 2021 · All posts on Aug 30

7. Consistent and repeatable results come from a process. “True style does not come from a conscious effort to create a particular look. It results obliquely—even accidentally—out of a holistic process.”

~ Shane Parrish from, 7 Things I Learned in Architecture School

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That articlette is about a book, 101 Things Things I Learned in Architecture School. The 7th point, in bold, is the penultimate of a best-of-the-best selection from the book. The inner-quoted part is Matthew Frederick, the book’s author.

This point about a holistic process—the idea that mastery isn’t some higgledy-piggledy mish-mash of throwing things together—is an idea I’ve held dearly for a long time. Every time I see it, like in this articlette, I want leap up, flipping my desk over and scream, “Hear! Hear! …and again, louder, for those in the back staring at their handheld devices.”

Every single time that I’ve decided to take a process, and repeat it in search of understanding, (for example, my 10,000 rep’s project,) the learning and personal growth has paid off beyond my wildest dreams. At this point, I’ve done nearly 200 recorded conversations—I’m not stretching the truth, it’s actually hard to figure out exactly how many I’ve done. I’ve started another show recently as part of the Podcaster Community (25+ episodes and counting) and I’ve set up all the moving parts for yet another show as part of Movers Mindset “shorts”. And I keep wondering…

What would happen if I did 500, 1000? …what about 10,000? Not because I want to be famous and whine, “but I did 1,000 episodes why doesn’t anyone love me?!” But because I can see, in myself, how much I’ve learned and grown after 200. What would happen if I did a lot more?

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Escalation, Part 2

August 29, 2021 · All posts on Aug 29

Three weeks ago—zoinks, time flies!—I wrote in Escalation that I didn’t want to turn this into a quote-a-day blog. That would also make my weekly email have 7 quotes, plus all the additional daily blog posts.

I’ve got to be honest: I was wrong. I really do want to publish all the quotes, and write all these blog posts. So, “All ahead flank-speed!” This week’s email will be even larger. …and onward thusly we shall proceed.

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Epochs of problems

August 28, 2021 · All posts on Aug 28

Avoiding problems avoids the opportunity for growth. Most of the time, problems don’t go away, instead they grow.

~ Shane Parrish from, The Four Tools of Discipline

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It seems to me that there are epochs of problems. In the early days of my journey, I made dumb mistakes. Slowly I learned through stubbed toes, hurt feelings, expensive mistakes and bridges burned that life is hard, yes. But it’s much harder if you’re stoopid. More time passed.

I resolved the internal issues that led to bad impulses and choices. I learned the Kastanza Lesson of opposite day; If every instinct you have is wrong and causes things to turn out badly, one should at least trying doing the opposite. In short, I intentionally crafted a moral compass. Effectively gone—unless I just jinxed it—are any problems which are my fault. I’m not talking about errors here; I drop things, make wrong turns and forget things, of course. More time passed

And I’m left wondering how I move beyond my current problem: The setting of unrealistic expectations for myself, and of setting expectations [of any sort] of other people. I’m reminded of my thoughts on Discovery, Reflection and Efficacy. Perhaps if some more time passes? That seems to have worked twice now.

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