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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Clear the decks →
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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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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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
slip:4upuuu1.
Interconnection can be good. But generally, in the tech industry these days, it’s not. Interconnection is used against us.
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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 DĂ©placement: Au delĂ 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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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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