I’m fond of saying that the first 90 percent of something is vastly easier than the second 90 percent. There’s so much wisdom packed into that, and it’s funny—if you know how to tell a joke. Gee Willikers! I’m almost done! When in fact, I’ve only just scratched the surface.
In practice, this means you need to limit distractions to the full extent possible. Pull quotes, so effective near the top of an article, become a nuisance further down; many readers will find themselves unconsciously drawn to them, even when they want to focus on the text. Attention to the basic typographic details, line length, a readable typeface, the right balance between font size and line height, appropriate contrast between the text and background, can make the difference between a reader who makes it to the end of the article versus one who tires and gives up.
I can say, without exaggeration, that I’ve tortured myself over every single tiny detail of what you are looking at. That includes the fact that 7 for Sunday looks slightly different in email. (It looks great in email; but what you see isn’t quite as controllable as a web site.) It would probably be good enough if I hadn’t tortured myself about the details, even though I think craftsmanship matters.
What are the motivations, challenges, and thought processes involved in creating, pausing, and potentially evolving a podcast while balancing other professional and personal interests?
Jeremy Fein, a coach who embraces the power of conversation, joins Craig to talk about the complexities of podcasting and coaching, revealing his journey from creating a successful podcast to purposefully pausing it to refocus.
[Coaching sessions are] much better when they’re not recorded, right? They’re better for the client, which is what matters. And so podcasting felt like a way that I could maybe bridge a gap between the actual work that I do, and— let’s call it content creation. You go to write a caption on Instagram, and it’s just so divorced from the work that I’m doing on a regular basis with clients. That’s why I started [the podcast].
~ Jeremy Fein, 4:28
Jeremy Fein discusses his experiences with podcasting and coaching. He reflects on why he started his podcast, “Nothing Makes Perfect,” acknowledging the abundance of podcasts and his desire to create something meaningful rather than just adding to the noise. Jeremy also delves into his decision to pause his podcast after 25 episodes, a choice driven by a need to reassess and focus on aspects of the podcast he enjoyed and could amplify.
He also talks about the intrinsic connection between his identity and coaching, emphasizing how coaching has become an integral part of who he is. Jeremy’s approach to coaching is deeply rooted in conversation, listening, and idea exploration, rather than traditional fitness instruction. This approach underscores his commitment to personalization in coaching, catering to individual client needs while maintaining a structured yet flexible coaching framework.
Takeaways
Starting a podcast with awareness — discusses the over-saturation of podcasts and the importance of adding value rather than just contributing to the noise.
Pausing a successful podcast — reflects on the decision to take a break, focusing on reassessment and personal growth.
Personal identity and coaching — highlights how coaching has become a part of the speaker’s identity, shaping both professional and personal life.
Adapting to clients’ needs in coaching — emphasizes the importance of personalization in coaching, catering to individual client needs.
Content creation in the digital age — explores the challenges of creating authentic content that resonates with the audience and the creator’s values.
Resources
@jeremyfein Jeremy Fein on Instagram. Message him there for conversations or inquiries about his coaching or podcasting experiences.
Fein Movement Jeremy’s web site with coaching information and additional ways to reach him.
With the power of hindsight I can see there was an age of fire. There was a long period—too long, probably—of trying to carve a path through the world. A period of trying to make a dent in the universe. Making my mark. I think it’s telling that all those metaphors involve destruction and defacement. Eventually I see a transition to the age of water. The metaphors are nicer there; flowing, accommodating, and shaping to fit the container.
What do I mean by explorers? I am talking about people who have found and are pursuing a very specific form of passion – I call it the “passion of the explorer.” These people are excited about opportunities to have more and more impact in domains that matter to them. They are constantly seeking new challenges that can help them to learn faster by creating new knowledge that never existed before. They also are actively seeking help from others in addressing these new challenges – they freely acknowledge that they don’t know the answers and that they need help in finding the answers.
Transitions are the difficult times. The wind blows from wildly varying directions. The currents shift. The lighting changes. Grand vistas come into view. More, and different, metaphors.
I can feel my raw power subsiding. Literally. Some days, a 20-minute nap, an hour or so after a nice lunch, is just the most sublime thing. (Not the nap of exhaustion. Not the nap of collapse.) After running the engine with the tachometer near the red-area, it feels nice to settle into the solid, long-haul part of the power curve. More metaphors: A journey. A quest. A culmination. A destination. An end.
What drives individuals to create and engage with projects like podcasting, and how do they navigate the challenges and tensions inherent in the creative process to successfully execute their vision?
Kira Higgs joins Craig to discuss her podcast, “The Void Project,” where her exploration of creativity, learning, and growth unfolds through her self-imposed challenge of producing a limited, 10-episode series.
[…] that’s how the name for me personally, came to be, “The Void Project.” Oh, I’m avoiding this dark void. I’m avoiding this place, I’m afraid of being in. But then I find out, oh my God there’s nothing to be afraid of here. It’s fine. […] It looks like a void but it isn’t.
~ Kira Higgs, 13:54
Kira Higgs and Craig Constantine explore facets of podcasting and personal growth. Kira, discussing “The Void Project,” her 10-episode podcast series, reveals her journey into the world of podcasting. She emphasizes how this venture is a means for her to explore and express her creativity. The project is not just about producing content but is deeply intertwined with her learning process in handling technical aspects like recording and editing. This learning curve is a significant theme, as Kira candidly shares her experiences and challenges in acquiring these new skills.
A central topic that Kira touches upon is the concept of innate desire and creativity. She articulates her belief that human beings are naturally inclined to create and that this impulse should be embraced and nurtured. Her perspective is that true creative endeavors stem from a genuine, innate desire rather than external motivations like societal pressures or competition. This insight forms the basis of her approach to podcasting and creative work in general.
The conversation also touches on the metaphorical significance of the name ‘The Void Project.’ Kira explains that the name symbolizes her confrontation with and exploration of her fears and uncertainties. She describes the project as a journey of facing the ‘void’ – the unknown or feared aspects of her creative and personal life. This exploration leads to surprising revelations and personal growth, as she finds that what initially appeared daunting is, in fact, manageable and not as intimidating as perceived. The podcast becomes a platform for Kira to express these realizations and share her thought process during the pandemic, offering a unique blend of personal narrative and creative expression.
Takeaways
Significance of learning and growth — highlights the process of acquiring new skills in podcasting, such as recording and editing, and the challenges faced along the way.
Facing fears and uncertainties — discusses the metaphorical meaning behind ‘The Void Project,’ representing the confrontation with and exploration of personal fears and uncertainties.
Discovery and personal insights — the project serves as a medium for self-discovery, revealing unexpected insights and leading to personal growth.
Impact of external motivations — touches on the influence of societal pressures and competition, and how these factors differ from true, innate creative desires.
The process of creative expression — underscores the importance of expressing one’s unique voice and experiences through creative projects like podcasting.
Resources
Robert Fritz — mentioned as a friend and mentor to Kira, author of the book, The Path of Least Resistance for Artists (The Structure and Spirit of the Creative Process), focusing on the dynamics of creativity and creation.
What is necessary for something to continue existing? Is autonomy necessary? Is physical integrity (as opposed to “physical dispersion”) necessary? Does dignity require privacy, which requires autonomy and physical integrity?
Privacy is the key that unlocks the aspects of yourself that are most intimate and personal, that make you most you, and most vulnerable. Your naked body. Your sexual history and fantasies. Your past, present and possible future diseases. Your fears, your losses, your failures. The worst thing you have ever done, said, and thought. Your inadequacies, your mistakes, your traumas. The moment in which you have felt most ashamed. That family relation you wish you didn’t have. Your most drunken night.
When one violates another’s privacy, is that only attacking their dignity? Is that also diminishing their autonomy? Is that also attacking their physical integrity?
What themes or insights emerge from the discussion about the intersection of movement, art, and personal exploration?
John Baker discusses his approach to blending traditional and digital media in art, emphasizing exploration and his love for movement, while exploring the possibility of combining these passions into a sustainable career.
[3 words to describe your practice?] The first one that comes to mind, which is pretty cliche, is: playful. It’s important to be playful and exploring, and not be so serious. Next one is softness. I guess it comes out of being injured in the past— but trying to be softer with movements and softer, gets more gentle in general. Then the third is— I haven’t decided— but collaborative or curious. Usually, with movements, or movement spheres, I like to inquire what other people are exploring.
~ John Baker 30:10
John Baker digs into the intersection of art and movement, exploring how his passion for both disciplines enriches his creative expression. He speaks about his journey in blending traditional and digital media, emphasizing the unique qualities and opportunities each medium offers. John’s approach to art is deeply rooted in exploration and creativity, reflecting his belief in storytelling through both visual and physical mediums. He shares insights on how he navigates the challenges of societal expectations and self-imposed limits while contemplating the integration of his artistic and movement practices into a sustainable career.
John also touches upon his training habits and the significant influence of music on his movement. He describes how different musical genres and rhythms inspire and shape his physical expressions, revealing a deep connection between auditory stimuli and bodily movement. This interplay highlights his holistic approach to creativity, where various elements of life seamlessly blend to inform and inspire his art and movement.
Takeaways
Exploration and creativity — The importance of these elements in both art and movement practices.
Blending media — The use of both traditional and digital media in art.
Career integration — Exploring the idea of combining a love for art and movement into a sustainable career, navigating societal expectations and personal limitations.
Influence of music — How different music genres can inspire movement, showing a connection between auditory stimuli and physical expression.
Late in 2023 I started working on paper to create simple mind–maps around the individual ideas that go into my writing here. Call it nostalgia if you wish, but there’s something delightful about a nice pen and nice paper. I find I have a flurry of bat-like ideas around the central idea. Not all of them make it to the paper; Some are left to flutter right back out of the belfry.
After a while, the remaining bats settle down to roost as my scribbling sputters to a halt. Then there’s a bit of time where I pause (exactly how much varies greatly, sometimes I even surrender, get up and move away from the tablet) before I feel I can shift to the digital realm to begin the writing. That period of pause though is a straight-up struggle. Every time.
“Divergence” refers to opening up your senses and taking in new sources of information from the outside world, such as at the start of a new project. “Convergence” refers to shutting off sources of distraction and narrowing your focus to arrive at an end result.
Together, these two stages form the backbone of creative work going back millennia. In any field, we move like a pendulum back and forth between these two states of mind. Once you learn to see the pattern in your own work, you’ll understand how to flow with the tide of information rather than swim against it.
It’s not clear to me that— Actually, no, I’m sure that I cannot intentionally switch from the divergent part of the work to the convergent. I just try to stay in the pause. Eventually, assuming I don’t give up and walk away, the writing feels easier than continuing to think about it. I often wonder why I keep writing on a schedule. It’s torturous. But now I’m thinking that I may have stumbled backwards into a way to push myself more quickly through to the convergent part of writing: If it has a due-date, then there’s a built-in increasing urgency to shut up, sit down… and wait, until the writing is the easiest path.