Author: Craig Constantine

Influence with Robyn Triggs

May 31, 2022

What are the challenges and rewards of starting and maintaining a podcast, and how can podcasting serve as a medium for personal and therapeutic expression?

Exploring the unexpected emotional connections created through podcasting.

There’s something to be said for the beauty of, oh, this person really doesn’t actually need an answer; what they really just need is another person to go, I see you, I see this struggle, I acknowledge the struggle is real.

~ Robyn Triggs (9:52)

The conversation explores the personal and emotional dimensions of podcasting. Topics include imposter syndrome, the experience of creating a podcast, and the choice to step back when priorities shift. It highlights how feedback from others, especially moments of profound resonance with listeners, can reaffirm the value of one’s work. The therapeutic aspect of podcasting, including the opportunity to process emotions and connect with an audience, emerges as a recurring theme.

The discussion also touches on the practicalities of podcasting, such as starting with minimal resources and deciding whether to publish episodes. The idea of podcasting as a platform for authenticity and vulnerability resonates throughout, with the emphasis on how sharing personal experiences can foster connection and healing, both for the creator and their audience.

Takeaways

Facing imposter syndrome — A common challenge for podcasters, even after multiple experiences.

Therapeutic expression — Podcasting allows creators to process and share emotions in a safe space.

Impact on listeners — Even a single listener connecting deeply with an episode can be profoundly rewarding.

Vulnerability in content creation — Authenticity and raw emotion can make podcasts uniquely impactful.

Practical barriers — Podcasting is accessible with minimal equipment, but confidence to publish can be a hurdle.

Feedback dynamics — Constructive criticism varies in value depending on its source and context.

Personal prioritization — Balancing podcasting with other life goals is essential for sustained creativity.

Value of connection — Podcasts can create meaningful relationships and shared understanding.

Resources

Seth Godin — Referenced for his insights on content creation and audience engagement.

The Podcaster Community — A platform supporting independent podcast creators.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Better questions

May 31, 2022

Sounds like we’re losing our grit. We’ve been brought up to think we’re so smart and clever and that we don’t have to work hard for anything that we just give up when we come against a tough problem. The main difference between innovators and the rest of us is that innovators ask more and better questions.

~ Shane Parrish

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Embedded in a culture

May 31, 2022

Ray Liotta died on May 26, 2022. I wasn’t a particular fan of his, but he was definitely an actor who was a significant part of the culture I grew up in. There are many such people; actors of course, and also authors, musicians, journalists, teachers, scientists, politicians, military leaders, activists, and others less classifiable.

It’s one thing to think: That huge band that I love, which I’ve seen in concert… they’ve retired and hung up the act. Just knowing the people are still around however, means that something of, whatever it was that I loved, continues on in whatever it is, (public or not,) that they’re doing. Nostalgia rises up as people retire and things become, “remember when?”

But slowly, year by year, those people die and that makes it clear: Everything has its time, and that time ends. There but for the grace of God go I, is a beautiful turn of phrase.

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Bonding through movement

May 30, 2022

Today, a growing percentage of people find themselves alienated from any particular community, without strong bonds to any discernible group. Loneliness is on the rise. More people live alone, remain single or childless, move to new geographical locations on a regular basis, and otherwise fail to develop close ties. This is a shift that is unprecedented in human history.

~ Shane Parrish from, Muscular Bonding: How Dance Made Us Human

My pull-quote feels pretty obvious. What’s interesting is where Parrish goes in this article. There’s a lot of research and discussion around what happens to us—mentally and physically—when we move together. It’s not simply, “hey that was fun.” There’s a durable bonding that happens when humans move together.

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Discourse

May 29, 2022

You don’t know if your idea is any good the moment it’s created. Neither does anyone else. The most you can hope for is a strong gut feeling that it is. And trusting your feelings is not as easy as the optimists say it is. There’s a reason why feelings scare us—because what they tell us and what the rest of the world tells us are often two different things.

~ Hugh MacLeod

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This quote, I think, also alludes to the problem of people “not getting” new ideas. It turns out that the same problem exists for old ideas to which people have grown unaccoustomed through lack of use.

Online discussion in forums is not a new idea. It’s a time-tested idea; They can be a space to focus interaction. There are ground rules. There’s a border defining what’s inside and what’s outside. Those inside have skin in the game. There is accountability.

The challenge is for each of us to resume engaging in reasoned discourse with others. That can be done in many places, not just in online forums. But in general, we’ve lost it in, (something like,) the last ten years when the current incarnation of the social networks rose and ate our attention.

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Deliberate practice

May 28, 2022

Deliberate practice is the key to expert performance in writing, teaching, sports, programming, music, medicine, therapy, chess, business, and more. But there’s more to it than 10,000 hours. Read to learn how to accelerate learning, overcome…

~ Shane Parrish from, The Ultimate Deliberate Practice Guide: How to Be the Best

I was dubious at their title, but this article—a tiny book actually—is exquisite. With an estimated reading time of 43 minutes, there’s a lot in there. For example, it mentions…

There is a place, right on the edge of your ability, where you learn best and fastest. It’s called the sweet spot.…The underlying pattern is the same: Seek out ways to stretch yourself. Play on the edges of your competence. As Albert Einstein said, “One must develop an instinct for what one can just barely achieve through one’s greatest efforts.”

The key word is ‘barely.’

~ Daniel Coyle

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Has anyone read the book, The Little Book of Talent, by Daniel Coyle?

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Statuary

May 27, 2022

Sculpture is more divine, and more like nature,
that fashions all her works in high relief,
and that is sculpture. This vast ball, the Earth,
was moulded out of clay, and baked in fire;
Men, women, and all animals that breath
are statues, and not paintings.

~ Longfellow

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There may be something to this

May 27, 2022

Research now demonstrates that neuronal sensory integration actually happens much earlier in the sensory processing pathway and is actually optimized or heightened with multi-sensory stimulation, or what we call sensory stacking.

Sensory stacking is to bring in as many sensory input systems during an exercise or movement for the purpose of enhancing cortical stimulation and neuronal pathways.

~ Emily Splichal from, Sensory Stacking | The integration of tactile, visual and auditory input

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Our entire schtick—whether you self-identify with Art du Déplacement, Parkour or Freerunning, or whatever—is moving in a visually complex environment. That turns out to have a physiological, brain altering affect.

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Awareness with Phil Lombardo

May 26, 2022

Awareness with Phil Lombardo

How can physical therapy integrate empathy, precision, and awareness to improve patient outcomes?

Movement becomes a gateway to understanding the human experience in this exploration of therapy and wellness.

Curiosity, awareness, and precision are things I think about every single day in my life.

~ Phil Lombardo (21:55)

The conversation navigates the transformative potential of empathy, precision, and awareness in physical therapy. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging patients’ emotions to alleviate stress, improve outcomes, and foster genuine connections. Specific strategies, such as naming emotions and creating resonant interactions, underline how interpersonal dynamics shape the healing process.

Movement is discussed as a critical therapeutic tool, with special attention to the role of the feet. Suggestions for barefoot movement and engaging in balance-focused exercises highlight the untapped potential of proprioception and body awareness. Practical applications of movement therapies, such as the use of tools like two-by-fours, further contextualize the ideas shared.

Takeaways

Curiosity in therapy — Drives deeper connections and understanding between practitioner and patient.

Awareness as a practice — Essential for addressing both physical and emotional facets of healing.

Empathy in medicine — Encourages patient compliance and improves therapeutic outcomes.

Role of the feet — Highlighted as underutilized but vital for balance and movement.

Movement tools — Simple tools like two-by-fours provide accessible ways to enhance balance and proprioception.

Emotional naming — Shown to significantly reduce stress and inflammation.

Precision in care — Critical for tailoring effective therapeutic interventions.

Professional humility — Emphasized as key to continuous learning and better patient care.

Resources

The Movement Creative — Provides resources and events for movement enthusiasts.

Move NYC Event — A community movement gathering mentioned as a focus of discussion.

Earth Runner Sandals — Recommended for minimalist hiking and foot strengthening.

Natural Movement by MovNat — Framework integrated into physical therapy practices.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Dedication with Joseph Rizzo

May 26, 2022

Dedication with Joseph Rizzo

How can Olympic weightlifting enhance performance and longevity in Parkour practice?

Technical movements in weightlifting unlock unexpected benefits for Parkour athletes.

A lot of people think like, Oh, I’m just gonna push as hard as I can and, you know, get this bar overhead and basically muscle it. And there’s a lot of danger in that, right? Because there’s not a lot of thought behind it. If you try to muscle something, you’ll only get to a certain point without technique, and kind of the same thing goes for Parkour as well.

~ Joseph Rizzo (2:43)

The conversation explores the intricate relationship between Olympic weightlifting and Parkour, emphasizing the technical nature of both practices. The discussion begins with an explanation of the complexity and precision involved in Olympic lifts such as the snatch and clean and jerk. These dynamic movements are contrasted with static lifts like the squat and bench press, underscoring how technical proficiency can prevent injury and enhance performance in both weightlifting and Parkour.

Another major topic is the carryover between the two disciplines. Weightlifting’s emphasis on explosiveness, shock absorption, and stability has direct applications to Parkour, particularly in reducing impact-related injuries and improving landings. The conversation also touches on how weightlifting reveals imbalances in the body, enabling athletes to address weaknesses and enhance longevity. Joseph explains how technical focus during training—starting with light weights and emphasizing form—can help Parkour practitioners gain strength and resilience.

Takeaways

The complexity of Olympic weightlifting — It requires precise techniques to safely and effectively execute movements like the snatch and clean and jerk.

Impact absorption in Parkour — Weightlifting develops the ability to handle forces several times one’s body weight, improving landing techniques.

Revealing and correcting imbalances — Weightlifting highlights physical imbalances that Parkour alone might not expose.

Complementary training — Weightlifting reduces the frequency of Parkour practice needed to maintain a high level of performance.

Barriers to adoption — Many Parkour practitioners view weightlifting as overly technical and time-intensive.

Longevity through strength — Developing connective tissue strength and joint stability through weightlifting extends training careers.

Programming for beginners — Focusing on technical proficiency during the initial phases of weightlifting ensures safety and skill transferability.

Holistic benefits — Olympic weightlifting offers both physical and mental gains, such as confidence and discipline, that translate into Parkour training.

Resources

The Movement Creative — A Parkour organization that supports training and events.

Move NYC Event — A community event combining movement disciplines, referenced as an upcoming event in Manhattan.

Jefferson Curl — A weightlifting exercise for mobility and spinal flexibility.

The Unknown Project on YouTube — Joseph’s Parkour and movement-based content.

Joseph Rizzo’s Instagram @mr_rizzzo — Joseph’s personal Instagram profile.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Calmness with Tori Kubick

May 26, 2022

Calmness with Tori Kubick

How does practicing contortion influence mental calmness and overall life perspective?

Contortion is not just about physical flexibility but a mental practice of finding calmness.

The only way to do it, was to be calm. You can’t— It’s physically impossible to do it anxious. There’s just no way. So you have to [find] calmness or… or nothing.

~ Tori Kubick (11:33)

The conversation explores the transformative aspects of contortion, emphasizing how the practice fosters mental calmness alongside physical flexibility. Tori shares how she transitioned into contortion as an adult and describes it as a discipline that connects mind and body. She highlights the need for internal calmness, which allows practitioners to push beyond perceived physical and mental limits.

Other topics include the parallels between contortion and problem-solving in other movement practices, such as parkour and aerial arts. Tori discusses the importance of strength complementing flexibility and explains how contortion helps practitioners discover new ways to navigate challenges, both physically and mentally. The conversation also touches on the introverted nature of many contortionists and the rare sense of community they share.

Takeaways

Courage in movement — The willingness to challenge oneself physically and mentally is essential for growth.

Calmness as a necessity — Contortion requires a deep state of calmness to achieve its intricate movements.

Physical and mental synergy — Practicing contortion merges physical effort with mental focus.

Adapting perspectives — Observing challenges from different angles can reveal solutions.

Strength paired with flexibility — Building both attributes in balance leads to greater movement capacity.

Impact on everyday life — Lessons from contortion apply to real-world challenges like stress management.

Shared practices — Contortion creates connections among its niche community of practitioners.

Misconceptions about contortion — Many people wrongly view it as solely innate or purely aesthetic.

Resources

Tori’s Instagram @con_tori_tion — Features content related to her contortion practice and performances.

Tori’s Website — Contains her TED talk, writings on movement, and event details.

Move NYC — An event hosted by The Movement Creative for exploring movement practices.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Chase with Frank Mejia

May 26, 2022

Chase – with Frank Mejia

How has participation in World Chase Tag and related activities influenced the personal training practices, community dynamics, and professional development of its participants?

World Chase Tag is transforming the perception of traditional playground games into a high-stakes global sport.

It definitely feels like it feels like 3D Chess, but just at a very rapid pace, just because of that other individual in you, you will get feedback from them, regardless of what they do.

~ Frank Mejia (6:53)

The conversation explores the evolution of World Chase Tag (WCT) as a burgeoning professional sport and its impact on participants. The discussion highlights how WCT has shifted from casual beginnings to a structured and competitive framework, requiring athletes to qualify and adopt advanced training regimens. This transformation has made WCT a unique intersection of traditional playground games and professional athletics.

Another focus is on the interplay of individual and community dynamics. Frank describes how engaging in such sports fosters creativity, camaraderie, and personal growth. The conversation also goes into the mental and physical challenges of maintaining focus and adaptability in high-intensity environments, as well as the broader implications of competitive tag on the Parkour community.

Takeaways

World Chase Tag as a professional sport — An evolution from casual games to competitive global events.

Parkour’s role in WCT — How foundational Parkour techniques are adapted for competitive tag.

Training adaptations — Shifting from power-focused to reactive and dynamic movements.

Community influence — How competitive events inspire collaboration and cultural exchange.

Mental challenges in competition — Balancing focus, strategy, and flow states under pressure.

Cultural impact of WCT — Bridging playground games with professional athletics.

Resources

World Chase Tag official website — Information about competitions, teams, and events.

Frank Mejia’s Instagram (@frnkmche4) — Updates and insights from a WCT athlete.

Move NYC — Community-centered events involving tag and movement.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Exploration with Matthew Jensen

May 26, 2022

What insights can be shared about the dynamics, challenges, and benefits of podcasting with a cohost?

Exploring the chemistry between cohosts unveils the intricacies of dynamic podcasting.

I think that I like to push Mike a little bit more, to share what he thinks about, because Mike views himself as maybe more the host that ask the questions and I like the back and forth. Just because he’s not necessarily a subject matter expert— I think that brings out kind of our best conversations when he’s actively learning something or has a different perspectives on stuff.

~ Matthew Jensen (12:41)

The discussion focuses on the dynamics of cohosting a podcast, highlighting the challenges of adapting to another person’s style while discovering the benefits of shared perspectives. Topics include how collaboration shapes the content, from deciding themes to incorporating listener questions. The importance of free-flowing conversations that capture authentic dialogue is emphasized.

The podcast’s community engagement is also explored, with feedback from listeners and support from fellow podcasters enriching the creative process. The conversation includes reflections on rapport-building, fostering shared learning experiences, and leveraging tools like question submission forms to drive interaction. The role of community in demystifying podcasting and offering practical support is acknowledged as a valuable resource.

Takeaways

The benefits of cohosting — Sharing perspectives can enrich podcast discussions.

The value of preparation — Expertise and curiosity create a balanced dialogue.

Listener engagement — Feedback and questions enhance content relevance.

Community support — Connecting with fellow podcasters provides inspiration and solutions.

Improvisational dynamics — Spontaneous discussions foster authentic interaction.

The importance of rapport — Strong interpersonal relationships add depth to conversations.

Technological challenges — Audio quality and video complexities impact production.

Experimentation in format — Trying new approaches, such as live Q&A, expands possibilities.

Resources

The New Next — A podcast discussing current events and their future implications.

Knowledge for Caregivers podcast — A podcast offering insights and tips for caregivers, referenced for its quality and feedback value.

Libsyn — A platform used for hosting podcasts, such as “The New Next”.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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The Structurist

May 26, 2022

Sometimes I have a “thread of interest” that I simply know I will never have the time to do anything with. Instead of simply ̄\_(ツ)_/ ̄ing and letting it go, I’m sharing this here so I can feel like I did something with it.

The what now? Oh, this periodical…

https://artsandscience.usask.ca/structurist/

…but the links on that page itself are broken. More searching did lead me to find at least some issues in U Sask.’s online store. But they are not cheap. (If they were single-dollars-each, I might just buy them all.)

They are available on ABE Books…

https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/structurist/

Open questions I had:

Does anyone within the sound of my voice have any issues?
Anyone have any commentary about the periodical at large?
Does anyone’s closest library have any of them?
Is anyone near the University of Saskatchewan?
…have a contact there?
…or any in-real-life means of getting more information?

And also, why aren’t the contents of these online? They seem to be culturally significant.

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Play with Nick Anastasia

May 25, 2022

Play with Nick Anastasia

What motivates and shapes the approaches and philosophies of movement practitioners in how they train, coach, and engage with spaces?

Designing obstacles and spaces inspires exploration and unique physical expression.

It’s just a more, sort of complicated way of, hanging out with your friends and playing with blocks when you’re a little kid.

~ Nick Anastasia (21:10)

The conversation explores the philosophy and practice of movement through structured play, improvisation, and coaching. Nick reflects on his evolution from exploring movement instinctively to intentionally designing spaces and challenges that inspire others. By creating unique and engaging setups, he aims to foster creativity and adaptability in movement.

Topics include the contrast between indoor and outdoor training spaces, with built environments offering dense opportunities for creativity and flow, while outdoor environments encourage exploration and adaptability. Improvisation plays a crucial role, with games and unstructured activities helping practitioners engage with their surroundings in new ways. Coaching philosophies emphasize introspection and learning, not just for the student but also for the instructor.

Takeaways

Movement in dense indoor setups — enables continuous exploration with minimal steps between challenges.

Outdoor training spaces — encourage discovery and adaptation to changing environments.

Improvisation in movement — develops adaptability and creativity in both planned and reactionary scenarios.

Coaching methodologies — focus on fostering individual growth and introspection for both students and instructors.

Space design and construction — inspire movement by offering unique challenges and creative opportunities.

Play as a philosophy — serves as a foundation for exploring movement, creativity, and collaboration.

The role of discovery — highlights the evolving nature of how practitioners see and use their environment.

Resources

The Movement Creative — A Parkour organization hosting events like Move NYC, focusing on creative and adaptive movement.

Parkour Generations Boston — A community that trains and coaches Parkour with temporary and permanent setups in Boston.

Harvard Square (Boston) — A location used for varied outdoor Parkour classes and exploration.

American Rendezvous — An annual Parkour event mentioned as an example of discovering changing training spots.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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