Author: Craig Constantine

Perception with Ame Sanders

March 25, 2022

How can podcasting effectively contribute to fostering inclusivity and equity within communities?

A passion project evolves into a platform for amplifying community voices working on equity.

My goal is to work with communities to help them become more inclusive and equitable. The podcast grew out of the idea that I want to identify work that’s going on in communities, and individuals who are working to make their own communities more inclusive and equitable. I want to celebrate that work, elevate that work, showcase it, and understand it.

~ Ame Sanders (1:42)

The conversation explores the role of podcasting as a medium to foster inclusivity and equity within communities. Ame highlights her podcast as a platform to celebrate and share the efforts of individuals and communities striving to make their environments more inclusive. She discusses the balance between analytical approaches and heartfelt actions in achieving social equity. The discussion underscores the importance of showcasing local efforts to inspire broader change.

Another significant topic discussed is the personal challenges and motivations in pursuing passion projects like podcasting. Insights are shared about the need for introspection, recognizing biases, and maintaining authenticity. The conversation also touches on the importance of taking breaks, learning from reflection, and aligning one’s voice with thoughtful, impactful contributions to societal challenges.

Takeaways

Being analytical and acting from the heart — both approaches are vital for fostering inclusivity.

Podcasting as a platform — a way to amplify, celebrate, and share the efforts of those driving change.

Individual transformation — change begins with self-reflection and growth before influencing others.

Challenges in maintaining passion — intentional pauses and clarity of purpose help sustain long-term efforts.

Addressing biases — careful selection of podcast guests shapes the narrative and impact of a show.

Difficult conversations — creating safe spaces for guests to discuss sensitive topics is crucial.

Practical resources — extensive show notes and transcripts support further exploration and learning.

Taking ownership — fostering inclusivity is a collective responsibility that transcends individual experiences.

Resources

State of Inclusion podcast — Ame’s podcast highlighting work done in communities to foster inclusivity.

Hugh McLeod’s concept of “social objects” — A framework for understanding how shared ideas drive action.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Risk

March 25, 2022

Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself. Risk is a choice, and you have to learn how to negotiate acceptable and unacceptable risks in our lives. Play is a very safe space to learn how to do that.

~ Caitlin Pontrella

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I keep trying to rearrange my efforts so I can spend more time re-experiencing the hundreds of terrific conversations I’ve experienced. Every single time I manage to find time to go back in, I find something wonderful. That quote is from episode 4 of the Movers Mindset podcast—it wasn’t even called that back then. It was a wonderful, chaotic, ramble of a conversation long before I realized the magic of conversation.

I keep thinking: Have great conversations and get them recorded. Get those conversations recorded so they can be heard by others is the most important part. I have a million other ideas about how to extract meaning, share the best parts, find threads and themes that run across large scales of people and times and …

My hope is that if I simply keep having great conversations, everything else will take care of itself.

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Process with Julie Duffy

March 24, 2022

What are the connections between writing, creativity, and podcasting as explored through the art of conversation?

The discussion highlights the parallels between storytelling in writing and crafting engaging podcasts.

Some people have a terrible time getting started because when you’re about to start writing you could write about anything. And when you can write about anything, you could write about everything. If you can write about everything, then what do you choose?

~ Julie Duffy (4:11)

The conversation centers on the interplay between writing, podcasting, and creative expression. It begins by discussing the challenges of starting a creative project, with an emphasis on how endless possibilities can be paralyzing. This leads to a broader exploration of overcoming creative blocks, the importance of completing projects, and how understanding the end goal can shape the process.

It also goes into the technical and emotional aspects of storytelling, highlighting parallels between crafting a podcast episode and writing a narrative. Topics include structuring stories, preparing mentally for creative tasks, and the unexpected skills that cross over between disciplines. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the value of listening and allowing space in conversations, which reflects a commitment to meaningful dialogue.

Takeaways

Creativity and process — Developing a structured approach can overcome disorganization and enable creativity.

Challenges in storytelling — Beginning, middle, and end each present unique hurdles that require specific strategies.

Parallels between writing and podcasting — Skills like storytelling and audience engagement translate well across mediums.

Listening in conversations — Effective communication requires a balance between speaking and genuinely listening.

Importance of mindset — Preparing mentally for creative tasks can significantly influence the outcome.

Use of technology — Live platforms like Anchor can help creators practice and improve their confidence.

Flexibility in approach — Writing and podcasting benefit from adaptability to keep creativity flowing.

Resources

StoryADay.org — A platform that offers writing challenges to help writers develop their craft.

Anchor — A platform Julie initially used for live podcasting to overcome editing perfectionism.

Seth Godin’s concept of “shipping” — Encourages creators to prioritize publishing their work over perfectionism.

The Hero’s Journey — A storytelling structure discussed in the context of writing and creativity.

Aldous Huxley’s essays — Referenced for inspiration on precise and impactful language use.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Priorities with Trevor de Groot

March 24, 2022

Priorities with Trevor de Groot

How does movement, in its various forms, influence personal growth, perspective, and community connection?

Parkour fosters a perspective shift that forever changes how individuals experience their surroundings.

I think it’s just about perspective. Everything in life is, and if you can take a fresh perspective that is beneficial to your overall long-term growth, then that’s perfect.

~ Trevor de Groot (10:03)

The conversation examines the multifaceted role of movement in personal and professional life. Topics include the transformative perspective Parkour offers, such as changing how practitioners view and interact with their environment. Trevor discusses the importance of maintaining diverse movement practices, including Parkour, climbing, and martial arts, to foster creativity and growth. He also reflects on the sense of community and collaboration that these activities provide.

The discussion explores balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities, especially in the context of managing a gym and navigating challenges like lockdowns. Trevor shares his insights on re-prioritizing activities to allocate time for personal fulfillment and development. Social media’s influence on sports communities and individual training approaches is also addressed, emphasizing the importance of finding intrinsic motivation.

Takeaways

The transformative nature of Parkour — It changes how practitioners see and interact with their environments.

Importance of movement diversity — Exploring multiple types of movement fosters creativity and resilience.

Balancing personal and professional priorities — A deliberate approach to time management can improve overall satisfaction.

The role of social media — It has both positive and negative effects on training and community interaction.

The value of collaboration in training — Shared experiences and challenges enhance both learning and bonding.

The necessity of perspective shifts — Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth helps in long-term development.

Resources

Play Project — Trevor’s Parkour gym offering training and community events.

Mountain Project — A resource for finding climbing routes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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You have seen all

March 24, 2022

Life in itself is neither good nor evil; it is the scene of good or evil as you make it. And, if you have lived a day, you have seen all: one day is equal and like to all other days. There is no other light, no other shade; this very sun, this moon, these very stars, this very order and disposition of things, is the same your ancestors enjoyed, and that shall also entertain your posterity.

~ Michel de Montaigne

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The germ theory

March 24, 2022

Thus the germ theory, long before it led to medical treatments, drove down mortality rates by revolutionizing sanitation and hygiene.

~ Jason Crawford from, Draining the swamp

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No, literally draining the swamp. There are a few reasons to click through on that. The most amazing is simply to scroll through the long article and glance at all the graphs; Graphs of magnificent drops in mortality rates by the 1950s. The 50s and 60s were demonstrably amazing simply for the fact that by then, most people weren’t dying of the same infectious things that have been killing people for millennia.

But the little gem quoted above was something that made me pause. Yes, it’s always fun to chuckle from the privileged perspective of the third millennia of the Common Era: The germ theory. *giggles* “Theory.” That’s so cute. What made me pause though was the thought about sanitation. I’d always thought of how the germ theory *giggles* affected medical treatments—washing hands by physicians and surgeons and penicillin and all that good stuff. But the idea that, “hey tiny stuff we can’t see can hurt us… maybe we should, ya know, filter and treat the drinking water?” …it hadn’t occurred to me that that too became a thing we actually started doing because of the germ theory.

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Discover with David Wilk

March 23, 2022

What are the challenges and opportunities in creating and sharing meaningful content in podcasting and publishing?

Podcasting shares its challenges of discovery and audience building with the world of book publishing.

If I tell you about a good podcast, that requires you to sit down, focus your attention, go to a site, put on headphones or your earbuds, and actually listen. That’s hard.

~ David Wilk (15:50)

The conversation explores the intersections between podcasting and publishing, focusing on their shared challenges in audience building and discoverability. It emphasizes how the low barrier to entry in both fields has led to an overwhelming abundance of content, creating a highly competitive environment. The discussion highlights how the “long tail” has evolved into an environment with a top-heavy market where only a few creators dominate.

Another key topic is the personal nature of consuming books and podcasts, which presents unique challenges for sharing and marketing. Podcasts are described as private experiences that lack the social visibility of books. The conversation also reflects on cultural changes, noting how digital experiences have reduced opportunities for shared moments, adding friction to the process of recommending and sharing podcasts.

Takeaways

The abundance of content – Challenges arise from an oversupply of podcasts and books, making audience building difficult.

Audience segmentation – Both industries face issues with dividing large audiences into meaningful segments.

Loss of the midlist – The “midlist” in publishing has disappeared, leaving only top earners and smaller outputs.

Personal nature of media – Podcasts, like books, are inherently personal and harder to share socially.

Curation necessity – Aggregating and curating podcasts is essential for discoverability but remains difficult to market.

Antisocial consumption – Personal consumption habits reduce opportunities for shared cultural experiences.

Marketing disparities – Marketing tools for books are more developed than for podcasts, yet both remain challenging.

Resources

Live Writers – A project curating book-related podcasts into three categories: readers, writers, and publishers.

PRX – Mentioned as a significant player in podcasting, likely referring to Public Radio Exchange.

BBC – Recognized for its role in podcasting and media production.

Field of Dreams – Cited metaphorically for its “build it, and they will come” narrative.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Disparate stories

March 23, 2022

The story that you tell people is the story that they’ll believe. And that’s the story that you become. And so for Parkour, we have a bunch of disparate stories that are being told right now, where you have people that are doing their own things… I just think that it’s important that the people who are doing so are taking responsibility for their impact that they have on the global community and the way that Parkour is being viewed.

~ Max Henry

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The story we tell

March 23, 2022

The story that you tell people is the story that they’ll believe. And that’s the story that you become. And so for Parkour, we have a bunch of disparate stories that are being told right now, where you have people that are doing their own things… I just think that it’s important that the people who are doing so are taking responsibility for their impact that they have on the global community and the way that Parkour is being viewed.

~ Max Henry

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Really! I wasn’t kidding the other day when I mentioned episode 4 This one is from episode 5.

Recently I published episode 129 of Movers Mindset. And there are 95 episodes of conversations with podcasters for the Podcaster Community’s show. And 38 episodes that I did for Art of Retreat’s SPARKs podcast. Okay, I’m panicking a little now. There are so many amazing things that people have shared!

Know anyone who wants to help me by working as an “archivist” or “research fellow” or something like that? …please forward!

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Respectable occupations

March 22, 2022

Don’t think that the arts and verbal professions are the only respectable occupations, (a common mindset of grandchildren of workers.) The elites sneer at commerce as tawdry, but it’s what gives people what they want and need, and pays for everything else, including the luxury of art.

~ Steven Pinker

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Tension with Luke Harris

March 21, 2022

What are the challenges and opportunities of starting and sustaining a podcast, especially in relation to editing, performance, and interviewing?

Starting a podcast reveals unexpected learning curves and creative challenges.

I think for me that the magic is in having the tension— I think that’s where the magic comes from. If I didn’t feel the tension, then I don’t think I’d do as good a job.

~ Luke Harris (15:54)

The conversation explores the technical and emotional challenges of podcasting. Editing emerges as a significant hurdle, with its time-consuming nature and the discomfort of listening to one’s own voice. Craig and Luke discuss how tools like Descript can simplify the process, making it more intuitive and less tedious.

Another topic is the performative aspect of podcasting. Unlike writing, podcasting requires an element of performance and immediacy, which can make it feel intimate and vulnerable. Luke reflects on the importance of staying present in interviews while balancing preplanned agendas, noting how spontaneous moments often lead to richer outcomes.

Takeaways

The challenges of editing a podcast — include learning new tools and overcoming personal discomfort with one’s own voice.

The importance of preparation versus spontaneity — balancing preplanned questions with the natural flow of conversation.

The performative nature of podcasting — how it differs from other creative forms like writing.

The value of interviewing authors — provides deeper insights and personality that extend beyond written works.

The role of feedback — podcasting lacks immediate audience interaction, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation.

Resources

Robert Alter — A Hebrew Bible translator whose works inspired a podcast episode.

Audacity — Audio editing software used initially by Luke.

Descript — Audio editing software suggested for simplifying the editing process.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Cynosure with David Bourne

March 21, 2022

How does engaging with nature, cycles, and mindfulness practices influence personal growth and creativity?

Insights on mindfulness and personal growth emerge through reflections on seasonal cycles.

We live in an amazing time. On the one hand, technology’s increasingly taking over our lives. But hopefully they’re going to be more of us thinking: You know what? Okay, yeah, tech’s great. But I want to go outside.

~ David Bourne (16:32)

The discussion highlights the profound influence of nature on personal growth and creative expression. Seasonal changes and sensory engagement are explored as essential ways to align with the rhythms of life, emphasizing the rejuvenating effects of connecting with the natural world. Personal practices such as hiking, observing wildlife, and sitting in quiet reflection are celebrated as gateways to mindfulness and inspiration.

Another focal point is the impact of technology on modern life. The conversation critiques the overuse of digital tools while advocating for a conscious balance that prioritizes real-world connections. The power of looking to the night sky is also discussed, offering metaphors for vastness and introspection, while personal anecdotes reveal how such practices foster emotional grounding and clarity.

Takeaways

The cyclical nature of seasons — A metaphor for personal growth and transformation.

The importance of sensory experiences — A grounding practice that enriches daily life.

Balancing technology and nature — The necessity of intentionality in modern living.

The metaphor of the North Star — A symbol of higher self and aspirational truth.

The benefits of outdoor reflection — A practice that fosters creativity and mindfulness.

The pandemic’s influence — A reset that prompted reevaluation of priorities.

Audio’s subconscious role — A medium that connects deeply with the human psyche.

Mindfulness in daily living — Rediscovering joy in simple, natural experiences.

Resources

David Bourne’s website — Offers insights and resources related to his work on mindfulness, nature, and creativity.

Finding Your North Star — Martha Beck’s book exploring the concept of identifying and following one’s true purpose.

Rich Roll Podcast — A platform for deep and engaging conversations on personal growth and well-being.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Two things

March 21, 2022

This sudden loss has gotten me to face my own death this week. I know it is coming, just not when. I rarely think about it, because life is so in-my-face, but it’s there, waiting. Tyler’s death is such a stark reminder that we never know how much time we have left.

~ Leo Babauta from, The Tragedy & Liberation of Death

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There are exactly two things about my life of which I am certain. I was born, and I will die. I spend a lot of time contemplating my end; Not in a fatalistic, “come at me bro’!” way, but rather with the intention of reminding myself to make the most out of every moment.

There are many moments where I’m unconscious—quite a few of those moments are while I’m sleeping, but also there are mindless moments aplenty throughout my days. But there are increasingly more mindful moments every day.

An extremely fast way to get to mindfulness—this is the fastest way I’ve found so far—is to think: This may well be the last time I do this. The last walk. The last boulder I scramble upon. The last conversation with this person. The last conversation ever. The last word I type. The last sentence I jauntily scribble with a pen. The last time I drive a car. The last time I ride a bicycle. The last time I wrench my back shoveling snow. The last time something scares the crap out of me. The last time I laugh until I lose control of my bladder. The last time I’m stuck as part of the traffic. The last time I’m part of the solution. The last time I’m the source of the problem. The last time I smash the hell out of my toe on something.

In every one of those cases, I can now enjoy it… if I can manage to remember: This could be the last time I get to experience this.

I’ve even decided that if I can manage it, my last words will be: “Well, if that wasn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” (And just maybe with a literal hat tip to Vonnegut.)

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Entering this moment

March 20, 2022

To be in any kind of balance state, especially if it’s new is incredibly valuable to bring you into this moment, because the moment is in constant change. That’s why we call it infinite, right? You can’t grab hold of it and then be there. The second you’re there, it’s gone and you’re in the next one, and that’s this awake kind of living. Balance is the fastest way to enter into that space.

~ Thomas Droge

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Salutary

March 20, 2022

The Victorian love letter and the text message, the memoir and the Instagram selfie — they are all fragments of self-expression frozen in time, expressing a self fragmentary and discontinuous across the sweep of a life, fragments that can never reconstitute for posterity a complete and cohesive portrait of a person, because to be a person is to be perpetually contradictory and incomplete.

~ Maria Popova from, Bridging the Island Universes of Our Experience

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Today was a good day. Any day wherein I stumble upon a word I do not know is a good day. I think it’s just right as rain that Huxley would be the source of the “salutary” which caused me to reach for my dictionary. (If it’s also new to you, I’ll give you a hint: It has nothing to do with “salutation,” as I had presumed.)

In addition to the unexpectedly salutary new word—a second hint—I was pleasantly held up in my light reading by Popova’s sentiment. I’m certainly not going to truly understand someone in one brief conversation. But I am definitely better off for each of those experiences spending time visiting another island universe. (That’s one of Huxley’s metaphors. Click thru already!)

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Connecting through movement

March 19, 2022

Even, a lot of times, those people who you’re not connecting with on a conversational level, you start moving together though— And you find a very deep connection. And now you’re moving in their world or they’re moving in yours, or whatever it is, but you found this other way to connect with somebody that you would have never known if you just worked with them or whatever the case may be.

~ Jonny Hart

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Impact with Sanat Singhal

March 18, 2022

What drives the creation and evolution of a podcast that inspires and educates young entrepreneurs?

The discussion highlights the role of curiosity and intentional storytelling in podcasting.

I realized I wanted to spend more time actually researching before the interview, and not just try to churn them out. But really try to find the best— find the most useful bits from, people’s story and insights, and go deep.

~ Sanat Singhal (13:17)

The conversation goes into the evolving journey of podcasting, focusing on creating meaningful, impactful content. The challenges of guest selection, maintaining enthusiasm, and crafting episodes that inspire and educate are central themes. Sanat shares insights on transitioning from broad topics to a narrower, more intentional focus to better serve an audience of young entrepreneurs. He also emphasize the importance of preparation, storytelling, and personal curiosity in driving engaging conversations.

The discussion reflects on the value of podcasts in fostering connections, such as listeners engaging with guests or guests connecting with one another. It also explores the personal growth experienced by the podcaster, who recognizes the need to shift from mechanical production to more deeply intentional creation. Themes of inspiration, impact, and curiosity are woven throughout, highlighting the transformative potential of podcasts.

Takeaways

The power of storytelling — Sharing personal journeys can inspire and motivate others.

Intentional focus — Narrowing the scope of a podcast can lead to more impactful content.

Curiosity as a driver — Following personal curiosity often leads to the most engaging discussions.

Preparation is key — Deep research enhances the quality and depth of interviews.

Fostering connections — Podcasts can create unexpected relationships and collaborations.

Balancing entertainment and education — An engaging delivery ensures listeners stay connected to the message.

Refining personal values — A clear understanding of impact can shape content direction.

The privilege of podcasting — Hosting allows sharing diverse perspectives with a broader audience.

Resources

Twenty First Century Visionary — Sanat’s podcast

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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