When you do as everyone else does, don’t be surprised when you get what everyone else gets.
~ Peter Kaufman
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Author: Craig Constantine
Playful, open-minded, unrestrained
Celebrate the childlike mind. From what I can see, the best scientists and engineers nurture a childlike mind. They are playful, open-minded, and unrestrained by the inner voice of reason, collective cynicism, or fear of failure.
~ Steve Jurvetson
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Moving with Sarah Mohr
What roles do movement, play, and internal-external balance play in human connection and self-expression?
The balance between internal and external experiences shapes how individuals perceive and express themselves.
Let us have the capacity to lose the safety, and the illusion of the safety, that we are given in our century, to figure out that pain is our beautiful companion.
~ Sarah Mohr (16:32)
The conversation explores the intrinsic human connection to movement and play, emphasizing how these activities serve as fundamental forms of communication. The discussion highlights the cultural differences in how movement and play are expressed, with some societies engaging more openly and visibly, while others internalize their play through structured or intellectual means. The relationship between internal and external experiences of play is dissected, particularly through the lens of dance, where the external beauty perceived by audiences contrasts with the internal mental and physical challenges faced by the dancer.
Another key focus is the integration of pain and love as essential forces for learning and personal growth. Pain is presented as a necessary companion that helps individuals rediscover their authentic selves and reconnect with forgotten aspects of their identities. This rediscovery is tied to the idea of balance, both within oneself and in relation to external perceptions, underscoring the role of self-awareness and trust in navigating life’s complexities.
Takeaways
Rediscovering forgotten selves — A significant part of personal growth involves reconnecting with aspects of oneself that have been neglected or forgotten.
Cultural approaches to play — Different societies exhibit varying levels of visible or internalized engagement with play.
Pain as a learning tool — Pain is essential for building trust, love, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Dance as a metaphor — Dance exemplifies the duality of internal struggle and external expression, providing insights into broader human experiences.
Integration of experiences — Personal growth often requires integrating disparate experiences into a cohesive understanding of oneself.
The illusion of safety — Breaking free from the illusion of safety can lead to profound self-discovery and freedom.
Internal versus external truth — Balancing internal perceptions with external realities is central to authentic expression and connection.
Movement as communication — Movement is an intrinsic and universal form of human expression and interaction.
Resources
Sarah Isabel Mohr @saisabelmohr
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Ego
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
~ Colin Powell
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Dreams are maps
The visions we offer our children shape the future. It matters what those visions are. Often they become self-fulfilling prophecies. Dreams are maps.
~ Carl Sagan
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Shoulders of giants
I’ve said many times of my generation that we drink deeply from wells of freedom and opportunity that we did not dig, that we eat from tables prepared for us by our ancestors, that we sit comfortably in the shade of trees that we did not cultivate. We stand on the shoulders of giants.
~ Cory Booker
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Rest. Reflect. Recalibrate.
When you’re able to recognize what’s happening and be deliberate with your actions, setbacks don’t have to be as painful. Coming out on the other side ready to recommit to your path requires that you harness all the skills you have learned and apply them to rest, reflect, recalibrate, and then get back on track.
~ Melody Wilding
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Storytelling
Linda McLachlan is the host and creative spark behind The Arena. Our conversation began with the topic of storytelling. I was interested in learning how she was using storytelling in the context of her podcast. In particular, I wondered if her thoughts on storytelling had changed after applying it to podcasting.
In The Arena, Linda uses a mostly consistent set of questions to power her conversation with her guests. This started as a backbone around which, in each conversation, she could find other questions to ask and build it out. Unexpectedly, the story that comes out each time is quite different.
(more…)Commentary: On
When I started adding quotes to this blog I put a lot of thought into how they were presented. In particular, I decided not to unpack my thoughts about the quote. And more recently I’ve pointed that out, saying that I wanted you to have the chance to stumble over the quote without my muddying your first impresions.
In hindsight, that doesn’t make any sense. Sometimes the quotes appear right adjacent to something else I’ve written, or next to other quotes… and at the very least you’re finding it in the context of my blog (or email.) Worse, I often find I have something I’d like to say about the quote, and I’ve simply let that stuff pass unwritten.
So there are about 700 quotes published here already. I’m going to republish them adding…
gotcha! No, I’m not. I just wanted to point out that you’re going to start seeing quotes paired with my reflections… and boy howdy that kinda looks like the rest of the stuff I do here already, like quote something someone wrote . . . so yeah Craig, what really is/was the difference.
Meanwhile, we’re going back to 7 “posts” within each weekly email. If you’ve been here a while (and if not– Hey, welcome new friend!) you know I’ve been trying to work through the “frontlog” of scheduled quotes. I’ve gotten ahead… or should I say, less ahead? …or closer to being behind?? Anyway, the scheduled queue is down to about 90 days into the future. So back to a post a day. (Because, after all, you can also just subscribe to the RSS feed— all Mailchimp does is check that feed, once a week, and email it to you. ;)
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Reasons to doubt
There are always going to be reasons to doubt your own worth; The question is, how far do you allow yourself to go down that road before you look up and realize— you had the power to come home all along.
~ Sara Bareilles
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Freedom with Brandon Sandén
How does movement, particularly parkour, serve as a reflection of one’s mental and physical state while fostering personal growth and community connection?
Movement reveals the intricate connection between physical challenges and mental states.
One thing I really love about parkour, and what it’s been for me, is that it’s kind of a perfect mirror—I think, Dan Edwardes spoken about this a lot—but it’s a perfect mirror of who you are right now at this very moment.
~ Brandon Sandén (1:28)
The conversation explores how movement, particularly parkour, reflects one’s current mental and physical state. Movement is described as a mirror, revealing the moment’s truths, independent of past achievements. Parkour’s emphasis on adaptability and creativity helps individuals step beyond their mental barriers and embrace challenges.
The discussion also highlights the role of community in fostering a love for movement. Through initiatives like Sunday Jump Days, participants build inclusive spaces, transcending organizational boundaries. Teaching parkour is revealed to require a blend of structure and flexibility, reflecting the dynamic nature of the discipline. Lastly, the value of flow states, both in movement and teaching, underscores the deep connection between physical practice and mental clarity.
Takeaways
Parkour as a mirror — Movement reveals one’s mental and physical state in real time.
Adaptability in parkour — Success depends on responding effectively to one’s environment and circumstances.
Freedom and creativity in movement — Practices like dance and parkour offer an outlet for self-expression.
Community building through movement — Organized gatherings foster inclusivity and collaboration across diverse groups.
Teaching strategies in parkour — Effective teaching requires adaptability, engagement, and innovation.
Importance of flow states — Achieving deep focus in movement is both fulfilling and essential for personal growth.
Challenges in community leadership — Sustaining events requires coordination and shared responsibility.
Resources
Urban Jumpers @urbnjumpers — An app for parkour enthusiasts to discover spots and organize jams.
Quality Movement — A parkour organization in Stockholm focused on coaching and events.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Fun with Michelle Muri
How do podcasts serve as a medium to address critical issues in nonprofit work while fostering personal and professional connections?
The conversation reveals how fostering dogs during the pandemic opened unexpected emotional and social doors.
Nonprofits and foundations like to think of themselves as loving and nurturing, but their roots were not built in that.
~ Michelle Muri (7:48)
The conversation explores the transformational role of podcasting in addressing structural inequities within the nonprofit sector. It reflects on how a podcast like The Ethical Rainmaker brings awareness to the complicity of nonprofits in systemic racism and highlights strategies for change. The discussion also showcases the importance of prioritizing diverse voices and topics often overlooked in mainstream conversations.
Michelle recounts the personal risks and rewards of creating a podcast, including sacrificing health insurance to hire the right talent and subsequently reaching a significant milestone of 50,000 downloads. She discusses how her work resonates in classrooms and professional spaces, extending their podcast’s influence beyond the digital realm. The conversation underscores how authentic, voice-driven storytelling can build meaningful connections and inspire change.
Takeaways
Creating a podcast can be a powerful platform — to address systemic issues and inspire institutional change.
Authenticity in podcasting — builds trust and connection with listeners and guests.
Nonprofits must confront their historical roots — in upholding systemic racism to foster true equity.
A podcast can double as an educational tool — when integrated into academic curricula.
Financial risks are often necessary — to achieve transformative goals in creative projects.
Diverse perspectives strengthen storytelling — by giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Effective communication is not just about content — but also about tone, energy, and delivery.
Resources
Community-Centric Fundraising — A content hub that centers people of color’s voices in nonprofits.
The Ethical Rainmaker — A podcast discussing systemic issues in the nonprofit sector.
Nonprofit AF Blog — A blog by Vu Le addressing nonprofit and fundraising issues.
The Alpaca Tribe Podcast — A podcast by Steve Hetherington.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Perspectives with Cara Ooi
How do audio content and podcasting serve as tools for professional communication, engagement, and self-discovery?
A concise podcast series evolves into an unexpected resource for professional and personal growth.
The podcast series is geared towards teens because that’s who I’m talking to most of the time. But I have to say, there’s been a lot more interest from the adults.
~ Cara Ooi (3:08)
The conversation discusses the evolution of a concise podcast series intended as a resource for teens and their parents, focusing on sleep-related challenges. It explores the unexpected audience engagement among adults and the learning experience derived from experimenting with audio content in a TikTok-dominated era. Practicality and efficiency in delivering reusable advice also emerge as significant outcomes.
The dialogue transitions into the reflective impact of podcasting on professional and personal growth. Cara highlights her preference for conversational formats over solo recordings and the transformative experience of revisiting recorded conversations. Topics include the power of self-discovery in audio content and the effectiveness of allowing audiences to engage with material at their own pace.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a reusable resource — Audio content allows professionals to efficiently deliver detailed advice without repeating themselves.
Unexpected audience engagement — A podcast aimed at teens gained significant traction among adults and professionals.
Impact of format and length — TikTok culture influences how bite-sized or lengthy content is received by younger audiences.
The power of conversational podcasts — Conversations create natural, impactful insights compared to scripted monologues.
Audio as a self-discovery tool — Listening back to one’s words enhances understanding and application of ideas.
Challenges in production — Podcasting requires significant effort but offers opportunities for outsourcing.
Importance of audience-led discovery — Audiences value content they find and consume independently over being directly instructed.
Flexibility of on-demand content — Recorded sessions provide convenience and engagement through adjustable consumption speeds.
Resources
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The hero within
Going inward. That’s the real work. The solutions are not outside of us. Get to know who you really are, because as you search for the hero within, you inevitably become one.
~ Emma Tiebens
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Creativity with Terry Price
What insights from prior experiences and creativity practices can be applied to podcasting and the balance between creativity, perfection, and productivity?
Podcasting becomes a natural fit for blending storytelling with a love for the spoken word.
I think that the hardest part for me as a creative writer is that I don’t want to let go. I want to keep working on that paragraph until I feel like it’s a really good paragraph.
~ Terry Price (16:29)
The conversation explores how creativity intersects with podcasting, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by blending storytelling, technological skills, and personal growth. The discussion highlights the transition from analog to digital formats, emphasizing how tools shape the way stories are told. The importance of oral tradition and storytelling as a craft is discussed as a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Another key theme is the tension between perfectionism and productivity. Insights are shared about prioritizing tasks and letting go of perfection to maintain balance. The idea of a “sacred no” is introduced as a means to focus on essential creative pursuits without overextending oneself. The conversation also touches on how podcasting serves as a medium for self-discovery, inviting listeners into the creator’s personal journey.
Takeaways
Learning to balance creativity and productivity — Managing tasks and ambitions requires saying no to some opportunities.
The importance of connection over perfection — Focusing on the audience’s experience rather than perfecting every detail.
The challenge of letting go in creative work — The creative process often involves recognizing when a piece is “good enough.”
Podcasting as a tool for self-discovery — Sharing personal growth and epiphanies makes podcasting fulfilling.
Transitioning from analog to digital storytelling — Adapting to new tools and formats expands creative possibilities.
The role of storytelling in podcasting — Oral storytelling traditions remain at the heart of meaningful content creation.
Resources
Abbey of the Arts — A community and website focused on integrating spirituality and creativity.
Flannery O’Connor — Quoted for insights on discovering thoughts through writing.
Anne Lamott — Mentioned for her concept of “shitty first drafts” in the writing process.
Steve Pressfield — Referenced for a story about the necessity of completing creative works.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Do not delete!
Many mysteries still surround the issue of what noncoding DNA is, and whether it really is worthless junk or something more. Portions of it, at least, have turned out to be vitally important biologically. But even beyond the question of its functionality (or lack of it), researchers are beginning to appreciate how noncoding DNA can be a genetic resource for cells and a nursery where new genes can evolve.
~ Jake Buehler, from The Complex Truth About ‘Junk DNA’
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I knew there were “large” portions of the DNA strand that weren’t [as far as we could tell] important. But 98%? waaaaaaaaat? Also, many other great things in this article—and it’s always nice to link to Quanta Magazine.
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Knowledge with Kathy Cocks
How can personal experiences and expertise in caregiving be shared effectively to support and educate others?
The challenge of helping families navigate aging in place transforms into a mission of sharing knowledge through podcasting.
There’s nobody for people to just go talk to sometimes just to talk things out. It’s not really a counseling thing. It’s just like, are we doing the right thing?
~ Kathy Cocks (8:23)
The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from a decade-long career as a geriatric nurse into a passion for podcasting to share experiences and knowledge about caregiving. Kathy discusses how interactions with families in their driveways revealed a need for accessible, ongoing guidance on aging and elder care, leading to the creation of a podcast addressing these challenges. The format allows for sharing personal insights, professional experiences, and practical advice to support families dealing with aging parents.
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the emotional and logistical aspects of caregiving. Topics include family dynamics, the stigmas around aging, and the difficulty of making decisions about elder care. Kathy also highlights their goal of creating a resource library of podcast episodes on specific topics like dementia and community resources, offering a valuable tool for caregivers seeking quick, actionable insights.
Takeaways
The emotional challenges of caregiving — Acknowledging and managing the complexity of family dynamics and emotions.
The importance of accessible resources — Providing information on specific topics through short podcast episodes tailored to caregivers’ needs.
Storytelling as a tool for connection — Using personal and professional stories to educate and empower listeners.
Navigating family dynamics — Recognizing the uniqueness of each family’s situation while providing tailored advice.
Breaking down complex information — Making challenging concepts like dementia more understandable for caregivers.
The value of listening — Recognizing and addressing caregivers’ emotional needs through empathetic interaction.
Encouraging community engagement — Exploring ways to reintroduce aging individuals to social settings for improved well-being.
Resources
Alzheimer’s Association — A recommended resource for families dealing with dementia.
Knowledge for Caregivers Podcast — Kathy’s podcast focusing on various caregiving topics.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Tolerance versus love
Tolerance is becoming accustomed to injustice; love is becoming disturbed and activated by another’s adverse condition. Tolerance crosses the street; love confronts. Tolerance builds fences; love opens doors. Tolerance breeds indifference; love demands engagement. Tolerance couldn’t care less; love always cares more.
~ Cory Booker
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Tolerance
Tolerance is becoming accustomed to injustice; love is becoming disturbed and activated by another’s adverse condition. Tolerance crosses the street; love confronts. Tolerance builds fences; love opens doors. Tolerance breeds indifference; love demands engagement. Tolerance couldn’t care less; love always cares more.
~ Cory Booker
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When I’m having a recorded conversation for a podcast, “being loving” or “loving the other person”, aren’t the words I’d choose. Low-brow jokes aside, it just doesn’t feel like the right word choice. Booker’s phrasing is obviously rhetoric. But there’s a reason rhetoric is like that: It works.
When I read Booker’s rhetoric I was thinking how shifting one’s context to coming from being loving changes the way I’d approach those situations. …or at least, how I might approach those situations. Changing my mindset would enable me to see opportunities I’d otherwise miss. (While still allowing me to rationally choose when it might be wise to walk by, cross the street, build a fence, get on with life, etc..)
And my new mindset—coming from being loving—made me think of a conversation I had a little while ago with Andrew Foster.
Ruh-roh, there might just be something to this “love” thing.
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PS: *gasp* I too have been misattributing “ruh-roh”, as in “ruh-roh rhaggy” to Scooby Doo. “ruh-roh” is Astro’s catch-phrase. Both dogs were voiced by the same actor though…
Effort with Ryan Flahive
How does the evolution of a creative project influence its format and approach over time?
This conversation explores the transition from traditional publishing to podcasting as a medium for impactful storytelling.
As a father of two young girls who cares deeply about climate change but doesn’t have a lot of, you know, technical proficiency, I’m not an engineer; I’m not going to build a new solar panel, trying to figure out what I could do with my skill set to have an impact.
~ Ryan Flahive (0:52)
This conversation explores the shift from traditional publishing to podcasting as a means of amplifying impactful stories, particularly on climate change. Ryan reflects on his professional background in publishing and their decision to create a podcast instead of writing a book. He shares how this medium enables a more dynamic and accessible approach to storytelling while overcoming technical and logistical challenges.
Several topics emerge, including the importance of consistency in building momentum, strategies for engaging guests, and the adaptation required to balance personal interests with audience needs. The discussion highlights how leveraging past connections and experiences can ease the transition to new formats, all while navigating the complexities of content creation and audience engagement.
Takeaways
The evolution of a creative project — from idea to execution — often involves adapting to new mediums.
Storytelling in podcasting — creates a unique opportunity to engage with diverse audiences and subjects.
Consistency and cadence in podcasting — serve as a critical foundation for building momentum and maintaining an audience.
Technology challenges in podcasting — require creative problem-solving to ensure stories are heard.
Guest selection strategies — such as leveraging high-profile names early, can elevate a podcast’s credibility.
Balancing personal interests and audience needs — shapes the format and focus of a project.
The importance of community in podcasting — counters the isolation of independent creators.
Resources
Joel Salatin — A prominent figure in regenerative agriculture, mentioned as a guest on the podcast.
COP 26 — The UN Climate Change Conference where young leaders, including a Ugandan guest, participated.
Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior — A ship used to transport young leaders to climate meetings.
Jane Goodall — A renowned primatologist who was highlighted as a significant guest on the podcast.
Ryan Flahive — Ryan’s web site.
Climate Changers — Ryan’s podcast.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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