I felt like I had a choice, and I had to look and choose. Do I go into nothingness, I give up, I quit, I walk off the cliff ahead of me, I just run off it and scream and that’s it, or do I accept that everything’s been taken away from me, but it was never mine to begin with? We come from dust, and we return to dust. We don’t have anything except what we’re given, and it’s a gift. Life is a gift.
~ Andrew Foster
slip:4a819.
Communication between two people falls on a spectrum, and that spectrum has more than one dimension. In fact, I imagine it has many dimensions.
Information could be flowing predominantly from person A to B, evenly, or in the other direction; this can be imagined as one dimension of the communication. The tension—antagonism, slight repulsion, a neutral first meeting, mild interest, intimate whispers—can be negative or positive; this can be another dimension. Communication can be durable (recorded, written, notes taken, etc.) or ephemeral; that’s another dimension. It can also vary in the dimension from private to public.
It’s interesting to consider how real scenarios could be characterized using those dimensions. Consider: An interrogation involving torture, an interrogation of a subject with their rights observed, a private investigator seeking to solve a case, a journalist interviewing a war criminal, a journalist interviewing a cultural icon, two friends talking while sharing a meal, single-serving sized friends on a plane (hat tip to Chuck Palahniuk), or lovers sharing pillow talk. The scenarios, like life, are endlessly varied.
All of that is a reductionist analysis; how do I simplify the real scenario to find some principles that are durable across scenarios. That’s useful. But I could also turn my analysis around. While having a conversation, I could consider those principles as a way to guide my efforts to create a certain kind of conversation.
Direction of information flow? …should I be talking more or less? Tension? …is there, should there be, more or less? Durability? Privacy? There are certainly more dimensions, and therefore more principles, than those I’ve listed. And the insight gained from understanding every principle could be evaluated in the context—the right-now in each moment’s context—of every conversation.
What would happen if I continuously (as often as is possible in a conversation, but also by reflecting on each conversation and planning for the next), made conscious adjustments? What would happen if I did that over 100, 500, or even 1,000 conversations? Now that’s a good question.
ɕ
slip:4c2co3c4.
Be here now. […] That’s all there is, is what’s happening right now. The fear of the future or the regret of the past has no real bearing in their own place. Just what you’re doing right now.
~ Thomas Droge
slip:4a814.
We’re not just respecting people’s time. We’re respecting their voice and their passion.
~ Seth Godin from, Respecting their time
slip:4usere2.
It’s a good post from Godin. This post of mine is a literal tangent from one thing he mentioned…
In cases where “we’re all going to be speaking” isn’t on the agenda, going around the room, (ala “let’s all introduce ourselves”,) robs people of their agency. I’ve heard it discussed that this wastes time—it does. But vastly worse is the fact that it removes people’s agency.
(Agency is critical. I’ll go out on a limb and say that depriving someone of agency is literally the worst thing you can do to a person. All the horrible physical crimes you just thought of, involve first depriving the victim of their agency. Imagine if taking someone’s agency was treated as the worst crime possible.)
I imagine I’m leading some session, and someone is sitting in the space. When their turn comes around… suppose they don’t want to speak? What if they didn’t want to be heard? By saying, “let’s go around”—even if I say, “and introduce yourself if you want to“—regardless, they are going to be seen. They have to speak, to decline to speak. They have to leave the room, or hide, etc. My “let’s go around the room,” literally robs everyone of their choice.
There are of course lots of situations where “going around” makes perfect sense. For example, if we’re sitting in a restorative justice circle, everyone there knows how it works. You’re free to not speak, and you know that you are going be seen. But the vast majority of times I’ve been in a “let’s go around” situation, it’s the theft of agency variety.
ɕ
How can podcasts be designed and produced in multiple languages to serve specific, localized audiences effectively?
A podcast is used as a tool to bridge gaps in health education for rural communities with limited internet access.
[It’s the] whole process of editing that’s tripped me up. What I’ve noticed, and what I’m realizing, is with the HIV podcast, doing that podcast for the community—for other people—is motivation for me to like… knock out those episodes in the same afternoon.
~ Adam Greenberg (10:16)
The conversation explores the creative and technical challenges of producing a multilingual podcast for rural communities, focusing on a project aimed at supporting HIV-positive individuals. This initiative, designed by a Peace Corps volunteer, leverages podcasts to share local stories and facilitate discussions. Technical hurdles, such as managing multiple RSS feeds in different languages, are discussed, alongside strategies for hosting and distribution on a budget.
Adam reflects on the broader challenges of content creation, contrasting the ease of creating for others with the difficulty of personal projects. Topics include finding motivation, balancing creativity with logistics, and navigating the numerous rabbit holes that technology and content production present. The importance of mentorship, setting boundaries, and focusing on meaningful goals also surfaces as key themes in the discussion.
Takeaways
The importance of hyper-localized content — A podcast can be an effective tool to reach rural and underserved communities.
Multilingual podcasting challenges — Managing multiple language feeds requires creativity and resourcefulness.
Motivation from serving others — Creating content for community benefit provides a strong drive to complete projects.
Avoiding technological rabbit holes — Focus and guidance help to bypass unnecessary technical distractions.
Boundaries as a creative aid — Setting limits can foster productivity and clarity in creative endeavors.
Mentorship and guidance — Having trusted advisors can help navigate complex decisions and stay focused.
Personal versus community storytelling — Storytelling for a community often feels easier than personal storytelling.
Resources
HIV Positive Voices podcast — A multilingual podcast designed for rural education and health support.
WordPress — A content management system used for hosting the podcast project.
Peace Corps — Peace Corps Volunteers put their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with host communities in more than 60 countries.
AltMBA — A leadership and creativity workshop mentioned for its insights on focus and boundaries.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ
Think about what you will add to the world. Some lucrative professions, (e.g., ultra-high-tech finance,) are dubious applications of human brainpower.
~ Steven Pinker
slip:4a808.
There is no change, no attempt, no reach that does not look strange to someone. There’s almost no accomplishment that is possible without calling some attention on yourself. To gamble on yourself is to risk failure. To do it in public is to risk humiliation.
~ Ryan Holiday from, Life Happens in Public. Get Used to It.
slip:4uryli1.
I believe I’ve developed a healthy level of ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ when it comes to trying things with a risk of failure. I think this is one—possibly the only—upside to having terrible self-talk. I’ve told my self horribly critical things so many times… and then had that criticism proven to not be the case so many times… well, now I just try things.
Except for people’s names. I’m developing a phobia around saying people’s names. It just feels like the least I could do, when having a conversation with someone who I need to introduce to others… the least I could do is say their name correctly. Perfectly, even, on the first try. …in their native language’s proper pronunciation. What could possible go wrong?
ɕ
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.)
ɕ
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
slip:4a818.
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
slip:4a818.
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.
ɕ
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.)
ɕ
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.)
ɕ
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.
slip:4a817.
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
slip:4uroda1.
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.
ɕ
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.)
ɕ
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.
slip:4a816.
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.
slip:4a816.
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!
ɕ
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.
slip:4a803.
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.)
ɕ
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.)
ɕ