I love language. Is Machiavelli suggesting less total violence, or more total deception? Or does it suggest that any amount of violence and deception, (including even, more violence than deception,) is fine, so long as you consider deception as your preferred method? Wait. What is the purpose of the word “attempt”? Is it okay to succeed by force, regardless of the possibility of succeeding using deception? Wait, no it’s worse than that even: “Never attempt to win … can be won …” — Is it okay if my aim is simply to sow chaos, without actually attempting to win via either method? Or, what if I attempt to win through some other means, (via kindness or merit or nimble maneuvering or bribery perhaps)?
But I do so love language.
Because despite all those perfectly logical nits that can be picked, it’s a brilliant sentence—even translated into English—packing insight and wisdom which we all grasp instantly and intuitively.
Elisa Graf is both a writer and an editor and has started a podcast called Mystic Takeaway. She loves stories about the transcendent and the everyday world colliding, and the surprise, joy, and wonder that ensues. Her podcast showcases extraordinary stories of mysterious encounters and miraculous healings.
In our conversation, we found ourselves talking about podcast show statistics. They come up often when people first dive into podcasting. Everyone quickly realizes there’s an array of numbers that can be tracked. But what do those numbers mean? What numbers should we be shooting for? What does a “download” or “listener” even mean? But rather than dive into techno-babble, I was curious about what first surprised Elisa about podcasting stats when she published her podcast.
First thought: What if the enemy is myself? Surely, Sun Tzu would consul alternative options which do not involve full frontal attack. Because telling my petulant self that it has to sit down and “Eat. Just. One. Pea!” …that’s not going to work. (Actually, hold on, maybe if I try frontal assault one more time… nope, that really does not work.)
How does one break one’s own resistance? Can I ruminate on goals, or the “whys”? (e.g., “Why did I say I wanted to do this thing you’re now resisting?”) Can I examine, and then let go of, sunk costs? Can I visualize the finished place, state, or situation?
If I could do any of that, would I have then solved the bigger problem: Why am I [in point of fact] my own worst enemy?
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.
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.
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.
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. ;)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ɕ
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…
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.
Since I’m guilty of this, I often try to catch myself having power. One way I do this is to journal; If I write down, “Yesterday I did these 12 things, and people said such-and-so about my having helped them,” that’s glaring evidence that I’ve affected the world by exercising my power.
Another way I try to catch myself is to zoom farther out and look for longer-term successes. So if—for example, just sayin’, askin’ for a friend—one feels they cannot affect change in the world, but the evidence after 7 months is that one created the spark that ignited a community… well, maybe I—err, not me, my friend should stop thinking they have no power.
And I mean dialog which is set up with certain agreed-upon concepts and boundaries, not literally framed for hanging on a wall.
A while back—January 4th, 2021 to be specific—I made some notes about an idea tickling my brain. I had had a conversation with two people. We had decided to get together to talk about… something. I’m not sure what. It probably was something like:
I feel like I need to talk to someone. But, I’m in this place where too many people—basically, all the people I regularly interact with—see me in a certain way. They know me in a certain context. Anything I say or do, they evaluate it as a continuation of what they know about me. That’s not a criticism of them, but simply a statement of reality.
…something like that. Not saying that’s it exactly. I’m asking for a friend. ahem.
We three hopped on a call and it didn’t really go well. We didn’t have an agenda, (which was probably a good thing). But also, we didn’t have a purpose nor clear idea of why we wanted to have the conversation. We expended an hour, (of our expected 694,700 total available,) shrugged, and moved on with our day. After my mind moved on from the experience, when I returned to thinking about the tickling idea, and the conversation, somehow I felt like the conversation had been useful. So in hindsight, it felt like the conversation was much closer to being useful, then I thought it was in the moment.
Since I’m generally interested in conversation, I scratched some notes—as I mentioned, in January a year ago—about what I thought might have been the magic: Time limit, ephemeral, minimal structure, and anticipation. Those four properties seem to be the essentials for my having felt the conversation was useful in hindsight. This isn’t about “talk therapy.” But, somehow, those features (which would be a part of a talk-therapy session) still facilitate… something.
Recently I’ve noticed several conversations where the topic of extremes has come up. I’m not certain this is new, only that my noticing it is new. The idea that we each fall somewhere on the spectrum of whatever-it-is we care to talk about is not new. And I’m absolutely not implying that moderation is always better; It is not necessarily true that the correct viewpoint is towards the middle.
What I am saying—what I’ve been recently noticing—is that the people towards the ends of the spectrum of whatever topic you care to consider are the louder people. There’s always a majority of people between the extremes, who aren’t as vocal. (Who don’t speak, write, nor post as much as those toward the extremes. “Fool and fanatics” as it were.
Forget squeezing millions from a few megahits at the top of the charts. The future of entertainment is in the millions of niche markets at the shallow end of the bitstream.
There are certain pivotal works in any field. If your work, or your business, is online. This is a work you should read. It would be better if you read it when it came out, back in 2004. But, at least you can read it now so you understand where the idea of the “long tail” originated.
What is the relationship between physical movement practices like floor work, yoga, and breath, and how do these practices influence personal growth and teaching methods?
Discover how confronting the hardness of the floor can transform both physical practice and personal resilience.
You want to be friends with the floor. You wanna caress the floor, you wanna melt into the floor. There’s always you in relation to this thing.
~ Nika Jankovic (2:42)
The conversation discusses the interplay between movement practices such as floor work, yoga, and dance. Floor work, described as forming a “relationship” with the ground, is explored as a practice that transforms how one interacts with space and movement. The connection between breath and movement in yoga is also highlighted, emphasizing how breath awareness influences other practices like dance.
Teaching and learning are recurring themes, as challenges in balancing simplicity with complexity for beginners are examined. The discussion touches on the teacher-student dynamic, emphasizing the necessity of full-circle growth to effectively communicate foundational skills. Personal reflections on the evolution of movement practices during times of isolation, reveal the adaptability required in both practice and teaching.
Takeaways
Building a relationship with the floor — The practice of floor work invites practitioners to engage deeply with their physical surroundings.
Breath as a foundation — Yoga emphasizes starting with breath, which can then inform and transform physical movement practices.
Adaptability in teaching — Teaching movement requires a balance between simplifying for beginners and maintaining respect for the complexity of foundational skills.
The teacher-student connection — Effective teaching involves understanding the readiness of students and the teacher’s own readiness to guide.
Resilience through movement — The physical challenges of practicing on hard surfaces build resilience and deeper connections to the practice.
Evolution of practice — External circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic, reshape how and where movement practices are performed.
Personal growth in teaching — Revisiting foundational skills allows both teacher and student to grow and understand movement more fully.
Resources
Yoga — A discipline focusing on breath and movement, often used as a foundation for meditation and physical practice.
Floor work — A style of movement rooted in ground-based interaction, as discussed in contemporary dance and movement contexts.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose) — A yoga pose emphasizing stillness and melting into the floor.
Online group sessions — Movement and dance practice sessions held virtually to foster community and learning.
Tai Chi — Mentioned as a transformative movement practice offering new perspectives on body and breath.
“We often see it discussed in relation to attachment and social-related behaviors, including empathy and bonding,” says Lily Brown, PhD, Director of the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. But it’s a lot more than a fleeting chemical high. Oxytocin is a hormone that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It’s thought to be a driving force behind attraction and caregiving, and even controls key aspects of the reproductive system, childbirth, and lactation.
I regularly have conversations with people. I am fascinated by how the privacy, exclusivity of attention, and close proximity of a good conversation works. There’s magic— deep seated, ancient, evolution-driven, psychological and biological affects—in a good conversation.
The other day, I stumbled over a post mentioning the hormone Oxytocin being produced by eye contact. I wanted to leave a link for myself, and perhaps you’d be interested too.