My mom got married today—on her birthday, November 11th. She does read these emails, and so I hope she gets a little thrill when she comes back from her honeymoon.
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Scree
noun : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff.
Rich with Danny van Leeuwen
What strategies and processes can be employed to create meaningful and impactful content across multiple mediums like audio, written material, and personal storytelling?
Transforming audio transcripts into coherent written materials bridges the gap for diverse audiences.
Each episode could be about twenty different things; well that’s just too much for listeners. What are the 2 or 3 that are really important?
~ Danny van Leeuwen (8:23)
The discussion highlights the transformative power of audio storytelling and podcasting, emphasizing how it blends personal experiences and creative expression. Danny shares how podcasting, rooted in a meaningful first episode, has evolved into a robust medium for engaging with diverse audiences. Topics include the emotional depth of storytelling, the challenges of starting with basic tools, and the gradual introduction of elements like music to enhance the audio experience.
The conversation also focuses on the interplay between audio and written mediums. Editing and transcribing episodes into readable formats are described as tools for refining ideas and engaging non-listening audiences. These efforts create reusable content for various purposes while accommodating different learning styles. Reflecting on audience diversity, Danny shares strategies for making episodes resonate across multiple perspectives, from caregivers to healthcare professionals.
Takeaways
The emotional resonance of storytelling — Personal narratives create impactful connections with audiences.
The evolution of podcasting workflows — Beginning with simple setups and improving over time fosters creativity and efficiency.
Balancing breadth and focus — Selecting a few key themes per episode ensures clarity for listeners.
The value of editing — Editing refines the content and deepens the creator’s understanding of the material.
Diverse audience engagement — Crafting content for varied learning styles and professional roles broadens impact.
Leveraging a content library — Written and audio archives provide a foundation for new projects and consulting work.
Personal reflection through editing — Revisiting conversations helps uncover insights and reinforce learning.
Honoring different learning modalities — Adapting content for readers, listeners, and other learning styles respects audience diversity.
The role of collaboration — Peer critique and support enrich podcasting skills and creativity.
Resources
Health Hats Blog and Podcast — Insights on healthcare and personal storytelling.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Writing with Annie Parnell
What unique experiences and challenges have shaped the transition of an indie author into podcasting?
An author navigates the intersection of creativity, technology, and self-promotion through podcasting.
What I realized was I needed to choose myself. Because there wasn’t anybody out there who was going to take a chance on me.
~ Annie Parnell (20:20)
The conversation focuses on the journey of an indie author who specializes in historical romantic suspense with a feminist perspective, as she ventures into podcasting. Annie shares the challenges of creating audiobooks independently and how those obstacles motivated her to adapt her storytelling into a podcast format. Her process is shaped by creative choices, such as incorporating Foley sound effects and dramatizing her narratives while recording.
A significant theme is the balance between self-reliance and community support. Annie discusses her reliance on feedback from a launch team and her willingness to share imperfections in her work. Additionally, she touches on broader cultural topics, such as fostering sisterhood and challenging adversarial narratives through her novels. These values influence both her writing and her decision to make her work more accessible through audio formats.
Takeaways
Creative adaptations — Transforming a book into a podcast allows for a unique storytelling format.
Technological challenges — Podcasting requires managing tools and technology, such as sound effects and recording setups.
Generosity in storytelling — Sharing creative work, even when imperfect, can foster stronger audience connections.
Themes of sisterhood — Promoting collaboration and support among women is central to the author’s work.
Self-reliance in publishing — Choosing to self-publish empowers authors who are overlooked by traditional channels.
Audience engagement — A private Facebook group supports the author’s promotional efforts and gathers feedback.
Learning from mistakes — Accepting and sharing errors is seen as a valuable growth opportunity.
Resources
Annie Parnell’s web site — Includes free short stories and information about her work.
“The Reluctant Countess” — First book in the author’s series, focusing on sisterhood and historical themes.
“Do No Harm” — A short story available as a free download on her website.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Only one !
Writing is hard. (I hear you besmirching my intelligence.) One thing I constantly struggle with is exaggeration and hyperbole. There’s an ancient Bill Cosby skit about Noah trying to collect the animals after building The Ark—”Two mosquitos… male? female?!” and an endless fight with the rabbits, “only two. ONLY TWO!” But this post is about my recent efforts to use only one ‘!’ per post. And you thought that was a stray space there in the title. In this post, I’ve only used one ‘!’ in my punctuation. (Quoted ‘!’ characters I’m accounting to the speaker’s quota. It’s my blog and I’ll make up the rules as I go along, thank-you-very-much.)
One dimension of writing which I find hard is getting the range of expression wide. Quiet in parts, so to speak… err… to write— middle-volume mostly, and just a wee dash of shouting like a Scotsman at level 11. Over on that shouting end, I find that when I’m shift-reaching-for-the-1-key more than once, it’s time to reign that high end in tad. All of which speaks to that old tip about awareness: That which gets measured, gets improved.
Another dimension of writing I struggle with is vocabulary: I get lost reading my dictionary. I get curious about pronunciation—don’t get me started about how dictionaries used to be prescriptive and now are simply lazily being descriptive—and I end up learning for the umpteenth time that hyperbole does not ever rhyme with the little mammal known as a vole. It’s always hyperbole like Brenda-Lee… And, somehow, I thought that the rhymes-with-Brenda-lee pronunciation was a different word that was something like some kind of poetry. Possibly because hyperbole actually does rhyme with poetry? And anyway, on my w-a-y to h-y-, with m-y magnifying glass, I stopped at “Hilbert space” when it caught my e-y-e at the top of another page, as it was said page’s final entry. (What? “n. [David Hilbert] (1911) : a vector space for which a scalar product is defined and in which every Cauchy sequence composed of elements in the space converges to a limit in the space.”) Rats! I forgot what I was talking about.
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Richard Feynman
I hesitated. “I’m sad because you’re going to die.”
“Yeah,” he sighed, “that bugs me sometimes too. But not so much as you think.” And after a few more steps, “When you get as old as I am, you start to realize that you’ve told most of the good stuff you know to other people anyway.”
~ Danny Hillis and Richard Feynman from, Richard Feynman and The Connection Machine – Long Now
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When I’m reading, pull-quotes leap out. It hard to catch the actual process, but what I think happens is that my mind free-associates to something that resonates. I think it’s the strength of the resonance that slams my attention onto the particular bit I’m reading. My mind races off along connections. It is rare that I read something through, and then think: “I should share this,” or, “I should write about this.” It is rare that I have to hunt around for something to quote; Rather it’s the usually metaphorical blinding flash, but sometimes visceral embodied flash, of the pull-quote that tells me I should share it.
After the third blinding flash of, “that’s a pull-quote I have to share,” I stopped counting. I spent an hour with this short read—it’s only a few minutes of reading. Over and over I was struck by some bit, and my mind raced off. Each time, delighted to see where I was going, and with no intention of reigning in my train of thought.
…but this bit that I pull-quoted — I really hesitated. It’s almost a bit of spoiler. I certainly hope you don’t feel like it’s a spoiler. I certainly hope you do go over and read it.
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Opportunities with Heat Dziczek
How can pursuing multiple creative passions and approaches shape personal growth and productivity in podcasting and beyond?
Balancing creative chaos with focus highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing diverse passions.
[At] first I was like, ‘Oh, you know, I have these ninety seven ideas for a podcast.’ Okay, now I’ve got a whittled down to twelve, now I’ve got it whittled down to seven, now I’ve got four. I’ve got four ideas for a podcast and I was talking to a mastermind group that I have from a a workshop and they’re like, ‘Why don’t you just do all of them?
~ Heat Dziczek (3:01)
The conversation discusses the creative and practical aspects of podcasting, emphasizing the freedom to experiment with diverse ideas. Heat reflects on the challenge of narrowing down topics and deciding to integrate multiple themes into a single podcast. She shares the liberating realization that she can design her work in a way that aligns with personal goals rather than external expectations.
Another focus is personal growth, including learning to express positivity and overcoming negativity. Heat explains how this shift has influenced her creative pursuits and interactions. She also touches on balancing the pursuit of creative endeavors with financial sustainability, sharing insights into the complexities of monetizing passion projects without compromising their intrinsic value.
Takeaways
Integrating diverse ideas — Pursuing multiple creative threads in one project can be a source of innovation and fulfillment.
Learning positivity — Developing the habit of recognizing and expressing positive traits requires deliberate effort and can transform relationships.
Balancing creativity and practicality — Striking a balance between artistic passion and financial stability remains a recurring challenge for creators.
Freedom in podcasting — Podcasting offers flexibility to explore unique formats and ideas without rigid boundaries.
The influence of personal history — Past experiences and environments shape how individuals approach creative and interpersonal growth.
The power of gradual change — Incremental exposure to new ideas can lead to profound transformations over time.
The challenge of monetization — Making creative pursuits profitable often requires rethinking traditional approaches to work and income.
Resources
Buy Me a Coffee platform — Used by the speaker to accept support from podcast listeners.
Draft No. 4 — by John McPhee, referenced as an example of innovative narrative techniques.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Potential with Boston Blake
What drives the unique satisfaction and challenges of creating and hosting a podcast focused on storytelling and community building?
Exploring myths and conversations showcases the depth of storytelling’s impact.
[S]o many people have incredible stories and incredible wisdom to share, and they just need a platform. But they’re scared to stand on the platform for whatever reason.
~ Boston Blake (12:01)
The conversation explores Boston’s experience with podcasting, emphasizing its rewards and challenges. Topics include the art of storytelling, the technical tools like Descript that streamline the editing process, and the fulfillment derived from creating platforms for diverse voices. Podcasting’s ability to provide meaningful connections during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic is also discussed, highlighting its unique role as a social outlet.
Additionally, the discussion dips into the difficulties of building and sustaining online communities, particularly for niche topics such as mythology. Boston shares insights on how podcasting acts as both a medium for personal growth and a means to empower others, while grappling with the challenges of audience engagement and creating dialogues beyond the episodes.
Takeaways
Storytelling in podcasting — A rewarding yet challenging way to share and explore myths, fairy tales, and personal narratives.
The impact of podcasting tools — Tools like Descript revolutionize podcast editing, enhancing clarity and listener engagement.
Creating platforms for others — Podcasting can serve as an empowering platform for individuals hesitant to share their stories.
Building online communities — Maintaining engagement in niche interest communities proves to be an ongoing challenge.
Social aspects of podcasting — Podcasting fosters connections and serves as a valuable social outlet, especially during isolating times.
Navigating technical challenges — Exploring various tools and platforms helps optimize the podcasting process.
Expanding audience reach — Finding effective ways to share podcasts with wider audiences remains a focus.
Resources
Descript — A podcast editing tool that simplifies workflows and improves audio clarity.
Canva — A design tool used for creating podcast cover art.
GoodPods — A social network platform for podcasters and listeners.
Twitter (Boston’s handle) — Twitter profile for updates and engagement.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Recent work
I had a cool conversation with Susanne Mueller for her podcast, Take it from the Ironwoman. She published part one as, Cool to Collaborate for Change in the Chaos of the World. 5 new episodes of the Podcaster Community’s companion show are published, and 2 more for Movers Mindset.
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That escalated quickly
The answer from computer science is precise.
~ Stewart Brand from, Brian Christian, “Solving Hard Decisions” – Long Now
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‘When to stop’ is an insidiously difficult problem. Which has been solved. Whether or not you want to read that and learn some crazy heuristics, you already know the power of heuristics. They’re great when they work, until they don’t. So many Americans—whose heuristic is to glance left then step off the curb and then glance right—get wacked by cars in parts of London, they paint, “Look right,” in the street.
…which is great. Unless you’re Craig and your heuristic goes: Look left, look right, look left, and then step off. I look left, notice the words on the street, and look right. Then I go to look left, notice the words again… and look right, instead of left… then my brain screams OMGBECKY look left! Then I go to look left, notice the words again… and look right.
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The TV in the other room
It may surprise you that the words keep coming even if you’re not entertaining them, just as a TV program keeps showing itself to an empty room. You can always hear it carrying on, but it’s up to you whether to go in and sit on the couch.
~ David Cain from, How to Get out of Your Own Head
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Funny, but I don’t ever recall the TV being on in the other room. I certainly have spent a lot of time—that’s a vast understatement—directly sat before the TV. But somewhere somehow somewhen I must have developed the habit of turning it off when I left the room. Which strikes me as very odd.
No great epiphany here. Just: That strikes me as very odd.
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Play with Alyssa Serpa
What influences the balance between seriousness and playfulness in physical training and movement practices?
Physical challenges highlight the intricate relationship between personal growth and self-reflection.
I think that there is a lot of creativity for one— but also, just progression, that happens in the space of being playful, goofing around, and not taking your practice too seriously.
~ Alyssa Serpa (13:07)
The conversation focuses on the interplay of seriousness and playfulness in Parkour and how each can influence personal growth and training outcomes. Insights are shared on the importance of reflecting on one’s commitment to training and how shifting priorities shape practices. A nuanced discussion emerges around how environmental factors, such as the pandemic, have impacted community interactions and travel.
Another theme explored is the role of injuries in redefining one’s approach to physical movement. Recovering from injury led to creative exploration and a greater focus on playful practice. The dialogue underscores the importance of striking a balance between structured training and unstructured play, with a strong emphasis on the joy and personal autonomy gained through movement.
Takeaways
Balancing seriousness and playfulness — Finding the right mix enhances both enjoyment and progress in training.
Creativity in movement practices — Playful exploration can lead to unexpected growth and insights.
Physical activity and life balance — Staying active contributes to overall well-being and stress management.
Impact of travel on training — Travel fosters connections but also comes with costs like carbon footprint and financial strain.
Adapting through injury — Recovery periods can become opportunities for lateral growth and skill refinement.
Value of vulnerability — Allowing space for experimentation and failure encourages new possibilities.
Importance of community — Engaging with peers locally and internationally enriches the training experience.
Resources
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Reflection with Joe Wehbe
How can podcasting be used as a reflective tool and integrated into personal and professional growth?
Understanding how solo podcasting can refine public speaking and storytelling skills.
I knew I wanted to start a podcast just because it was a great format. I was going to learn a lot, and it was going to be interesting to have conversations around a lot of things I care about and people’s perspectives.
~ Joe Wehbe (1:29)
The conversation explores podcasting as a medium for personal growth and professional integration. Joe describes how starting a podcast as a solo endeavor helped refine public speaking skills and brought clarity to his thoughts. The discussion emphasizes the iterative relationship between writing and podcasting, where written content often serves as a foundation for podcast topics and vice versa.
Joe shares insights on reflective practices, mentioning the interplay of writing, conversation, and podcasting as tools for self-awareness and development. He highlights the unique role of podcasting in creating reusable resources and fostering connections. The conversation also touches on feedback and audience engagement, illustrating the evolving nature of the podcasting space.
Takeaways
Creating solo podcasts — A method for practicing public speaking and concise communication.
Integration of podcasting — A way to blend personal interests with professional goals.
The role of writing — Writing serves as a foundational tool to clarify and organize ideas before podcasting.
Reflection in podcasting — Podcasting as a secondary draft to refine and communicate ideas.
Community building — Conversations foster network growth and deepen audience connections.
Audience engagement — Feedback is essential for refining podcasting formats and content.
Resource development — Podcasts can serve as a personal resource library for future reference.
Resources
Seth Godin’s Podcast — A source of inspiration for adopting the “host-on-mic” format.
Notion — Used for organizing ideas and creating headings for blog and podcast content.
18 & Lost? — A collection of stories about life after high school, written by everyday people.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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3.5 each
I don’t know why, but I never learned to solve a Rubik’s Cube. I am exactly the right age; the durned things appeared on the scene just before I got to primary school and they were common in my high school. But I never got into it. I had one, of course. I pretty much immediately took it apart (very carefully) to see how it worked… just honestly curious about how it worked, not trying to solve it. When I put it back together, I put it together in the solved state because it seemed obvious that if I put it together randomly it couldn’t be solved by then trying to rotation-solve it as usual.
Aside: Yes, of course I did. Any time I found a cube, I’d surreptitiously mechanically detach and flip a few pieces, and then scramble it. Few people are good enough to quickly figure out what has happened.
…and then I never was interested in solving one after I understood how it worked. Tetris? Okay, yeah, that game ate years of my life—because you can’t solve it, you just do it. Anyway, I’m 50 and I just got a Rubik’s Cube.
And what am I doing? Measuring it: Let’s call it 2.2 inches on an edge. How many of them are there? Wikipedia says 350,000,000. Crap, that’s a lot of plastic. How big a pile is that? How big are 350,000,000 2-inch cubes? …and I was hoping Wolfram Alpha would give me units of Empire-State-Buildings or something. Instead, I learned something about the total number of Angels according to the Bible. (That should get you to click, no?)
What’s that? How many ESBs is it? …oh, sorry, it’s 0.0583 ESB. I know right? We’ve only 6% filled the ESB with Rubik’s Cubes?! We need to ramp up production.
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Belonging with Ric Lindberg
How do tools and human connections shape the development and success of online communities?
Successful communities depend more on leadership and shared purpose than on the platforms they use.
If you don’t have that previous experience that, ‘I’ve been this lost before and it’s okay.’ …or, ‘I have backups. It’s burning, but it’s okay.’ If you don’t have those experiences, poking the box is scary.
~ Ric Lindberg (5:34)
This conversation explores the complexities of building online communities, emphasizing the interplay between human connections and the technical tools used. A significant focus is placed on how platforms like Discourse serve as frameworks for fostering interaction, with insights on their benefits and challenges, including the learning curve for new users. Strategies for onboarding and engaging participants are highlighted as critical for a community’s success.
Another key topic is the balance between structure and organic growth in community dynamics. Practical examples discuss the importance of reducing barriers for new members while maintaining engagement among seasoned participants. Reflections on leadership and intentional design reveal how communities thrive not from technology alone but through careful cultivation of shared values and goals.
Takeaways
Removing barriers to participation — Encouraging exploration and minimizing the fear of making mistakes can boost engagement.
The importance of leadership — Effective communities require intentional design and ongoing support from leaders.
Learning curves in technology — New users face challenges in adapting to platforms, requiring thoughtful onboarding strategies.
Role of shared experiences — Building comfort through shared struggles and support strengthens community bonds.
Value of small groups — Intimate communities foster deeper connections and sustainable engagement.
Balancing free and premium content — Freely accessible resources attract users, while value-added services encourage financial support.
Evolving community needs — Successful communities adapt to meet the changing needs of their members.
Platform limitations — Tools like Discourse are beneficial but not sufficient without purposeful application.
Humanizing interactions — Real-time, informal meetups create stronger interpersonal connections among members.
Resources
Everything is Figureoutable — Marie Forleo’s book exploring a mindset of resilience and problem-solving.
Discourse (platform) — Open-source software used for building online communities.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Conversation with Helena Roth
What makes a conversation meaningful and how does one cultivate the skill of engaging in impactful dialogue?
The interplay between coaching and conversational skills reveals itself in surprising ways.
[I]t’s more towards the other [end] in my podcast. […] There hasn’t been an agenda. There hasn’t been a set timeframe. There hasn’t been any, ‘this is what we need to get through, or the goal we need to reach, or anything.’ And, surprisingly, you know it’s gone really well.
~ Helena Roth (1:07)
This conversation explores the dynamics of creating meaningful dialogues, with an emphasis on curiosity and presence. Helena and Craig discuss the distinction between structured interviews and organic conversations, highlighting the challenges and rewards of allowing spontaneity to guide the flow. Insights are shared about how to cultivate an environment where natural exchanges can thrive, contrasting the vibrancy of unplanned dialogue with the rigidity of pre-set agendas.
They touch upon the art of listening and the interplay of coaching principles in conversations, including withholding judgment and fostering genuine curiosity. Reflections on well-known podcasting styles illustrate the impact of personal involvement in interviews. Practical techniques, like recording from the first moments to capture authenticity, also surface, underscoring the importance of preparation in producing organic conversations.
Takeaways
Curiosity as a driver — Authentic conversations are fueled by genuine curiosity rather than adherence to rigid formats.
Judgment in dialogue — Skilled conversationalists avoid answering on behalf of others, allowing responses to unfold naturally.
Role of presence — Effective hosts contribute by being present and engaged without necessarily steering the dialogue.
Structured vs. unstructured — A discussion on how agenda-free formats can yield unexpected depth and resonance.
Coaching and listening — Coaching techniques enrich dialogue by emphasizing open-ended questions and a non-intrusive approach.
Recording strategy — Starting recordings immediately helps capture authentic moments often lost in staged setups.
The vitality of conversation — Lifeless exchanges often stem from transactional, pre-scripted interactions lacking spontaneity.
Reflection and evolution — Re-listening to past conversations reveals new insights, demonstrating the depth of recorded dialogues.
Resources
Walter Isaacson — A biographer known for his works on Steve Jobs and others; his style was critiqued in the conversation.
On Being with Krista Tippett — A podcast blending spiritual and intellectual inquiry, cited as an example of presence in dialogue.
Ocean Vuong — Poet and author, mentioned for a memorable conversation with Krista Tippett on “On Being.”
Tankespjärn — Helena Roth’s podcast emphasizing unscripted, organic conversations.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Eggs and omelettes
There is no angst. There is no disease, suffering, and death. There is no killing. There’s no lust or envy or avarice of pride. There are no eviction notices or IRS audits.
In other words, it isn’t real life.
~ Gaping Void from, «https://www.gapingvoid.com/blog/2021/07/19/the-power-of-culture/»
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But that’s particularly difficult to remember when you are the down-the-stairs end of something monsterous and the up-the-stairs person is going s l o w l y and futzing with their grip. Or when you are traffic. (My omission of the word “in” is intentional.) Or the queue at the security check point is crazy. The children on the bus are unruly. The tire goes flat. The microwave craps out. And on and on. Because it’s precisely in those moments that we choose what sort of person we want to be.
Presume good intent. Trust, (but verify. My fave Russian proverb, btw.) Everyone we meet is fighting a great battle. No one knows how hard I work—read that as “I” in your mind’s reading voice, so it really refers to yourself—therefore, I know not how hard others work. There are lots of ways to aphorize the sentiment, and I use every single one of them, every day, as I don the armor of the Angel of my Better Nature and try.
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Joy with Jayne Heggen
How does the experience of podcasting, particularly with a focus on mentoring, allow for the exploration of meaningful stories and connections?
Mentoring bridges the gap between telling stories and finding solutions through shared experiences.
What mentoring does is, it tells stories about solutions. Which is way different from coaching, which is asking questions to get to solutions. Which is different from counseling, which is you’re asking questions to get to problems.
~ Jayne Heggen (8:44)
The conversation focuses on podcasting as a tool to explore and share meaningful stories, particularly through the lens of mentoring. Jayne shares how her background in radio contrasts with her current experiences in podcasting, highlighting the interactive and engaging nature of the latter. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating a successful podcast, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, connection, and authenticity in storytelling.
Another key theme is mentoring, which is presented as a process of sharing experiences and perspectives to help others navigate their paths. Jayne differentiates mentoring from coaching and counseling, underscoring its unique role in offering solutions through storytelling. She explores how podcasting can amplify these stories, making them more accessible and impactful, while also reflecting on the balance between editing and preserving authenticity in recorded conversations.
Takeaways
Mentoring — A skill and passion that involves sharing experiences to guide others.
Storytelling — Central to mentoring, as it conveys lessons and solutions effectively.
Podcasting as Engagement — The interactive nature of podcasting fosters deeper connections.
Vulnerability — A key factor in successful podcast conversations and mentoring.
Authenticity in Editing — The importance of maintaining the mentor’s authentic voice while editing.
Superpowers — Unique personal experiences and skills make each mentor irreplaceable.
Resources
“The Greatest American Hero” — A classic 1980s TV show referenced as a metaphor for exploring one’s potential.
Business Process Reengineering — Mentioned as the guest’s professional background, focusing on aligning corporations with people-centric processes.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Lunacy?
But there’s a message all of our readers should appreciate: Blog posts are not enough to generate the deep fluency you need to truly understand or get better at something. We offer a starting point, not an end point.
~ Shane Parrish from, Blog Posts, Book Reviews, and Abstracts: On Shallowness
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First off, I totally read that as, “to generate the deep lunacy …” which is probably closer to the truth than I’d like to admit for my own blog if one tries to just read it. Second, this is so meta. I’m writing a blog post about a blog post that is referring to the other posts on that same blog.
I’ve said this sort of thing before, but it bears repeating: On this blog, I’m showing my process of reflection. I would get the exact same benefit if I did all this writing, and pressed delete instead of publish. (With the notable exception that I do also use my blog as an archive to re-find things.) But I make no claim that simply reading this blog will do anything for you. “Look! Here are my footprints, stumbles, side tracks and snow angels in the woods.” Maybe you can see some art, or some fun, or whatever. But the whole point of having it out there for you to read is to encourage you to do your own reflection.
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Maybe I should walk back?
As autumn settles in where I am, I’ve been looking ahead to winter with longer nights, brisk days, etc.. I also looked back at the shape I’ve been in in years past. I’m not lamenting, “if only I had my youth back.” Rather, just thinking about health, movement, and what would be the minimum effective dosage of some exercise to move me in the direction I want. (That DuckDuckGo link should make you wonder why a medical-sounding phrase is used most relating to exercise not medicine, and strength training in particular.)
Sometimes—by which I mean any time running comes up—I say that running is both the best thing for me, and the form of activity I hate most. Both of which are untrue. What’s actually best for me is zone-2 aerobic exercise and that’s sometimes what I get when I run. It’s best for me, because that is the main driver of base fitness until you get well up into being a competent athlete. But usually, being quite over-weight at the moment, any running drives my heart-rate above the surprisingly low/slow zone-2. The second part about hating it is also untrue. It turns out that one time—the one single day apparently—that I was ever in shape, I enjoyed running. I was walking, the weather was beautiful, and I had an irresistible urge to run, (and so I did.) But, literally, that happened once.
Anyway. It’ll suffice to say: I spent a few weeks recently thinking about going full-on nerd with zone-2 training. To do it right requires planning, scheduling, and—sources vary—between 150 to 180 minutes exercising each week. And warm-up and cool-down time are not included in those weekly times. Honestly, the deal-breaker was I’m seriously pissed at FitBit, (and their watches are useless without a FitBit account,) and I refuse to spend many-hundreds on an Apple watch. Also, my $30 Timex is nicer, for my definition of “nicer.”
My thinking continued, and eventually I thought: I should just walk back from Mordor.
…except this time I’m not going to bother trying to track the actual mileage. Just walk as many days as I can. Listen to some podcasts some of the time. And basically just stroll along thinking, “If this isn’t nice…“
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Some S’s
Sometimes, simple summaries suffice.
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