Reading time: About 5 minutes, 900 words
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This issue is https://7forsunday.com/77
March 24, 2024 — #77
Scree
noun : an accumulation of loose stones or rocky debris lying on a slope or at the base of a hill or cliff.
Obliged to respond
I recently heard a conversation between Brian Koppelman and Steven Pressfield (circa 2019 in Koppelman’s podcast, The Moment) where Pressfield mentioned a few great things for creatives to remember: Being a professional has nothing to do with getting paid. Resistance is real, it’s myself, and is waiting for me to invite it to stop me. The Muse is real.
The muse really does reward me for being found working. I’ve learned, no matter the work, the muse approves when finding me ready with pen and paper close. But if the muse taps me and I fail to treat the gift appropriately—if I think, “I’ll remember that. I don’t need to write that down.”—then I hear the muse scoff, “we shall see.” We shall see if I remember. And we shall see if the muse waits a bit longer before checking on me again.
That, of course, was the reason for the pen all along: it’s a physical reminder that you are not reading merely to consume the words of others passively, but that you have an obligation to respond.
~ Mandy Brown from, https://aworkinglibrary.com/writing/ways-of-writing
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I’m realizing that books themselves also need room to sprawl. If I keep them shelved upright, or even more simply stacked flat, they still seem to be squished into submission. When I am able to lay a few of them out, with some room for them to wave their invisible tendrils, they seem to taunt me: go ahead, pick me up! If there’s a tablet or some writing scraps at hand, or garish sticky notes for flagging pages, then it begins to feel like its own room with unfolding conversations. In the end, it’s almost a composition just having the books lying about.
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Software power-tools
There’s a lot I can say about episode notes for individual podcast episodes. I have trouble writing them from scratch. But I’ve been using OpenAI’s LLM for a while now and tinkering on some prompts that work well. It takes me at least half an hour of writing (me writing and revising) to go from a raw transcript to solidly useful episode notes.
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Voices with Leticia Latino van Splunteren
What are the key insights and lessons shared during a conversation with a podcast creator about sustaining creativity, connection, and the joy of podcasting?
Leticia Latino van Splunteren joins Craig Constantine to explore the relentless pursuit of podcasting excellence and the art of staying true to one’s essence.
The one thing people have always told me— […] I connect people. My friends, even from high school and elementary school when I go back home, […] I’m the one planning, making everybody see each other. I’ve always been that person.
~ Leticia Latino 10:05
Leticia Latino and Craig discuss the essence and challenges of podcasting. Leticia shares her journey of producing over 250 episodes of her podcast “Back2Basics,” highlighting the dedication and passion required to maintain such a consistent output. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sustainable podcasting routine that aligns with one’s lifestyle and commitments.
I think a lot of people get discouraged by seeing, sometimes the numbers and the statistics, and I don’t look at them. I don’t look at them because I look at the map of where it has been downloaded. And when I see it has been on every single continent [that’s] encouraging and empowering for me because I’ve reached a place that I will have never dreamt about reaching.
~ Leticia Latino 35:20
Their discussion shows how podcasting, while a solitary endeavor at times, blossoms into a fulfilling venture through connections made and stories shared, showcasing the intrinsic value and joy derived from engaging deeply with guests and audiences alike.
The conversation also explores guest engagement and the sometimes meticulous process behind selecting and interacting with guests. Leticia offers insights into her approach to guest outreach, and how she tries to ensure a balance between introducing new voices and maintaining a steady flow of content. She discusses the strategic use of solo episodes as a method to keep the podcast alive during guest droughts, inadvertently discovering the audience’s appreciation for her personal insights.
Finally, the conversation touches on the impact of the global pandemic on podcasting dynamics. Leticia notes a shift towards introspection among podcasters and listeners alike, suggesting a deeper engagement with content that resonates on a personal level, even today as the world again accelerates post-pandemic.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a passion project — discusses the deep commitment and joy derived from creating content that connects with people on a personal level.
The importance of a sustainable routine — highlights the need for podcasters to develop a manageable and consistent process for producing episodes to avoid burnout.
Guest engagement strategies — explores methods for maintaining a steady flow of interesting guests and ensuring the podcast remains dynamic and engaging.
Solo episodes as a strategic tool — mentions how solo episodes can serve as a valuable asset to keep the podcast going and provide personal insights when guests are scarce.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic — reflects on how the pandemic has influenced podcasters and listeners, fostering introspection and a deeper connection with content.
The role of consistency in podcasting — emphasizes the significance of releasing episodes regularly to build and maintain an audience.
Content over perfection — advises podcasters to focus on delivering content consistently rather than getting caught up in the pursuit of perfection.
The global reach of podcasting — celebrates the ability of podcasts to connect with listeners worldwide, bringing diverse perspectives and stories to a global audience.
The value of process and preparation — underscores the necessity of having a clear process for recording, editing, and publishing podcast episodes to facilitate creativity and efficiency.
Resources
Back2Basics — Leticia Latino’s podcast, focusing on reconnecting with the essence of one’s personal and professional life. The show explores what makes people tick, featuring conversations with diverse guests.
https://www.leticialatino.com/ — Her web site with much more information, including her blog and media links.
Women In Business — The book Leticia Latino collaborated on, mentioned in this episode.
Akimbo Podcasting Course — The original course and platform no longer exist. But the material from the course was expanded and updated by one of the course’s coaches to become, The Podcasting Workshop
PodMatch — Mentioned by Leticia Latino as a platform designed to match podcast hosts with potential guests, facilitating easier content creation and guest sourcing for podcasters.
Show Your Work and The Practice — Two books Craig wishes he’d read at the start of his podcasting journey: Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work!, a book encouraging creators to share their process, not just their products, and Seth Godin’s The Practice, a book that dives into the process of doing creative work, emphasizing the importance of showing up, doing the work, and shipping it out.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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The payoff
If I think about how some project or effort of mine affects the world, it’s hard to imagine the effects that I would never know about. A tree falls in the woods; if no one hears it, does it make a sound? Does it make a sound a microphone would pick up? Yes, of course. Does it make a sound that affects someone? No, of course not. The answer depends on what we mean when we ask the question. If I do something creative, and no one that I know of benefits from it, does it matter?
Why? Because anyone who has ever done anything worth a damn, knows that they probably weren’t the main beneficiaries of their efforts. Our work may have lit up the world, but we still remain down in the mud, somehow.
~ Cierra Martin from, https://www.gapingvoid.com/what-samurai-teach-us-about-service/
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For some reason, I liked the overall shape of that little article. But I don’t like the imagery of “we still remain down in the mud.” I feel like the thankless creative work that I do, doesn’t leave me “down in the mud.” A better metaphor—the way I think of it—is that I’m “still in the workshop.” I’m in the workshop. I’m being creative. My work has affects (I presume), but the fact that I don’t see those affects doesn’t make them any less real.
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Putting pen to paper
I’ve tried to do digitally the thinking and creative part of writing. It just doesn’t work as well as scribbling on paper. I use these tablets to capture ideas. This seed has been bumping around for 3 months (if you zoom in, it’s interesting that this seed happens to be _about_ reverberations!) Today it gets turned into a new something for Open + Curious.
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Perspective with Jamie Holmes
What strategies can individuals use to manage administrative tasks efficiently while maintaining their creativity and productivity in other pursuits?
Jamie Holmes joins Craig to discuss life’s admin tasks, her journey through holistic healing from melanoma, and insights into the world of circus arts and personal fitness showcasing her multifaceted life and philosophies.
I think it was three months from when I had my first, initial consult with my surgeon, and he said, “okay I can get you in. It’s going to be a bit harder because you’re doing both hips at once, but I can get you in within three months.” And that was horrid to me! I was like, “I have to live three more months like this!?” It wasn’t just that it hurt a little bit when I walked— I couldn’t move— I could not move— I was having weird panic attacks all the time, because if I dropped something and had to bend over, it was— I’m a bit of a tough cookie, but that? That broke me pretty hard.”
~ Jamie Holmes, 35:15
Not your average bears, Craig and Jamie begin in left field discussing ways of managing life’s “admin” tasks. Jamie professes integrating everything into her daily flow, rather than reserving them for a single day. Her approach, she explains, allows her to work at a high speed, avoiding the buildup of dreaded tasks. Her method emphasizes efficiency and the mental ease that comes from staying ahead of administrative duties, reflecting a deeper understanding of personal productivity and time management.
The conversation shifts into Jamie’s profound journey through holistic healing after a melanoma diagnosis. Rejecting traditional treatment paths, Jamie opts for a holistic approach, guided by her conviction in the body’s healing capabilities and her passion for health and fitness. This segment of the discussion not only highlights her resilience but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of our minds and bodies.
Jamie also shares insights into the world of circus arts and her studio, The Circus Fix, illuminating the challenges and rewards of managing a fitness and arts studio. Her narrative encompasses the delicate balance of artistic passion with the pragmatism of business management, underscoring the significance of adaptability and understanding in leadership roles.
Takeaways
Efficiency in daily tasks—integrating administrative duties into everyday life can enhance productivity and reduce stress.
Holistic healing approaches—exploring non-traditional methods for dealing with serious health issues, such as melanoma, can lead to personal insights and unexpected journeys.
The importance of movement—engaging in physical activities, whether through circus arts or other forms of exercise, is vital for mental and physical health.
Adapting to individual needs—understanding and accommodating the unique ways people process and work can lead to better management and teamwork.
The value of outdoor activities—spending time in nature, particularly in activities like walking on the beach, can serve as a form of meditation and rejuvenation.
Facing life-changing decisions—confronting severe health challenges with courage and openness to unconventional treatments can inspire others.
The challenge of balancing—managing a small business, especially in the arts, requires juggling creative passion with the practicalities of administration and leadership.
The role of community—creating spaces for learning and growth, such as a circus studio, contributes to the well-being and development of both instructors and students.
Personal transformation through adversity—overcoming physical and mental hurdles can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s capacities and resilience.
Resources
The Circus Fix — Jamie Holmes’ circus studio, offering classes in aerial arts and other circus disciplines.
https://jamieholmes.com — Jamie’s web site with all her professional details.
Carrots, Coffee, and Cancer — Jamie’s book recounting her approach to overcoming melanoma, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and alternative treatments.
Instagram — @jamie7holmes and @thecircusfixto
Surrounded by Idiots — by Thomas Erikson as briefly mentioned in this episode as a resource in relation to understanding team dynamics.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Transcendence
Maybe, if I was feeling really brave, I’d say that there is just one thing that I need to get beyond. If I was feeling that brave, I’m not, I’d say it’s the drive drive drive I feel to do do do.
What we usually do is either be driven, driven, driven by this fear … or we conclude that we need to abandon everything and start with a fresh slate. With this fear, it can feel like these are the only two options.
~ Leo Babauta from, https://zenhabits.net/still-behind/
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As Babauta of course goes on to point out: There aren’t, in truth, only two options. I’m still not feeling brave, but the idea that there’s a third-way sounds delightful.
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Pre-flight checklist? Check!
I’m a major process-person. Process is discipline. For me, inspiration always runs out. But process enables me to put one dumb foot in front of the other— and then course correct as I go. Pre-flight checklist here minutes before a guest joins me for a recording.
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Transition with Alasdair Plambeck
What is the value of embracing transitional or “in-between” spaces in life and creativity, and how can these moments shape personal growth and future endeavors?
Explore the journey of creative transformation and the profound shifts that come from embracing the spaces between, as Alasdair Plambeck navigates the end of a significant chapter to discover what lies beyond the familiar boundaries of identity and purpose.
I knew there was a general sense. It’s like, “I’m meant for something more than this,” and I think a lot of people feel that when they’re in what I would call the over-culture. I was very much steeped in— trained for— prepared for— programmed by, all that kind of thing. I work with a lot of people who are maybe in that, but transitioning out, or wanting to transition out, or just maybe feeling that.
~ Alasdair Plambeck, 26:35
Alasdair Plambeck joins Craig Constantine to discuss the nuanced journey of personal and creative transformation. Alasdair shares his thoughtful approach to scheduling, aiming for times that harness his creative energy most effectively. His decisions reflect a deeper stance on being attuned to one’s energy levels and the optimal conditions for creativity and meaningful engagement.
The conversation extends into Alasdair’s personal story, illuminating his shift from feeling confined within the “over-culture” to embarking on a path that resonates with his true self. This transition is sparked by a profound moment of realization while working as a general manager, where success and societal expectations no longer aligned with his well-being and aspirations.
The dialogue also ventures into the realm of podcasting itself, exploring the evolution of Alasdair’s own podcasting journey and the decision to conclude his show after a significant run. This choice underlines a theme of knowing when to let go, to make space for new beginnings and growth. Alasdair reflects on how the podcast served as a medium for connection, self-discovery, and the cultivation of a deeper relationship with his wife through shared creative endeavors and discussions.
Further, Alasdair and Craig touch on the concept of the “in-between” spaces in life — those transformative periods where one is neither here nor there but in a state of becoming. Alasdair views these phases not as voids but as fertile ground for introspection, learning, and eventual emergence into new stages of life and identity. Through these varied topics, the conversation paints a vivid picture of the ongoing journey of self-exploration, the power of mindful changes, and the courage to pursue a life aligned with one’s authentic self.
Takeaways
Mindful scheduling — Reflecting on the importance of choosing the right time for creative endeavors to optimize energy and output.
The journey of transformation — Discussing the pivotal moment of leaving a conventional career path to embark on a more authentic, fulfilling life journey.
The power of letting go — Exploring the decision to end a long-term project and the introspective space it creates for new beginnings and growth.
Podcasting as a medium for connection — Highlighting how podcasting can forge deep relationships and serve as a platform for meaningful conversations.
The significance of the “in-between” — Delving into the transformative potential of life’s transitional phases and the opportunities they present for self-discovery and change.
Creative energy and its optimization — Emphasizing the need to understand and harness one’s creative energy for productive and fulfilling work.
Navigating life’s transitions — The importance of being present in moments of change and the role of pain as a catalyst for growth and self-realization.
Societal expectations versus personal fulfillment — Reflecting on the conflict between societal norms and the pursuit of a life that truly resonates with one’s inner self.
The role of podcasts in exploring complex ideas — Appreciating the unique ability of podcasts to facilitate deep dives into nuanced topics, fostering understanding and exploration.
Resources
The Wild Within — Committed to creating and holding retreats & programs both in person and online to support humans in realizing their potential and rekindle our collective ability to dream up the unfolding and evolution of how we live.
Foundations of Wild Leadership — Information is available by joining Wild Within‘s email list. You can also email info@theWildWithin.org directly or find @thewild_within on Instagram.
Far Out — Alasdair’s and his wife’s multi-year, multi-hundred episode podcast Far Out on Apple Podcasts or Far Out on Spotify.
Alasdair Plambeck — on LinkedIn
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Noses
Have you ever tried to read Gray’s Anatomy? I tried to read a modern printing of a 1901 edition that was given to me. It’s 1,200+ pages in a perfect-bound book! That might have been 30 years ago and I’m not sure if anything from that adventure stuck… and yet, I bet a huge amount of knowledge has stuck. I recall it was an endless succession of interesting rabbit holes.
Nasal congestion, I’ve learned in all this, is far weirder than I ever thought. For starters, the nose is actually two noses, which work in an alternating cycle that is somehow connected to our armpits.
~ Sarah Zhang from, https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2023/10/humans-have-two-noses-really/675823/
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I’m struggling to resist the urge to see what Gray’s has to say about the nose. I do know that even the most fleeting search of the ‘ol Internet turns up a huge amount of material around this topic. I will also say that I’ve long known that lying on one’s side tends to open the opposing nostril’s nasal whatsit-stuff. Which I know only because I have a long history of sinus and allergy problems and have necessarily tried to sleep with a plugged schnozz, leading to creativity and experimentation.
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Building tools
Currently in my personal knowledge system I have notes on ~400 audio recordings. (Raw recordings I’ve done, podcasts of my own I’ve published, other shows I’ve been on, etc.) That can be my episode notes and writing, but also program-readable meta information. Today, I spent time writing some new tooling to help me sort out transcripts (which recordings have them, which have been sent out, etc.)
Hand rolled
I describe my weekly email, 7 for Sunday, as “Hand-rolled and algorithm-free.” I’m using some custom code in WordPress to assemble separate posts into a single “thing” which then goes out via email. It’s definitely a lot of “hand-rolling”. A lot of hand writing my notes and mind-maps for each post, typing the posts, the quotes, ordering and organizing everything, handling links and images and… zoinks, it’s a lot. I love it.
March 17, 2024 — #76
Reading time: About 6 minutes, 1200 words
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Try steeper
“The obstacle is the way” is not a phrase from Art du Déplacement. It’s a two-thousand-year-old comment from a Stoic (writing in a personal journal to himself.) In a similar vein, he also wrote that, “nature turns all things to its own purpose.” Likewise the more modern “Rust never sleeps,” is equally pithy.
The real lesson is of course that there’s a season for everything. Sometimes more challenge is the key to progress, and sometimes simply being is the key. (Which is also something thoroughly covered in the Stoic philosophy. And please: Stoicism is not at all about suppressing one’s feelings.) I think I learned that seasons lesson early on from bicycling. I’m from Pennsylvania, from an area of rolling, often wooded, hills. Every bike ride ever was an endless repetition of “down a hill, ’round a corner, up a hill, round a corner, down a hill, …” In a very real sense, all parts of that were equally fun.
In a comfortable, prosperous country like ours, some of the built in tendencies of Human nature tend to work against us, saying, “Hey – I’ve noticed we have plenty of food and reasonable shelter and that’s good enough. So let’s just double down on the Netflix, comfort foods, and occasional luxury purchases and that will keep us safe.” Instead, I want you to set your life treadmill to just a bit of a steeper, healthier incline setting.
~ Peter Adeney from, https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2023/11/02/moving-to-culdesac/
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I’d like to mention that “Culdesac” in that linked URL is a town’s name; You can go read that article either for the life advice, or to learn about one of several towns in the U.S. now which are being built as people-first. (As opposed to basically every other town and city which is built as cars-first.)
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A few things in view
Taking a fresh look at Austin Kleon’s Show Your Work. Book is smashed open to a quote from Russell Brand—with a notecard where I’m about to add this quote to my collection. I’m a bit of an audio nerd—I don’t stream from services, rather stream from the countless CDs that I keep in the ‘ol digital library. I like to start from a movie soundtrack, and then spread out into all the artists. Rubik’s cube, glass of water. Pink postit reminds me: “There are no miracles, there is only discipline“
The Internet
When I started really fiddling with the Internet in 1989 it was a twisting mazy of branching passages. It was entirely technical details and arcane (not to be confused with difficult to master) knowledge. It was fun and rewarding to figure things out—all I had to do was simply read and experiment. It was also very much social! There were people, both in-person and remote (as in, I don’t think I’ve ever met them in person), who I got to know through working on things and exploring and building. But at no point did I ever even wonder if what I was doing and building was going to change society. “This is interesting” and “I wonder if…” were my guiding philosophy.
Such prophesies might be dismissed as the prattle of overindulged rich guys, but for one thing: they’ve shaped public opinion. By spreading a utopian view of technology, a view that defines progress as essentially technological, they’ve encouraged people to switch off their critical faculties and give Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and financiers free rein in remaking culture to fit their commercial interests. If, after all, the technologists are creating a world of superabundance, a world without work or want, their interests must be indistinguishable from society’s. To stand in their way, or even to question their motives and tactics, would be self-defeating. It would serve only to delay the wonderful inevitable.
~ Nicholas Carr from, https://aeon.co/essays/the-internet-as-an-engine-of-liberation-is-an-innocent-fraud
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But an equally great quote is: “Technology promised to set us free. Instead it has trained us to withdraw from the world into distraction and dependency.”
Anyway. Looking back, I don’t see how I could actually have done anything differently. Looking back, I can clearly see how we—the world, society at large—got where we are.
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Horror and systematic idiocy
Have you ever looked at your own writing and wondered: What author’s work might it resemble? And if you haven’t, I hope I didn’t just break writing for you.
All I can remember of these once indispensable arts is the intense boredom by which the practice of them was accompanied. Even today the sight of Dr. Smith’s Shorter Latin Dictionary, or of Liddell’s and Scott’s Greek Lexicon, has power to recall that ancient ennui. What dreary hours I have spent frantically turning those pages in search of a word for “cow” that could be scanned as a dactyl, or to make sure that my memory of the irregular verbs and the Greek accents was not at fault! I hate to think of all that wasted time. And yet, in view of the fact that most human beings are destined to pass most of their lives at jobs in which it is impossible for them to take the slightest interest, this old-fashioned training with the dictionary may have been extremely salutary. At least it taught one to know and expect the worst of life. Whereas the pupil in a progressive school, where everything is made to seem entertaining and significant, lives in a fool’s paradise. As a preparation for life, not as it ought to be, but as it actually is, the horrors of Greek grammar and the systematic idiocy of Latin verses were perfectly appropriate. On the other hand, it must be admitted that they tended to leave their victims with a quite irrational distaste for poor dear Dr. Smith.
~ Aldous Huxley from his essay, Doodles in a Dictionary from, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Other Essays
Lest you think that’s an overly long quote, I’ll point out it’s still only about half of the paragraph. Huxley can really unspool a sentence. Some of the writing in that book—Huxley’s, omg no not Smith’s dictionary—are overwrought. But some of them have a delicious tinkling of structure and grammar with an occasional punctuation of solid snark.
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White blood cells
If you had said that it’s possible to see white blood cells with the naked eye, I wouldn’t have believed you. If you had somehow convinced me, I’d have then been impressed. But never would I have thought that it’s possible to see your own white blood cells in your own eye. Aye, ’tis true!
The blue field entoptic phenomenon is an entoptic phenomenon characterized by the appearance of tiny bright dots (nicknamed blue-sky sprites) moving quickly along undulating pathways in the visual field, especially when looking into bright blue light such as the sky.
~ Wikipedia from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_field_entoptic_phenomenon
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Is the takeaway here that you’ve just learned something? …or that wonders never cease? …or something else entirely?
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March 10, 2024 — #75
Reading time: About 5 minutes, 1000 words
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This issue is https://7forsunday.com/75