Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm.
~ Publilius Syrus
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Bleak
Then I noticed a huge mound of stones stacked on the flat-topped summit, a clearly man-made production, tight as an Inca battlement and resembling a stone obelisk or maybe an altar. How someone scaled that red junker to stack those stones in that manner rather confounded me.
~ John Long from, «https://www.rockandice.com/john-long-tales/john-long-it-started-with-a-pile-of-stones/»
This is an amazing story told about rock climbing— actually it’s about rock not being climbable, except for the fact that people, who were not modern rock climbers clearly did climb these things. A simply amazing story.
Also, and not at all related, some web sites have these visual “hide” affects that tease you with some initial content. Some web sites do that the lazy way, by sending all the content along but then telling your web browser to hide it visually from you. Also, some web browsers have a “readability version” feature that will turn a hot-mess of a web page into easy-to-read text. If you use that feature on one of those sites, you can read all the text. Furthermore, some web sites actually include the full text of things in their RSS feeds even though they hide it if you go to the web page directly. Curiously, all of these things are completely not at all no way nuh-uh related to this article that I’m sharing today.
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Laughter with Abby Wambaugh
How do personal experiences and creative approaches in stand-up comedy and podcasting intersect to explore humor and connection?
The conversation explores the transformative power of combining humor and reflection in stand-up comedy and podcasting.
I’m interested in the kind of laugh you do when you look at things in a new way. Like, you pierce through something, and it’s a new thought people connect to and identify with.
~ Abby Wambaugh (17:59)
The discussion touches on the creative intersections between stand-up comedy and podcasting, focusing on personal expression and audience connection. Abby shares her journey of creating a podcast during the pandemic to explore humor’s societal impact and their later transition into stand-up. Through podcasting, she experimented with audio formats and advertising parodies, which helped her embrace spontaneity and humor.
Another key topic is the role of feedback in creative processes. Stand-up is highlighted for its immediate audience response, contrasting with podcasting’s private, controlled creation. Insights into how humor fosters social connection and challenges perspectives underscore the transformative potential of laughter, with a focus on maintaining kindness in comedy.
Takeaways
Creating humor that builds connection — Stand-up and podcasting are tools for fostering understanding through laughter.
Feedback as a guide — Immediate audience reactions in stand-up provide invaluable lessons for refining material.
Laughter as social glue — People laugh significantly more in shared settings, emphasizing its role in connection.
Experimentation in formats — Exploring unconventional formats like parody ads can inspire creativity.
Kindness in comedy — Avoiding divisive humor reflects a commitment to constructive engagement.
Exploration of identity — Stand-up and podcasting can be platforms to navigate and express personal identity.
Private versus public creation — Podcasting offers a reflective space, while stand-up demands immediate public interaction.
Resources
Why We Laugh podcast — Abby’s exploration of humor and its societal purpose.
Transom — A platform for sharing crafted audio pieces.
Sarah Schaefer — Comedian and podcaster known for creative projects like the Ha Ha Hole.
Casper Addyman — Baby laughter scientist studying the social and developmental roles of laughter.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Generosity with Lizzie Rhodes James
What lessons and insights emerge from the process of podcasting, and how do they shape personal growth and creativity?
Sharing inner strength moments evolves into a profound practice of learning and giving.
It’s a great opportunity to learn, and you do it and you can transfer that to other parts of your life.
~ Lizzie Rhodes James (18:25)
The conversation explores the dynamics of podcasting as a platform for sharing insights, personal growth, and creativity. Themes of learning and gratitude are central as the speaker reflects on their podcasting journey, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful and timeless content. The discussion also touches on the process of pausing and reevaluating projects, highlighting the cyclical nature of inspiration and effort.
The technical and creative aspects of podcasting are also discussed, including the routines and systems developed to sustain the work. Lizzie shares experiences of integrating podcasting with other writing platforms, like LinkedIn, and the evolving goals tied to their creative output. Personal habits, such as morning productivity routines, play a significant role in supporting this creative process.
Takeaways
The cyclical nature of creativity — Reflecting on when to pause or continue a project.
The value of timeless content — Creating material that resonates across different periods.
The interplay of gratitude and giving — Sharing experiences to support and inspire others.
The technical evolution of podcasting — Learning from tools and systems developed along the way.
The role of habits in creativity — Establishing consistent routines to foster productivity.
The power of short-form content — Crafting concise yet impactful messages.
The importance of reflection — Stepping back to view the broader themes in one’s work.
Learning through doing — Applying podcasting insights to other areas of life.
Resources
Lizzie’s Inner Strength — A short-form podcast exploring personal growth and resilience.
Lizzie Rhodes James on LinkedIn
Stoic Philosophy — Referenced for its enduring relevance to personal growth.
Timeless principles from ancient literature — Encouraged as a source of wisdom over modern business books.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Favorable conditions
We are always falling in love or quarreling, looking for jobs or fearing to lose them, getting ill and recovering, following public affairs. If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.
~ C.S. Lewis
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Grace under pressure
Listen to some, or all, of Rush’s 1984 live recording from the Grace Under Pressure tour.
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Lindsey Kleinberg: Experiencing Nature, Creating Connection, and Healing
How can individuals integrate nature, education, art, and personal healing into creating positive change for themselves and their communities?
Lindsey Kleinberg advocates for nature play in the most important way; practicing what she preaches. She shares her experiences raising her family through alternative and nature education, and why it’s important to her. Lindsey describes the benefits home gardening, self-care, and how she approaches creating change. She discusses books, blogging, art, and what she hopes to achieve in her community.
When you’re really working on a personal journey, if you are making those steps for positive impact and change, people around you, whether or not they will admit, they start to feel those things.
~ Lindsey Kleinberg (44:22)
Lindsey Kleinberg is an educator, artist, avid gardener, and nature play advocate. She is the founder of the Finding Place LV, a Reggio-inspired micro school whose mission is to reconnect kids with nature. In addition to her Masters degree, Lindsey is certified in many areas, including Nature-based outdoor education and School Garden Coordinator.
The conversation explores how integrating nature, art, and alternative education can foster healing and inspire positive change. Discussing the importance of organic gardening, Lindsey emphasizes the transformative effects of hands-on, sustainable practices in raising children. These practices encourage empathy, environmental stewardship, and a deep connection to the natural world.
Topics also touch on the role of art in healing, with examples of how creative activities—ranging from murals to gardening—can reconnect individuals to themselves and their communities. Lindsey advocates for simple actions, such as planting seeds or creating small garden spaces, to initiate broader personal and societal shifts. A recurring theme is the necessity of self-care to sustain these efforts, ensuring individuals remain grounded and effective in their pursuits.
Takeaways
Planting seeds of change — Small, intentional actions like gardening can have a profound impact on individuals and communities.
Self-care as a foundation — Addressing personal well-being is critical to sustaining efforts for broader change.
Nature as a teacher — Hands-on experiences in nature foster empathy, creativity, and resilience in children and adults.
Art and creativity — Engaging in art is a powerful tool for personal and communal healing.
The ripple effect of change — Personal growth and intentional practices can influence and inspire those around you.
Raising environmentally conscious children — Early exposure to sustainable practices helps develop lifelong habits of stewardship and care.
Balancing digital presence — While online tools can spread awareness, maintaining human connections remains essential.
Holistic education models — Integrating principles from Waldorf and Reggio Emilia philosophies creates dynamic, experiential learning environments.
Resources
Lindsey is the founder of The Finding Place Lehigh Valley
Lindsey’s recent blog post, searching for ‘home’.
Rodale Institute — A leader in regenerative organic agriculture and education.
Julian Is a Mermaid — A children’s book advocating for self-expression and creativity.
Kutztown University’s Program in Regenerative Organic Agriculture — Collaboration with the Rodale Institute to provide a unique degree program.
Waldorf: Environment as teacher, play, storytelling, natural learning
Reggio-Emilio, community learning, art, intergenerational
Let’s Play Books and Now and Then books
Book most often given away: Julián is a Mermaid, Jessica Love
Largest book: Hobbit/Lord of the Rings combo book, Welcome to the Museum series
Book you most want, but can’t get: Iwigara
Interactive art, Juxtahub
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Communication
People fail to get along because they fear each other; They fear each other because they don’t know each other; They don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
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With imagination
My father knew that if I was compelled to clothe myself it would make me think and search and find ways of earning the money to do it. And furthermore he knew that I would learn this important fact: We do not meet the demands of life with money. But with the imagination, forethought, plans and energy that earn the money.
~ James Cash Penney
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Vitamin D
This might be the range most of us should expect to be in at an intake of 10,000 IU/d. This is the equivalent to the body’s own natural production through sun exposure.
There are other factors that may affect levels. For example, being overweight tends to reduce them. Excess cortisol production, from stress, may also reduce them.
~ Ned Kock from, What is a reasonable vitamin D level?
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…and some days this turns into a bit of a medical blog.
This is mostly a blog post for me, so the next time I search for Vitamin D I can find this article. When Vitamin D supplementation comes up, and I mention that I take 10,000 IU daily… people ask why? …and I cannot remember why. This article from 2010 is why; 10,000 IU is about how much vitamin D my body would make if I lived somewhere sunny and I was a life guard.
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Places and systems
In this moment, we need to be reminded that stories of the future—about AI, or any kind—are never just about technology; They are about people and they are about the places that those people find themselves, the places they might call home and systems that bind them all together.
~ Genevieve Bell
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Successful
If you want to be successful in business, (in life, actually,) you have to create more than you consume. Your goal should be to create value for everyone you interact with. Any business that doesn’t create value for those it touches, even if it appears successful on the surface, isn’t long for this world. It’s on the way out.
~ Jeff Bezos
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Not grinding away
Critically, as Gribbin’s explains, during this period Galileo was also occupied in part by his success in “leading a full and happy life,” in which “he studied literature and poetry, attended the theatre regularly, and continued to play the lute to a high standard.” He was not, in other words, locked up, grinding away in relentless pursuit of results. Yet results are what he did ultimately produce.
~ Cal Newport from, On Pace and Productivity
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Everything wears down, wears out, and wears away. The light that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long. There are cautionary tales about the hedonic treadmill. The tortoise and the hare. The ant versus the oxen; I’ve always liked that aphorism from Lao Tzu.
Let’s grant that the ant walks a great distance, removes debris from the colony, and collects food for 10 ants. Meanwhile, the ox accomplishes nothing. But when he awakes refreshed from his nap, he can plow a field in a few hours. For comparison, how long will it take the ant to plow the field?
I’ve always liked that aphorism from Lao Tzu: It reminds me to always be the dozing Ox.
I am frequently asking myself two questions:
What would world-class look like?
Is this thing I just did world-class?
I may fall short— honestly I think I always fall short of executing world-class. That does not mean I stop asking those questions. That does not mean I stop trying. The mantra is not, “do more!” It’s not, “hurry up!” I am not alone in this thinking:
The constructive evaluation of activities, asset allocations, communications, policies, and procedures against purposes and intended outcomes has become increasingly critical for every organization I know of. The challenges to our companies continue to mount, with pressures coming these days from globalization, competition, technology, shifting markets, erratic economic swings, and raised standards of performance and production, making outcome/action thinking a required twenty-first-century behavior.
“What do you want to have happen in this meeting?” “What is the purpose of this form?” “What would the ideal person for this job be able to do?” “What do we want to accomplish with this software?” These and a multitude of other, similar questions are still sorely lacking in many quarters. There’s plenty of talk in the big meetings that sounds good, but learning to ask, “Why are we doing this?” and “What will it look like when it’s done successfully?” and to apply the answers at the day-to-day, operational level—that will create profound results.
~ David Allen, p272, Getting Things Done circa 1989
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Writing with Lovelace Cook
How can podcasting serve as a transformative tool for personal growth, cultural exploration, and creative reinvention?
Transitioning from memoir to fiction reshapes the creative journey of a writer.
I’m fascinated with the cultural differences, the difference between coming from a patriarchal society where there are arranged marriages to the western culture which is far more permissive.
~ Lovelace Cook (11:22)
The conversation highlights the impact of podcasting as a creative outlet, especially during a time of professional and personal challenges. It explores how podcasting offers a sense of balance, enabling the speaker to engage with writing, creativity, and self-expression. Starting from a marketing background, Lovelace integrates various media elements like a blog, podcast, and website into a cohesive brand identity.
The discussion also touches on cultural exploration, particularly through interviews with Indian-American authors. These interactions shed light on cultural contrasts, such as patriarchal norms and societal transitions, and their influence on writing and storytelling. Lovelace reflects on their evolving podcast journey, sharing insights about personal growth and community support through workshops and collaborative spaces.
Takeaways
Podcasting as a creative balance — It can provide structure and inspiration during challenging times.
Evolving creative projects — Ideas often transform significantly from their original conception.
Cultural storytelling — Examining cultural contrasts deepens understanding and enriches narratives.
Community support — Workshops and collaborative environments can significantly enhance creativity and growth.
Writing as a dynamic process — Switching from memoir to fiction can reshape perspectives and storytelling.
Persistence through challenges — Immigrant experiences often involve overcoming expected failures through determination.
Creative influences — Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, such as Bollywood films.
Gratitude for collaboration — Connections made through creative communities often inspire and sustain.
Resources
Joanna Penn’s podcast — A source of inspiration for starting a podcast.
StoryGrid Publishing — A community and methodology for revising novels.
Akimbo Workshops — Collaborative spaces for learning and creative growth.
Purple Lotus — Veena Rao’s novel that won awards and was featured in the podcast.
Scrivener — A tool used for organizing and revising writing.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Growth with Brandon Douglass
What can be learned from reflecting on personal growth and authenticity through the lenses of podcasting and movement?
Exploring the intersection of self-expression and discipline through creative mediums.
Experimentation was key for me. And I think it’s just like, where are you finding the growth?
~ Brandon Douglass (13:04)
This conversation explores the themes of personal growth, authenticity, and creative expression, using podcasting and movement as central mediums. Topics include navigating the gap between public persona and authentic self, the therapeutic and self-reflective aspects of podcasting, and the challenges of overcoming fears both in movement and public speaking. Insights are shared on how the process of self-expression can foster understanding and self-awareness.
The discussion also covers practical aspects of podcasting, such as experimenting with formats, balancing consistency with creativity, and reflecting on past work to identify growth. A significant focus is placed on the importance of intentionality in creative practices and the value of embracing novel approaches to stand out in saturated fields. Movement is presented as both a physical and metaphorical language that enables exploration of different dimensions of self-expression.
Takeaways
The role of fear challenges in fostering personal growth — How embracing fear in movement and creative expression leads to growth.
The gap between public persona and authentic self — Reflections on how podcasting highlights this dynamic.
The therapeutic aspects of podcasting — Using podcasting as a tool for self-reflection and emotional processing.
Experimentation as a path to growth — The value of trying novel approaches to discover new insights.
The interplay of consistency and creativity — Challenging traditional content models to foster innovation.
Movement as a multidimensional language — Exploring different styles and expressions through physical practice.
The value of intentionality — Emphasizing meaningful and deliberate approaches in creative work.
Resources
Height Drop Podcast — A podcast focused on movement, culture, and personal growth.
MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani’s — A podcast format discussed as an inspiration for creative interview styles.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Provided you cooperate
What the pupil must learn, if he learns anything at all, is that the world will do most of the work for you, provided you cooperate with it by identifying how it really works and aligning with those realities. If we do not let the world teach us, it teaches us a lesson.
~ Joseph Tussman
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Fire
Stone tools were the first invention, dating back to the beginning of that 2.5-million year period, eventually including simple hand tools such as axes and spears. Maybe a million years later or more, other cavemen learned to control fire, and at some point began cooking their food. They lived in tribes, hunting and foraging together, possibly caring for their weak and infirm, and burying their dead. But other than stone tools, fire, and simple tribal behavior, they had almost nothing else, for most of that 2.5 million years—including at least 100,000 years or more of Homo sapiens existing.
~ Jason Crawford from, The beginning
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I often joke that there are three thing I can stare at endlessly: Fire, moving water, and other people working. And I’ve often expressed my theory that it’s the movement of those first two, (the third we’ll leave aside for today,) which is the key to holding my attention. Fire and water both dance semi-predictably; But not so predictably that the movement is easily ignored. There’s always just enough movement to hold my attention.
When I let the idea settle in that we’ve been staring at small fires—fires which literally represented warmth, safety, food and tribal companionship—for about a million years… Actually, a “million” is hard to apprehend. Let’s say, there are 25 years per generation. We’ve been staring at small fires for about 40,000 generations. No wonder I’m staring at this fire. We’ve evolved to be attracted to fire!
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Human progress
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable […] Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Privilege of working hard
Take time to discover what you would prefer above all else to make your life work. You may have to do a lot of temporary jobs before you reach the one your ambition places above all others. But if your idea is clear and your determination firm, you will surely reach it. Remember that is it often necessary in life to learn to work hard at many things before you arrive at the very great privilege of working hard at the one thing you prize the most.
~ James Cash Penney
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Congratulations Mrs. Strohl!
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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