Respecting people’s wishes →

Published March 27, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 27  ·  

We’re not just respecting people’s time. We’re respecting their voice and their passion.

~ Seth Godin from, Respecting their time

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It’s a good post from Godin. This post of mine is a literal tangent from one thing he mentioned…

In cases where “we’re all going to be speaking” isn’t on the agenda, going around the room, (ala “let’s all introduce ourselves”,) robs people of their agency. I’ve heard it discussed that this wastes time—it does. But vastly worse is the fact that it removes people’s agency.

(Agency is critical. I’ll go out on a limb and say that depriving someone of agency is literally the worst thing you can do to a person. All the horrible physical crimes you just thought of, involve first depriving the victim of their agency. Imagine if taking someone’s agency was treated as the worst crime possible.)

I imagine I’m leading some session, and someone is sitting in the space. When their turn comes around… suppose they don’t want to speak? What if they didn’t want to be heard? By saying, “let’s go around”—even if I say, “and introduce yourself if you want to“—regardless, they are going to be seen. They have to speak, to decline to speak. They have to leave the room, or hide, etc. My “let’s go around the room,” literally robs everyone of their choice.

There are of course lots of situations where “going around” makes perfect sense. For example, if we’re sitting in a restorative justice circle, everyone there knows how it works. You’re free to not speak, and you know that you are going be seen. But the vast majority of times I’ve been in a “let’s go around” situation, it’s the theft of agency variety.

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Motivation with Adam Greenberg →

Published March 26, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 26

How can podcasts be designed and produced in multiple languages to serve specific, localized audiences effectively?

A podcast is used as a tool to bridge gaps in health education for rural communities with limited internet access.

[It’s the] whole process of editing that’s tripped me up. What I’ve noticed, and what I’m realizing, is with the HIV podcast, doing that podcast for the community—for other people—is motivation for me to like… knock out those episodes in the same afternoon.

~ Adam Greenberg (10:16)

The conversation explores the creative and technical challenges of producing a multilingual podcast for rural communities, focusing on a project aimed at supporting HIV-positive individuals. This initiative, designed by a Peace Corps volunteer, leverages podcasts to share local stories and facilitate discussions. Technical hurdles, such as managing multiple RSS feeds in different languages, are discussed, alongside strategies for hosting and distribution on a budget.

Adam reflects on the broader challenges of content creation, contrasting the ease of creating for others with the difficulty of personal projects. Topics include finding motivation, balancing creativity with logistics, and navigating the numerous rabbit holes that technology and content production present. The importance of mentorship, setting boundaries, and focusing on meaningful goals also surfaces as key themes in the discussion.

Takeaways

The importance of hyper-localized content — A podcast can be an effective tool to reach rural and underserved communities.

Multilingual podcasting challenges — Managing multiple language feeds requires creativity and resourcefulness.

Motivation from serving others — Creating content for community benefit provides a strong drive to complete projects.

Avoiding technological rabbit holes — Focus and guidance help to bypass unnecessary technical distractions.

Boundaries as a creative aid — Setting limits can foster productivity and clarity in creative endeavors.

Mentorship and guidance — Having trusted advisors can help navigate complex decisions and stay focused.

Personal versus community storytelling — Storytelling for a community often feels easier than personal storytelling.

Resources

HIV Positive Voices podcast — A multilingual podcast designed for rural education and health support.

WordPress — A content management system used for hosting the podcast project.

Peace Corps — Peace Corps Volunteers put their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with host communities in more than 60 countries.

AltMBA — A leadership and creativity workshop mentioned for its insights on focus and boundaries.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Dubious applications →

Published March 26, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 26  ·  ,

Think about what you will add to the world. Some lucrative professions, (e.g., ultra-high-tech finance,) are dubious applications of human brainpower.

~ Steven Pinker

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Humiliation →

Published March 26, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 26

There is no change, no attempt, no reach that does not look strange to someone. There’s almost no accomplishment that is possible without calling some attention on yourself. To gamble on yourself is to risk failure. To do it in public is to risk humiliation.

~ Ryan Holiday from, Life Happens in Public. Get Used to It.

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I believe I’ve developed a healthy level of ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ when it comes to trying things with a risk of failure. I think this is one—possibly the only—upside to having terrible self-talk. I’ve told my self horribly critical things so many times… and then had that criticism proven to not be the case so many times… well, now I just try things.

Except for people’s names. I’m developing a phobia around saying people’s names. It just feels like the least I could do, when having a conversation with someone who I need to introduce to others… the least I could do is say their name correctly. Perfectly, even, on the first try. …in their native language’s proper pronunciation. What could possible go wrong?

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Perception with Ame Sanders →

Published March 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 25

How can podcasting effectively contribute to fostering inclusivity and equity within communities?

A passion project evolves into a platform for amplifying community voices working on equity.

My goal is to work with communities to help them become more inclusive and equitable. The podcast grew out of the idea that I want to identify work that’s going on in communities, and individuals who are working to make their own communities more inclusive and equitable. I want to celebrate that work, elevate that work, showcase it, and understand it.

~ Ame Sanders (1:42)

The conversation explores the role of podcasting as a medium to foster inclusivity and equity within communities. Ame highlights her podcast as a platform to celebrate and share the efforts of individuals and communities striving to make their environments more inclusive. She discusses the balance between analytical approaches and heartfelt actions in achieving social equity. The discussion underscores the importance of showcasing local efforts to inspire broader change.

Another significant topic discussed is the personal challenges and motivations in pursuing passion projects like podcasting. Insights are shared about the need for introspection, recognizing biases, and maintaining authenticity. The conversation also touches on the importance of taking breaks, learning from reflection, and aligning one’s voice with thoughtful, impactful contributions to societal challenges.

Takeaways

Being analytical and acting from the heart — both approaches are vital for fostering inclusivity.

Podcasting as a platform — a way to amplify, celebrate, and share the efforts of those driving change.

Individual transformation — change begins with self-reflection and growth before influencing others.

Challenges in maintaining passion — intentional pauses and clarity of purpose help sustain long-term efforts.

Addressing biases — careful selection of podcast guests shapes the narrative and impact of a show.

Difficult conversations — creating safe spaces for guests to discuss sensitive topics is crucial.

Practical resources — extensive show notes and transcripts support further exploration and learning.

Taking ownership — fostering inclusivity is a collective responsibility that transcends individual experiences.

Resources

State of Inclusion podcast — Ame’s podcast highlighting work done in communities to foster inclusivity.

Hugh McLeod’s concept of “social objects” — A framework for understanding how shared ideas drive action.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Risk and choice →

Published March 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 25  ·  

Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself. Risk is a choice, and you have to learn how to negotiate acceptable and unacceptable risks in our lives. Play is a very safe space to learn how to do that.

~ Caitlin Pontrella

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Risk →

Published March 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 25  ·  

Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself. Risk is a choice, and you have to learn how to negotiate acceptable and unacceptable risks in our lives. Play is a very safe space to learn how to do that.

~ Caitlin Pontrella

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I keep trying to rearrange my efforts so I can spend more time re-experiencing the hundreds of terrific conversations I’ve experienced. Every single time I manage to find time to go back in, I find something wonderful. That quote is from episode 4 of the Movers Mindset podcast—it wasn’t even called that back then. It was a wonderful, chaotic, ramble of a conversation long before I realized the magic of conversation.

I keep thinking: Have great conversations and get them recorded. Get those conversations recorded so they can be heard by others is the most important part. I have a million other ideas about how to extract meaning, share the best parts, find threads and themes that run across large scales of people and times and …

My hope is that if I simply keep having great conversations, everything else will take care of itself.

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Process with Julie Duffy →

Published March 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 24

What are the connections between writing, creativity, and podcasting as explored through the art of conversation?

The discussion highlights the parallels between storytelling in writing and crafting engaging podcasts.

Some people have a terrible time getting started because when you’re about to start writing you could write about anything. And when you can write about anything, you could write about everything. If you can write about everything, then what do you choose?

~ Julie Duffy (4:11)

The conversation centers on the interplay between writing, podcasting, and creative expression. It begins by discussing the challenges of starting a creative project, with an emphasis on how endless possibilities can be paralyzing. This leads to a broader exploration of overcoming creative blocks, the importance of completing projects, and how understanding the end goal can shape the process.

It also goes into the technical and emotional aspects of storytelling, highlighting parallels between crafting a podcast episode and writing a narrative. Topics include structuring stories, preparing mentally for creative tasks, and the unexpected skills that cross over between disciplines. Finally, the discussion emphasizes the value of listening and allowing space in conversations, which reflects a commitment to meaningful dialogue.

Takeaways

Creativity and process — Developing a structured approach can overcome disorganization and enable creativity.

Challenges in storytelling — Beginning, middle, and end each present unique hurdles that require specific strategies.

Parallels between writing and podcasting — Skills like storytelling and audience engagement translate well across mediums.

Listening in conversations — Effective communication requires a balance between speaking and genuinely listening.

Importance of mindset — Preparing mentally for creative tasks can significantly influence the outcome.

Use of technology — Live platforms like Anchor can help creators practice and improve their confidence.

Flexibility in approach — Writing and podcasting benefit from adaptability to keep creativity flowing.

Resources

StoryADay.org — A platform that offers writing challenges to help writers develop their craft.

Anchor — A platform Julie initially used for live podcasting to overcome editing perfectionism.

Seth Godin’s concept of “shipping” — Encourages creators to prioritize publishing their work over perfectionism.

The Hero’s Journey — A storytelling structure discussed in the context of writing and creativity.

Aldous Huxley’s essays — Referenced for inspiration on precise and impactful language use.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Priorities with Trevor de Groot →

Published March 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 24  ·  

Priorities with Trevor de Groot

How does movement, in its various forms, influence personal growth, perspective, and community connection?

Parkour fosters a perspective shift that forever changes how individuals experience their surroundings.

I think it’s just about perspective. Everything in life is, and if you can take a fresh perspective that is beneficial to your overall long-term growth, then that’s perfect.

~ Trevor de Groot (10:03)

The conversation examines the multifaceted role of movement in personal and professional life. Topics include the transformative perspective Parkour offers, such as changing how practitioners view and interact with their environment. Trevor discusses the importance of maintaining diverse movement practices, including Parkour, climbing, and martial arts, to foster creativity and growth. He also reflects on the sense of community and collaboration that these activities provide.

The discussion explores balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities, especially in the context of managing a gym and navigating challenges like lockdowns. Trevor shares his insights on re-prioritizing activities to allocate time for personal fulfillment and development. Social media’s influence on sports communities and individual training approaches is also addressed, emphasizing the importance of finding intrinsic motivation.

Takeaways

The transformative nature of Parkour — It changes how practitioners see and interact with their environments.

Importance of movement diversity — Exploring multiple types of movement fosters creativity and resilience.

Balancing personal and professional priorities — A deliberate approach to time management can improve overall satisfaction.

The role of social media — It has both positive and negative effects on training and community interaction.

The value of collaboration in training — Shared experiences and challenges enhance both learning and bonding.

The necessity of perspective shifts — Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth helps in long-term development.

Resources

Play Project — Trevor’s Parkour gym offering training and community events.

Mountain Project — A resource for finding climbing routes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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You have seen all →

Published March 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 24  ·  , ,

Life in itself is neither good nor evil; it is the scene of good or evil as you make it. And, if you have lived a day, you have seen all: one day is equal and like to all other days. There is no other light, no other shade; this very sun, this moon, these very stars, this very order and disposition of things, is the same your ancestors enjoyed, and that shall also entertain your posterity.

~ Michel de Montaigne

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