The germ theory →

Published March 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 24

Thus the germ theory, long before it led to medical treatments, drove down mortality rates by revolutionizing sanitation and hygiene.

~ Jason Crawford from, Draining the swamp

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No, literally draining the swamp. There are a few reasons to click through on that. The most amazing is simply to scroll through the long article and glance at all the graphs; Graphs of magnificent drops in mortality rates by the 1950s. The 50s and 60s were demonstrably amazing simply for the fact that by then, most people weren’t dying of the same infectious things that have been killing people for millennia.

But the little gem quoted above was something that made me pause. Yes, it’s always fun to chuckle from the privileged perspective of the third millennia of the Common Era: The germ theory. *giggles* “Theory.” That’s so cute. What made me pause though was the thought about sanitation. I’d always thought of how the germ theory *giggles* affected medical treatments—washing hands by physicians and surgeons and penicillin and all that good stuff. But the idea that, “hey tiny stuff we can’t see can hurt us… maybe we should, ya know, filter and treat the drinking water?” …it hadn’t occurred to me that that too became a thing we actually started doing because of the germ theory.

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Discover with David Wilk →

Published March 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 23

What are the challenges and opportunities in creating and sharing meaningful content in podcasting and publishing?

Podcasting shares its challenges of discovery and audience building with the world of book publishing.

If I tell you about a good podcast, that requires you to sit down, focus your attention, go to a site, put on headphones or your earbuds, and actually listen. That’s hard.

~ David Wilk (15:50)

The conversation explores the intersections between podcasting and publishing, focusing on their shared challenges in audience building and discoverability. It emphasizes how the low barrier to entry in both fields has led to an overwhelming abundance of content, creating a highly competitive environment. The discussion highlights how the “long tail” has evolved into an environment with a top-heavy market where only a few creators dominate.

Another key topic is the personal nature of consuming books and podcasts, which presents unique challenges for sharing and marketing. Podcasts are described as private experiences that lack the social visibility of books. The conversation also reflects on cultural changes, noting how digital experiences have reduced opportunities for shared moments, adding friction to the process of recommending and sharing podcasts.

Takeaways

The abundance of content – Challenges arise from an oversupply of podcasts and books, making audience building difficult.

Audience segmentation – Both industries face issues with dividing large audiences into meaningful segments.

Loss of the midlist – The “midlist” in publishing has disappeared, leaving only top earners and smaller outputs.

Personal nature of media – Podcasts, like books, are inherently personal and harder to share socially.

Curation necessity – Aggregating and curating podcasts is essential for discoverability but remains difficult to market.

Antisocial consumption – Personal consumption habits reduce opportunities for shared cultural experiences.

Marketing disparities – Marketing tools for books are more developed than for podcasts, yet both remain challenging.

Resources

Live Writers – A project curating book-related podcasts into three categories: readers, writers, and publishers.

PRX – Mentioned as a significant player in podcasting, likely referring to Public Radio Exchange.

BBC – Recognized for its role in podcasting and media production.

Field of Dreams – Cited metaphorically for its “build it, and they will come” narrative.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Disparate stories →

Published March 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 23  ·  , ,

The story that you tell people is the story that they’ll believe. And that’s the story that you become. And so for Parkour, we have a bunch of disparate stories that are being told right now, where you have people that are doing their own things… I just think that it’s important that the people who are doing so are taking responsibility for their impact that they have on the global community and the way that Parkour is being viewed.

~ Max Henry

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The story we tell →

Published March 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 23  ·  ,

The story that you tell people is the story that they’ll believe. And that’s the story that you become. And so for Parkour, we have a bunch of disparate stories that are being told right now, where you have people that are doing their own things… I just think that it’s important that the people who are doing so are taking responsibility for their impact that they have on the global community and the way that Parkour is being viewed.

~ Max Henry

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Really! I wasn’t kidding the other day when I mentioned episode 4 This one is from episode 5.

Recently I published episode 129 of Movers Mindset. And there are 95 episodes of conversations with podcasters for the Podcaster Community’s show. And 38 episodes that I did for Art of Retreat’s SPARKs podcast. Okay, I’m panicking a little now. There are so many amazing things that people have shared!

Know anyone who wants to help me by working as an “archivist” or “research fellow” or something like that? …please forward!

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Respectable occupations →

Published March 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 22  ·  ,

Don’t think that the arts and verbal professions are the only respectable occupations, (a common mindset of grandchildren of workers.) The elites sneer at commerce as tawdry, but it’s what gives people what they want and need, and pays for everything else, including the luxury of art.

~ Steven Pinker

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Tension with Luke Harris →

Published March 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 21

What are the challenges and opportunities of starting and sustaining a podcast, especially in relation to editing, performance, and interviewing?

Starting a podcast reveals unexpected learning curves and creative challenges.

I think for me that the magic is in having the tension— I think that’s where the magic comes from. If I didn’t feel the tension, then I don’t think I’d do as good a job.

~ Luke Harris (15:54)

The conversation explores the technical and emotional challenges of podcasting. Editing emerges as a significant hurdle, with its time-consuming nature and the discomfort of listening to one’s own voice. Craig and Luke discuss how tools like Descript can simplify the process, making it more intuitive and less tedious.

Another topic is the performative aspect of podcasting. Unlike writing, podcasting requires an element of performance and immediacy, which can make it feel intimate and vulnerable. Luke reflects on the importance of staying present in interviews while balancing preplanned agendas, noting how spontaneous moments often lead to richer outcomes.

Takeaways

The challenges of editing a podcast — include learning new tools and overcoming personal discomfort with one’s own voice.

The importance of preparation versus spontaneity — balancing preplanned questions with the natural flow of conversation.

The performative nature of podcasting — how it differs from other creative forms like writing.

The value of interviewing authors — provides deeper insights and personality that extend beyond written works.

The role of feedback — podcasting lacks immediate audience interaction, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation.

Resources

Robert Alter — A Hebrew Bible translator whose works inspired a podcast episode.

Audacity — Audio editing software used initially by Luke.

Descript — Audio editing software suggested for simplifying the editing process.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Cynosure with David Bourne →

Published March 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 21  ·  

How does engaging with nature, cycles, and mindfulness practices influence personal growth and creativity?

Insights on mindfulness and personal growth emerge through reflections on seasonal cycles.

We live in an amazing time. On the one hand, technology’s increasingly taking over our lives. But hopefully they’re going to be more of us thinking: You know what? Okay, yeah, tech’s great. But I want to go outside.

~ David Bourne (16:32)

The discussion highlights the profound influence of nature on personal growth and creative expression. Seasonal changes and sensory engagement are explored as essential ways to align with the rhythms of life, emphasizing the rejuvenating effects of connecting with the natural world. Personal practices such as hiking, observing wildlife, and sitting in quiet reflection are celebrated as gateways to mindfulness and inspiration.

Another focal point is the impact of technology on modern life. The conversation critiques the overuse of digital tools while advocating for a conscious balance that prioritizes real-world connections. The power of looking to the night sky is also discussed, offering metaphors for vastness and introspection, while personal anecdotes reveal how such practices foster emotional grounding and clarity.

Takeaways

The cyclical nature of seasons — A metaphor for personal growth and transformation.

The importance of sensory experiences — A grounding practice that enriches daily life.

Balancing technology and nature — The necessity of intentionality in modern living.

The metaphor of the North Star — A symbol of higher self and aspirational truth.

The benefits of outdoor reflection — A practice that fosters creativity and mindfulness.

The pandemic’s influence — A reset that prompted reevaluation of priorities.

Audio’s subconscious role — A medium that connects deeply with the human psyche.

Mindfulness in daily living — Rediscovering joy in simple, natural experiences.

Resources

David Bourne’s website — Offers insights and resources related to his work on mindfulness, nature, and creativity.

Finding Your North Star — Martha Beck’s book exploring the concept of identifying and following one’s true purpose.

Rich Roll Podcast — A platform for deep and engaging conversations on personal growth and well-being.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Dreams →

Published March 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 21  ·  

“Don’t you find it odd,” she continued, “that when you’re a kid, everyone, all the world, encourages you to follow your dreams. But when you’re older, somehow they act offended if you even try.”

~ Ethan Hawke

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Two things →

Published March 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 21  ·  , ,

This sudden loss has gotten me to face my own death this week. I know it is coming, just not when. I rarely think about it, because life is so in-my-face, but it’s there, waiting. Tyler’s death is such a stark reminder that we never know how much time we have left.

~ Leo Babauta from, The Tragedy & Liberation of Death

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There are exactly two things about my life of which I am certain. I was born, and I will die. I spend a lot of time contemplating my end; Not in a fatalistic, “come at me bro’!” way, but rather with the intention of reminding myself to make the most out of every moment.

There are many moments where I’m unconscious—quite a few of those moments are while I’m sleeping, but also there are mindless moments aplenty throughout my days. But there are increasingly more mindful moments every day.

An extremely fast way to get to mindfulness—this is the fastest way I’ve found so far—is to think: This may well be the last time I do this. The last walk. The last boulder I scramble upon. The last conversation with this person. The last conversation ever. The last word I type. The last sentence I jauntily scribble with a pen. The last time I drive a car. The last time I ride a bicycle. The last time I wrench my back shoveling snow. The last time something scares the crap out of me. The last time I laugh until I lose control of my bladder. The last time I’m stuck as part of the traffic. The last time I’m part of the solution. The last time I’m the source of the problem. The last time I smash the hell out of my toe on something.

In every one of those cases, I can now enjoy it… if I can manage to remember: This could be the last time I get to experience this.

I’ve even decided that if I can manage it, my last words will be: “Well, if that wasn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” (And just maybe with a literal hat tip to Vonnegut.)

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Entering this moment →

Published March 20, 2022  ·  All posts on Mar 20  ·  

To be in any kind of balance state, especially if it’s new is incredibly valuable to bring you into this moment, because the moment is in constant change. That’s why we call it infinite, right? You can’t grab hold of it and then be there. The second you’re there, it’s gone and you’re in the next one, and that’s this awake kind of living. Balance is the fastest way to enter into that space.

~ Thomas Droge

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