Ancestry with Denys Allen →

Published February 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 25

What makes genealogical research unique compared to traditional historical studies, and how do these approaches differ in Pennsylvania?

Genealogists uncover micro-histories that reveal intimate details of everyday life in Pennsylvania’s past.

Historians often look at the records of people that are wealthy and famous and own things, while genealogists pursue the stories of just everyday folks.

~ Denys Allen (3:23)

The conversation highlights the differences between genealogical research and traditional historical studies, focusing on Pennsylvania’s unique historical and geographical context. Genealogy often emphasizes microhistories—detailed accounts of everyday life—while traditional history frequently revolves around prominent figures and broader narratives. The discussion explores how Pennsylvania’s rich diversity of religions influenced its records, as well as the challenges posed by fragmented historical documents.

The geographic and political history of Pennsylvania also comes under scrutiny. The state’s rugged terrain and varied cultural heritage led to intricate county boundaries and decentralized records. Efforts by local groups, including Facebook communities, help genealogists connect and share insights. The conversation further reflects on William Penn’s founding principles and their long-term effects on the state’s culture and inclusivity.

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Preparation →

Published February 25, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 25  ·  

To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated.

~ James P. Carse

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Designing your life →

Published February 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 24  ·  ,

So the longer-term challenge is simply designing your life so that you have more of this stuff and less of the fluff. Look at every activity as you go through your day and think, “Is this contributing to getting me a better day—today—and if not, is there anybody in the world who has managed to design this activity out of their lives and still succeed beyond my level?

~ Pete Adeney

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Parkinson’s Law →

Published February 24, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 24

Ferriss popularized the personal version of Parkinson’s Law, which correctly notes that our work expands to fill the time we give it. The original Economist essay on the topic also embeds an organizational version of the law, which I read to say that if you leave a group, or a team, or a company to operate without sufficient structure, they may converge toward unexpected and unproductive behaviors.

~ Cal Newport from, Revisiting Parkinson’s Law

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Pithy sayings are punchy. (For example: Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the allotted time.) But they’re also woefully inadequate; there’s no room for depth or surety. In this case though, it turns out that Parkinson’s Law is based on actual research… into the bureaucracy of the British Navy. Who knew that this pithy little phrase is actually a real model based on actual research. (…uhm, Parkinson, that’s who.)

There are plenty of ways to turn Parkinson’s law into actionable direction: Ship it. Iterate and course-correct. Show me your discard pile. (That is to say, do sub-par work until your work is up to par.) Minimum viable noun. (Which urges one to chop off everything not absolutely necessary in order to get that noun into the world sooner.) All of which, I’m semi-surprised to note, are about constraining the time allotted to do the work. It’s all about moving the goal posts closer.

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Shocking →

Published February 23, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 23  ·  ,

Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often.

~ Mae West

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Connection with Saurabh Mithal →

Published February 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 22

How can podcasting and creative practices enhance personal growth, connection, and professional development?

The practice of mindful creative work transforms personal and professional growth.

Podcasting, for me, seemed […] is a much more enabling platform than asking someone for a cup of coffee. It allows you to go deep into conversations because it’s a more exploratory kind of a medium.

~ Saurabh Mithal (2:28)

The conversation discusses the transformative potential of podcasting as a medium for personal and professional growth. Saurabh highlights how podcasting fosters connections by facilitating meaningful conversations and enabling creative exploration. He explains how this medium provides a platform for community building and encourages a growth mindset in various aspects of life.

Another key topic is the impact of shifting creative practices from private (e.g., morning pages) to public (e.g., dailies), which increases mindfulness, empathy, and the quality of the output. The dialogue also touches on the importance of intentionality in interactions, the concept of anti-fragility in careers, and the role of curiosity as a self-sustaining force for continuous learning and growth.

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Acceptance with Sam Ardery →

Published February 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 22

How can individuals approach conversations more effectively to foster understanding, manage conflict, and overcome fear?

The illusion of control deeply influences how we approach conversations and conflict.

People really like the idea of control, and I think a lot of things we do in our lives are to live under the illusion of control.

~ Sam Ardery (1:16)

This conversation explores the nature of control, fear, and personal accountability in conversations and conflict resolution. A central theme is the illusion of control and how it shapes our responses to unexpected situations. Techniques such as the “P-A-R-C” framework—pause, assess, reflect, and choose—offer practical tools for navigating conversations more thoughtfully.

Other significant topics include the role of compassion and self-compassion, particularly in the context of conflict and personal growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s own role in disputes, highlighted by the idea of “accepting your 5%.” Additionally, the fear of rejection and failure is dissected, with insights into how embracing these fears can lead to greater resilience and better outcomes in personal and professional interactions.

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Greatness →

Published February 22, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 22  ·  , ,

I wake up each day with the firm conviction that I am nowhere near my full potential. ‘Greatness’ is a verb. I have miles to go before I sleep, and so I will spend my remaining years desperately looking to improve who I am from year to year. Greatness is not a final destination, but a series of small acts done daily in order to constantly rejuvenate and refresh our skills in a daily effort to become a better version of ourselves.

~ Maurice Ashley

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High-quality information →

Published February 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 21  ·  ,

I get paid to read and comment on the news for a living, and I still wake up every morning completely overwhelmed by all that’s going on. I can feel my blood pressure go up as I try to figure out what to focus on first. The way I manage it is to remember that the world will go on if I don’t read everything. Newspapers will publish again the next day. I will always be better off consumg a smaller amount of high-quality information that trying to consume it all.

~ Tommy Vietor

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The primary cause →

Published February 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Feb 21

The numerous influences of the shoe heel on the foot and body column are not fully understood by most medical practitioners. The practitioner commonly speaks of “sensible” heels. Such a heel does not exist. Any elevated heel under a shoe automatically initiates an altered series of foot and body biomechanics.

~ William A. Rossi from, Footwear The Primary Cause of Foot Disorders

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And sometimes I use my blog as a personal out-brain data storage system. I’m trying to link to a more definitive source—but you’ll find that link is pay-walled, (and of no relation nor benefit to me.) It’s a short read, well-worth finding a copy of.

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