Perspectives with Cara Ooi →

Published January 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 21

How do audio content and podcasting serve as tools for professional communication, engagement, and self-discovery?

A concise podcast series evolves into an unexpected resource for professional and personal growth.

The podcast series is geared towards teens because that’s who I’m talking to most of the time. But I have to say, there’s been a lot more interest from the adults.

~ Cara Ooi (3:08)

The conversation discusses the evolution of a concise podcast series intended as a resource for teens and their parents, focusing on sleep-related challenges. It explores the unexpected audience engagement among adults and the learning experience derived from experimenting with audio content in a TikTok-dominated era. Practicality and efficiency in delivering reusable advice also emerge as significant outcomes.

The dialogue transitions into the reflective impact of podcasting on professional and personal growth. Cara highlights her preference for conversational formats over solo recordings and the transformative experience of revisiting recorded conversations. Topics include the power of self-discovery in audio content and the effectiveness of allowing audiences to engage with material at their own pace.

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The hero within →

Published January 21, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 21  ·  

Going inward. That’s the real work. The solutions are not outside of us. Get to know who you really are, because as you search for the hero within, you inevitably become one.

~ Emma Tiebens

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Creativity with Terry Price →

Published January 20, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 20

What insights from prior experiences and creativity practices can be applied to podcasting and the balance between creativity, perfection, and productivity?

Podcasting becomes a natural fit for blending storytelling with a love for the spoken word.

I think that the hardest part for me as a creative writer is that I don’t want to let go. I want to keep working on that paragraph until I feel like it’s a really good paragraph.

~ Terry Price (16:29)

The conversation explores how creativity intersects with podcasting, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by blending storytelling, technological skills, and personal growth. The discussion highlights the transition from analog to digital formats, emphasizing how tools shape the way stories are told. The importance of oral tradition and storytelling as a craft is discussed as a way to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Another key theme is the tension between perfectionism and productivity. Insights are shared about prioritizing tasks and letting go of perfection to maintain balance. The idea of a “sacred no” is introduced as a means to focus on essential creative pursuits without overextending oneself. The conversation also touches on how podcasting serves as a medium for self-discovery, inviting listeners into the creator’s personal journey.

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Do not delete! →

Published January 20, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 20

Many mysteries still surround the issue of what noncoding DNA is, and whether it really is worthless junk or something more. Portions of it, at least, have turned out to be vitally important biologically. But even beyond the question of its functionality (or lack of it), researchers are beginning to appreciate how noncoding DNA can be a genetic resource for cells and a nursery where new genes can evolve.

~ Jake Buehler, from The Complex Truth About ‘Junk DNA’

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I knew there were “large” portions of the DNA strand that weren’t [as far as we could tell] important. But 98%? waaaaaaaaat? Also, many other great things in this article—and it’s always nice to link to Quanta Magazine.

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Knowledge with Kathy Cocks →

Published January 19, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 19

How can personal experiences and expertise in caregiving be shared effectively to support and educate others?

The challenge of helping families navigate aging in place transforms into a mission of sharing knowledge through podcasting.

There’s nobody for people to just go talk to sometimes just to talk things out. It’s not really a counseling thing. It’s just like, are we doing the right thing?

~ Kathy Cocks (8:23)

The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from a decade-long career as a geriatric nurse into a passion for podcasting to share experiences and knowledge about caregiving. Kathy discusses how interactions with families in their driveways revealed a need for accessible, ongoing guidance on aging and elder care, leading to the creation of a podcast addressing these challenges. The format allows for sharing personal insights, professional experiences, and practical advice to support families dealing with aging parents.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the emotional and logistical aspects of caregiving. Topics include family dynamics, the stigmas around aging, and the difficulty of making decisions about elder care. Kathy also highlights their goal of creating a resource library of podcast episodes on specific topics like dementia and community resources, offering a valuable tool for caregivers seeking quick, actionable insights.

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Tolerance versus love →

Published January 19, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 19  ·  

Tolerance is becoming accustomed to injustice; love is becoming disturbed and activated by another’s adverse condition. Tolerance crosses the street; love confronts. Tolerance builds fences; love opens doors. Tolerance breeds indifference; love demands engagement. Tolerance couldn’t care less; love always cares more.

~ Cory Booker

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Tolerance →

Published January 19, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 19  ·  

Tolerance is becoming accustomed to injustice; love is becoming disturbed and activated by another’s adverse condition. Tolerance crosses the street; love confronts. Tolerance builds fences; love opens doors. Tolerance breeds indifference; love demands engagement. Tolerance couldn’t care less; love always cares more.

~ Cory Booker

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When I’m having a recorded conversation for a podcast, “being loving” or “loving the other person”, aren’t the words I’d choose. Low-brow jokes aside, it just doesn’t feel like the right word choice. Booker’s phrasing is obviously rhetoric. But there’s a reason rhetoric is like that: It works.

When I read Booker’s rhetoric I was thinking how shifting one’s context to coming from being loving changes the way I’d approach those situations. …or at least, how I might approach those situations. Changing my mindset would enable me to see opportunities I’d otherwise miss. (While still allowing me to rationally choose when it might be wise to walk by, cross the street, build a fence, get on with life, etc..)

And my new mindset—coming from being loving—made me think of a conversation I had a little while ago with Andrew Foster.

Ruh-roh, there might just be something to this “love” thing.

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PS: *gasp* I too have been misattributing “ruh-roh”, as in “ruh-roh rhaggy” to Scooby Doo. “ruh-roh” is Astro’s catch-phrase. Both dogs were voiced by the same actor though…

Effort with Ryan Flahive →

Published January 18, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 18

How does the evolution of a creative project influence its format and approach over time?

This conversation explores the transition from traditional publishing to podcasting as a medium for impactful storytelling.

As a father of two young girls who cares deeply about climate change but doesn’t have a lot of, you know, technical proficiency, I’m not an engineer; I’m not going to build a new solar panel, trying to figure out what I could do with my skill set to have an impact.

~ Ryan Flahive (0:52)

This conversation explores the shift from traditional publishing to podcasting as a means of amplifying impactful stories, particularly on climate change. Ryan reflects on his professional background in publishing and their decision to create a podcast instead of writing a book. He shares how this medium enables a more dynamic and accessible approach to storytelling while overcoming technical and logistical challenges.

Several topics emerge, including the importance of consistency in building momentum, strategies for engaging guests, and the adaptation required to balance personal interests with audience needs. The discussion highlights how leveraging past connections and experiences can ease the transition to new formats, all while navigating the complexities of content creation and audience engagement.

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Power →

Published January 18, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 18  ·  ,

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.

~ Alice Walker

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Power →

Published January 18, 2022  ·  All posts on Jan 18  ·  

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.

~ Alice Walker

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Since I’m guilty of this, I often try to catch myself having power. One way I do this is to journal; If I write down, “Yesterday I did these 12 things, and people said such-and-so about my having helped them,” that’s glaring evidence that I’ve affected the world by exercising my power.

Another way I try to catch myself is to zoom farther out and look for longer-term successes. So if—for example, just sayin’, askin’ for a friend—one feels they cannot affect change in the world, but the evidence after 7 months is that one created the spark that ignited a community… well, maybe I—err, not me, my friend should stop thinking they have no power.

And instead start asking: What could I do in the next 5 minutes?

My answer: I could write one blog post which might inspire someone else!

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