There’s a pretty obvious incentive at play when companies have the ability to unilaterally alter how their products work after you buy them and you are legally prohibited to change how the product works after you buy them. This is the first lesson of the Darth Vader MBA: “I am altering the deal. Pray I don’t alter it any further.”
In a word, Senecan joy comes from within, from a good person’s own character and conduct: it arises from goodness itself and from right actions that one performs. This means that joy will not always be a matter of smiles and laughter, for good actions may be difficult and unpleasant: one may have to accept poverty, endure pain, even die for one’s country. A good person does these things only when they are right, and only for that reason, but the doing is itself a good and a reason to rejoice.
I don’t understand how we got to the common definition of “stoic”—the suppression of emotions. It’s a shame, because Stoicism is literally the opposite of suppressing one’s emotions. Emotions and reason have their right place. Stoic joy.
However, the amount of discomfort and whether people agree to the possibility in the first place are essential to ethical practice. I contend that sayings like ‘It has to get worse before it gets better’ often gloss over the reality that some meditations and therapies simply don’t work for everyone, while others are actively harmful. So, when is getting worse a sign that ‘the process’ is working, and when is it an indicator that the approach is unhelpful or even harmful?
I had bookmarked this a while back after reading it. I was reminded of it as I sat in a warm patch of sun meditating this morning. For me, the sort of meditation I practice—every day, as best I can—is absolutely helpful.
The spot of the “QM Flow” session that I taught with Evan the weekend past at the Move NYC event. Sometimes I just take pictures where nothing is happening… yet.
Anybody can rise to meet a crisis and face a crushing tragedy with courage, but to meet the petty hazards of the day with a laugh—I really think that requires spirit.
I spend far too much time “working” inside the virtual world. When I get a chance (as I just did) to go do stuff entirely in the real-world, with scarcely a moment to check in online, I end up with piles of backlogged “work.” It’s at this point that I try to pare things down. I’d love to do zero computer work—but that’s not happening while my faculties hold out. Until then, I’ll continue to trim and optimize.
As I’m getting ready for a road trip, I’m finishing up as many things as I can. I always say I want to spend less time at my computer. That will definitely be the case for the next five days. Yes, please.
I keep a board with sticky-notes. Right at eye level, right next to my most-common workspace. What’s the simplest thing that could possibly work? In this case it’s rows for day-of-the week, and date at the top. Then I just stick notes for rocks where they need to be. (The metaphor is that of putting rocks and sand into a glass jar… put big rocks in first. Also sometimes phrased as, “Eat the toad first.”)
This really works well for me. Every time I see the board I think: Am I actually doing the right thing?
I spend a lot of time reading—frankly, as much time as I can sequester for it. I’ve read several of Seneca’s letters, randomly over the years. A while back I bought this delightful edition from Chicago Press and I’m beginning at the beginning. (There are marks in the book where I’ve already used it for referring to some of the letters.) What knowledge are you putting into your mind?
The view, when I’m doing my work is quite often a notebook and a computer. I try to make it be outside as much as I can too. Show-your-work photos are booooooring, I know. But capturing and gestating my thoughts, and then tapping on a keyboard. That’s mostly what I do.
In the most-recent Podcaster Community campfire we got to talking about what tools and services are we currently paying for as part of podcasting. So today I put up a simple post in a few places to ask just that.
It’s one thing to talk about what we prefer, it’s another for us to have voted with our dollars. Me?
Hindenburg Pro
Zencastr (for recording podcasts)
Zoom (for everything except recording podcasts)
Vimeo (for hosting streaming video for the Podcaster Community)
Stany Foucher recently wrote a book, Art du Déplacement: Au delà du saut. I’ve been working on translating it for my own reading. I can read the French language at an “advanced beginner” level. From the epub version of the book (which I printed so I can write on it), I’m working in a notebook… writing things out longhand is part of the learning process. I don’t simply want to read this book, but rather I want to apprehend this book.
This morning I was working on adding some quotes to the ‘ol collection. I have a little box with the most-recent quotes, blank 3×5 cards and other little office-supply-ish things. Every now and then I pick up a bunch of those new quotes and move them back into these boxes. Today I realized, the second of these boxes is now nearly full—it seems like only yesterday that I moved the first few inches of cards (like ~400) into the first box. Time to order more of these storage boxes!
I’ve been thinking about ways to get participants to engage after the session. I talked to a few experienced coaches about this, and there doesn’t seem to be a way that works well. Sure, after any session a few students might ask questions. But cultivating engagement beyond that is a big question—everyone I talked to said to tell them how to do it if I figure it out.
My first thought was to imagine something people could take a picture of. (Giving people things like business cards would be silly and wasteful.) Coaching in the context of Movers Mindset, I imagined a printed card with MM logo/name and QR to MM’s web site and lots of room for me to write. I imagined I could write a question on it; thinking it could be interesting enough to entice people to take a photo of it.
But further thinking led me to create this little card. It’s printed on some 4x postcard stock from Avery, where a full sheet is perforated to tear apart. In the phot you can see a little sketch showing how the printed parts are all arranged in the center of the full sheet, enabling printing very close to the final cards’ edges on the two sides that aren’t the actual printing margins.
My idea is that I’ll use these little cards for my notes as I’m preparing for a session. Then, any changes, problems, questions, etc. that come up are easily captured. This way I can close my personal loop of wanting to reflect afterwards into my more permanent notebooks.
And anyone who notices the card I’m holding, (referring to, writing on, stuffing in my pocket…) may want a photo of it. There we go! There’s no “please take a photo of this” pressure. Instead, if someone is interested, I have the perfect thing for them with some notes and details about the session and a QR to reach me. (The MM site has an email list and a contact form to reach me.)
What does it really mean to be an effective podcast host?
Good podcasts succeed by focusing on engagement, not biography.
[…] everybody loves podcasting and talks about their podcast constantly, and yet never talks about hosting— how can I be a better host?
~ Vince Quinn (2:00)
This conversation with Vince Quinn focuses on the role of hosting in podcasting, emphasizing that many podcasters neglect to develop hosting as a craft. The discussion contrasts how people obsess over gear or downloads but rarely consider how to become better hosts. A strong host is seen as fundamental to a good show—someone who prepares, guides the conversation, and stays aware of pacing, clarity, and energy. The act of listening back to one’s own show is framed as a vital method of improving, not just through passive review but through strategic reflection on structure, tone, and listener engagement.
Vince and Craig also discuss common pet peeves in podcasting, such as hosts who aren’t prepared or who rely on generic question lists. They stress that shows should begin with engaging topics, not guest biographies, and that silence and space are useful tools for dynamic audio. Another significant topic is the use of LinkedIn and other platforms not just for promotion but for building real, reciprocal connections. The conversation closes with reflections on using podcasts as core drivers of content strategy for small businesses, suggesting that most podcasters follow flawed blueprints and should instead focus on clarity of purpose and realistic goals.
Takeaways
Hosting as the core skill — Hosting is the defining feature of a podcast and is rarely given the attention it deserves.
Listening back with purpose — Reviewing episodes is essential for improvement, especially when done with detachment and intention.
Preparation makes a difference — Being prepared with guest-specific context creates a better experience for both guest and audience.
Avoiding biography overload — Starting episodes with long guest bios wastes listener attention and can be a major turnoff.
Letting guests lead — Asking neutral, open-ended questions enables guests to share authentic experiences without emotional projection.
Using space intentionally — Strategic use of silence can enhance tension, rhythm, and storytelling in audio.
Engaging social media mindfully — LinkedIn and other platforms can be used effectively to build strategic business relationships.
Avoiding generic questions — Personalized, thoughtful prompts are more engaging than standard interview scripts.
Choosing the right content blueprint — Most podcasters imitate high-profile shows without realistic alignment to their own goals.
Using podcasting for business — Podcasts can drive content strategy, relationship-building, and lead generation for service-based businesses.
Maximizing limited resources — Bootstrapped creators can use a podcast to generate multi-purpose content across platforms efficiently.
Clarity of purpose — Defining success and setting short-term goals are crucial for keeping podcast production focused and meaningful.
Resources
SBX Productions — Vince Quinn’s business providing podcast production services.
How can older adults reclaim movement as a joyful, empowering part of life despite pervasive cultural narratives about aging?
Letting go of perfectionism opens the door to playfulness and self-compassion.
If I can be more compassionate toward myself, I can let go of this addiction to competence and just let myself try, and suck. So yeah, I have come to embrace the idea that if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly and playfully.
~ David Wilson (48:45)
This conversation with David Wilson explores how movement intersects with aging, self-perception, and cultural narratives. David begins by addressing how deeply internalized ageist beliefs affect people’s willingness to move, take up space, and try new things. The discussion challenges the idea that aging necessitates physical decline, emphasizing instead that variety in movement and awareness of personal stories can lead to growth and transformation at any age. David also critiques societal pressures that promote fear-based motivation, and he encourages a shift toward framing movement as a present-moment gift.
The conversation moves through practical barriers and misconceptions that keep people inactive, such as rigid goals, perfectionism, and the belief that certain types of exercise are required. It emphasizes meeting oneself where one is, using personal values rather than fixed goals as guides. The importance of self-compassion, playfulness, and the willingness to “do things badly” is highlighted as a more sustainable path toward movement. There’s also a critique of mainstream fitness messaging, which often excludes older populations by failing to address their actual lived experiences.
Takeaways
Internalized ageism — Movement hesitancy is often rooted in lifelong exposure to ageist narratives absorbed from a very young age.
Misconceptions about aging — Many decline-related assumptions are not due to age itself but to reduced movement and lifestyle limitations.
Curiosity over goals — Letting go of rigid, timeline-based goals makes space for exploration and deeper engagement with movement.
Compassionate self-awareness — Bringing compassion into one’s personal practice enables growth without harsh self-judgment.
Playfulness as practice — Play offers a route to joy and learning, especially valuable when countering addiction to competence.
Movement generalism — A broad, varied movement practice supports better adaptability and long-term capability.
Fear-based fitness culture — Much mainstream messaging about aging and exercise motivates through fear instead of empowerment.
Efficiency of the body — The body conserves resources by shedding unused capabilities, so maintaining movement variety is crucial.
Accessible movement — Movement does not require equipment, special clothing, or gym memberships—it can be integrated into daily life.
Time as a barrier — A perceived lack of time is the most common excuse for not moving, yet even minutes of activity show measurable benefits.
Specificity of training — Effective physical preparation must match the demands of real environments rather than generic or repetitive exercise.
Gratitude for the body — Pausing to appreciate the body’s enduring support helps reframe limitations and fosters a more engaged relationship with movement.
Imagination of aging — How one envisions growing older strongly influences present decisions about health and movement.
Practice as identity — How we treat ourselves in movement mirrors how we show up in the world and in relationships.
The first 90% of anything is vastly easier than the second 90%. Beginning something (an issue of 7 for Sunday, a new podcast episode for any of my 3 different shows) is so much easier if I know that all I have to do is go through these steps—look, it fits on one sheet, how hard could it be? I can totally do this…
Well, many of those tiny steps are big parts like “write the thing”. But by having all the little paper cuts listed out, I know that I won’t lose the entire kingdom for want of one horseshoe nail at the very end.
What happens when podcasters leave the safety of their studios to record in front of a live audience?
A physical space changes how podcasters, guests, and audiences engage with the medium.
You could actually just get out of your comfort zone, do this thing that you do in your house— do it live at a park and just see what happens.
~ Jeff Revilla (33:02)
This conversation with Jeff Revilla centers on the creation and impact of a physical podcasting theater, which offers independent podcasters the opportunity to record in front of live audiences. We explore how the controlled, familiar environment of home studios contrasts with the dynamic, unpredictable energy of live performance. The discussion covers how live podcasting challenges hosts to let go of production control and embrace spontaneity, leading to new experiences both for them and their listeners.
The logistics of creating the theater space are discussed in detail, including sourcing materials on a budget and designing the space to be flexible and immersive. The benefits of such live recordings are explored from multiple angles: audience feedback, performance energy, and personal growth for podcasters. The conversation also touches on the potential for this model to spread to other cities, encouraging podcasters to seek out or create similar spaces using resources like parks, coffee shops, and libraries.
Takeaways
Getting out of the studio — Shifting from a home setup to a live environment introduces discomfort but creates richer experiences.
Designing live podcast spaces — Flexible theater design enables immersive, close-range audience experiences with podcast creators.
Building on DIY culture — The physical space is assembled with minimal cost and creativity, reflecting a do-it-yourself mindset.
Live audience engagement — Audience reactions offer immediate feedback and energy, unlike the delayed response of online downloads.
Performance dynamics — Mistakes are part of the experience, and audiences are generally more forgiving than podcasters expect.
Hosting in person — Podcasters experience personal and creative transformation by stepping into a live setting.
Reimagining podcast venues — Parks, libraries, and coffee shops can serve as accessible, low-cost venues for live podcasting.
Community activation — Live events create tangible moments that draw friends and family into direct support roles.
Local expansion — There’s a growing opportunity for similar spaces in other towns, creating regional performance circuits.
Monologue vs. conversation — Structured content often falls flat in a live setting; spontaneous conversation resonates more.
Hybrid event strategy — Combining livestreams with in-person seating balances reach and intimacy.
Emerging infrastructure — Mid-sized live venues can help prepare independent podcasters to scale toward larger performances.
Resources
Poduty — The dedicated podcast theater space created and operated for live in-person podcasting.
Poduty Live 2025 — The two-day live podcasting festival planned for the last weekend in September, streamed and staged in-person.
International Podcast Day — An annual celebration of podcasting referenced as part of the event timing.
Indie Pods United — An earlier initiative mentioned in connection with previous live streaming events. (No public web site, but has a presence on various social platforms.)
Todd Glass — A comedian whose ideas on theater design helped influence the speaker’s stage setup.
