Melissa Way

Platform with Melissa Way

July 9, 2021

How does the concept of offering a platform influence the selection of guests and the dynamics of conversations in podcasting?

The process of creating meaningful conversations involves balancing guest selection with the organic nature of dialogue.

I feel there’s a responsibility to seek out people who don’t have so much of a platform, and who have good things to say, and give them a space to say it and get that out in the world.

~ Melissa Way (3:05)

The conversation explores the intricacies of offering a platform through podcasting, particularly focusing on the responsibility and power it entails. The discussion examines how guest selection is guided by values and ethos, such as avoiding topics like diet culture while amplifying insightful voices. Emphasis is placed on providing a space for lesser-known individuals who possess valuable perspectives to share.

Another central theme revolves around the organic nature of conversations and how they often reveal unexpected insights. Guests frequently surprise themselves with the depth and relevance of their contributions. The dialogue also touches on the balance between preparation and spontaneity, highlighting how meaningful connections emerge through a combination of intentionality and adaptability.

Takeaways

A platform’s power — It amplifies voices and carries the responsibility to ensure content aligns with ethical standards.

Guest selection — It reflects the host’s ethos and values, influencing the broader impact of the podcast.

Creating space — Fostering an environment where guests feel comfortable leads to deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Balancing structure and spontaneity — Preparation aids in focus, while adaptability ensures authenticity in interactions.

Highlighting unheard voices — Offering a platform to those with limited exposure brings fresh, valuable perspectives to light.

Resources

Melissa Way — Artist. Mover. Explorer.

Movers Mindset Podcast — A podcast focusing on the interplay between movement and personal growth.

Open + Curious — A related project exploring themes of curiosity and reflection.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Crystalizing experiences

June 23, 2020

It’s important to be aware of our own crystallizing experiences and how they affected us. I’m curious about what crystalizing experiences you’ve had, and I’m thinking beyond just moments, to books, people, videos, discussions, whatever left an impact. What stuck with you and changed the way you thought about things? This could be in any area of your life: work, learning, movement, writing, any hobby. What was the experience, and how did it change your practice?

~ Melissa Way

The Movers Mindset team has an internal project management system. (Basecamp.com in case you’re still mysteriously using something dysfunctional, like Slack, to run your team.) Each week, in a sort of loose rotation, we take turns kicking off some discussion by posting something—anything, whatever interests us when it’s our turn.

I’ve been coming back to this post from Melissa for nearly two weeks, trying to figure out where to start on a reply. Each time I start thinking, my mind wanders down a seemingly endless sequence of formative experiences; I can’t even begin to list them as they’d sound like an intolerable bragging-list. There are some unbelievable experiences ranging from, “been there,” to “done that,” and careening between, “literally cheated death,” and “hfsyesagainplease.”

Instead of trying to pick just one, tell the story, and pull out how the experience changed me, I’m going to ask, and attempt to answer, a meta question: Is life a journey of becoming, or simply a journey?

If it’s the former, then I should be paying attention for—perhaps even actively seeking—crystallizing experiences my entire life. I should be continuously repeating the process of asking myself what I should change or improve next, and then seeking out the experiences or knowledge to achieve that change. But having bashed myself on that cold anvil, incessantly seeking change and improvement, I’m now convinced that it’s the later.

Life is simply a journey.

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Melissa Way | Art of Space

May 6, 2020

On Castbox.fm — Melissa Way | Art of Space

How can art be integrated with Parkour to create spaces that engage both practitioners and the general public?

Designing Parkour spaces with artistic elements can make them appealing to the public while enhancing their functionality for practitioners.

A pattern interrupt is something that kind of catches your attention and messes with that in some way. So that could be, visually, just seeing something interesting that you want to explore further. Or this happens with movement people all the time, where we just see opportunity everywhere.

~ Melissa Way (3:34)

The conversation explores the intersection of art and Parkour, emphasizing how integrating artistic elements into Parkour spaces can make them more appealing to the general public. By designing environments that engage non-practitioners visually and physically, communities can foster interest in movement and create inclusive spaces. The idea of “pattern interrupts” is highlighted as a method for drawing attention to spaces and encouraging playful interaction with the environment.

A key point discussed is the challenge of proposing Parkour-specific spaces to communities and city officials unfamiliar with the discipline. By presenting these spaces as art installations or public works, the likelihood of approval increases due to the existing support and funding for public art projects. The conversation reflects on the importance of approaching design from a broader perspective, making spaces accessible and aesthetically engaging for all, not just Parkour practitioners.

Takeaways

Pattern Interrupt — Parkour and art can disrupt routine thought patterns, encouraging curiosity and play in public spaces.

Art-Parkour Synergy — Integrating art into Parkour spaces can attract broader community interest, bridging the gap between practitioners and the general public.

Designing for Accessibility — Public Parkour spaces should be visually and physically inviting to everyone, not just experienced movers.

City Engagement — Framing Parkour spaces as public art projects can increase support from city officials and community leaders.

Community Feedback — Involving the public in the design process can enhance the relevance and appeal of movement spaces.

Public Perception — Shifting societal norms about who moves in public and how they interact with art is crucial for expanding Parkour’s accessibility.

Collaboration — Engaging artists and designers outside the Parkour community can bring fresh perspectives and increase the success of proposed spaces.

Presentation Value — Presenting ideas at community retreats or events, even without being a definitive expert, fosters valuable dialogue and generates new ideas.

Resources

Melissa Way — Artist. Mover. Explorer.

Melissa Way @melzika_03

Parkour Generations Lehigh Valley — Melissa Way’s affiliated Parkour coaching organization in Pennsylvania.

Art of Retreat — A Parkour leadership and education retreat focused on advancing movement and community-building initiatives.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Naomi Honey and Melissa Way: Women’s experience, societal impact, and unsolicited advice

October 23, 2019

Naomi Honey and Melissa Way: Women’s experience, societal impact, and unsolicited advice

What can be done to better understand and improve the experience of women in parkour?

Naomi Honey and Melissa Way discuss the importance of women’s experience in parkour, what that means, and how society impacts it. They dig into the unicorn syndrome, the polarization of genders, and how community leaders can help get more women involved. Naomi and Melissa tackle why women’s only events are important, how to create a welcoming environment, and their experiences with unsolicited advice.

I really remember when I was younger, I always thought my arms weren’t skinny like some people’s— oh, it just sounds so ridiculous, but I remember I had that in my head as a benchmark. And then suddenly when I was doing parkour, and when I got my first pull up, it was so exciting. And then suddenly I had a new measure of, oh my God, who cares what they look like? Look what they can do!

~ Naomi Honey (15:00)

The conversation focuses on the experience of women in parkour, emphasizing the unique challenges they face, from differences in physical progression to societal expectations around physical ability. There is discussion around how women’s-only events create supportive spaces that counteract feelings of intimidation or isolation, helping women find community and confidence.

Another key theme is the mindset shift from focusing on aesthetics to valuing functional strength and ability, which parkour uniquely encourages. This change contrasts with societal pressures around appearance, which often disproportionately affect women. The issue of unsolicited advice is also explored, highlighting how it can be well-intentioned but often carries different implications for women, sometimes reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than offering helpful insight.

Takeaways

Progression differences — Women often experience slower physical progression than men in parkour, which can affect confidence.

Mindset shift — Parkour promotes focusing on what the body can do, shifting away from aesthetic-based self-worth.

Role of community — Women’s-only events foster supportive environments that promote sustained engagement and confidence.

Polarization and visibility — The lack of visible female practitioners can create a sense that parkour is not for women, limiting participation.

Impact of unsolicited advice — How advice is given and received differs by gender, with women often facing additional scrutiny or unwelcome input.

Resources

Flytality — Naomi Honey’s life coaching business focused on helping people make life changes.

Project Awesome — A London-based fitness group promoting fun, community-driven exercise.

Women’s International Parkour Weekend (WIPW) — An event aimed at increasing female participation in parkour through community-building and workshops.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Movers Mindset Team: Roles, remote work, and passion

July 24, 2019

Movers Mindset Team: Roles, remote work, and passion

What are the unique roles and collaborative processes behind the production of Movers Mindset podcast episodes?

In our special 50th episode, the Movers Mindset team gets together to discuss what we do, and how far we’ve come. Each team member explains what they do in the team, and how all of our roles fit together. We talk about working remotely, the freedoms and challenges that come with it, and some of the strategies we use to help with that. The team discusses favorite episodes, things we’ve learned, and what each of us has found to be very special about the project.

The thing that I’m really passionate about is that we have a platform, Movers Mindset is a platform that can give people a voice.

~ Melissa Way (10:27)

Movers Mindset team members explain how they balance creativity and organization while managing the complexities of remote podcast production.

There’s something really, really special about when— I don’t know, just the simple fact of somebody being very interested in what someone has to say.

~ Miguel Chero (11:58)

The conversation explores the inner workings of the Movers Mindset podcast, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of the team members. The team discusses the collaborative process that allows them to manage podcast production remotely, balancing creativity, technical tasks, and the logistics of releasing weekly episodes. They describe how each member’s unique strengths contribute to the overall success of the podcast.

I handle production. I handle social media. I’m also the ‘no’ to every idea Craig tries to throw at us.

~ Kristen Swantek (15:25)

Topics such as remote work challenges, the importance of guest relations, and the structured workflows that keep the project organized are examined. The team reflects on their passion for storytelling and their commitment to providing a platform for voices that may not otherwise be heard. Additionally, the group shares anecdotes about the joys and occasional chaos involved in producing the podcast.

Takeaways

Creating episodes in advance — The team often works two to three months ahead of the release schedule.

Collaborative remote work — Weekly meetings and consistent communication help keep the remote team aligned.

Role specialization — Each member focuses on different aspects such as editing, social media, guest management, and production.

Platform for voices — Movers Mindset provides a space for lesser-known individuals to share their insights alongside more prominent figures.

Structured workflows — The podcast production process follows a structured path with numerous checkpoints and collaboration steps.

Emphasis on storytelling — The passion for storytelling and listening to people’s experiences drives the podcast’s success.

Dynamic problem solving — The team adapts quickly to unexpected issues, often relying on each other to solve problems creatively.

Resources

Basecamp — Project management tool used by the Movers Mindset team to coordinate tasks and projects.

Overcast — Podcast player referenced for listening to episodes.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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