There’s no correct answer to this question. The only important thing is that each of us takes the time to find our own answer. This is not a “set it and forget it” situation: You have to reconsider this question periodically too.
Yesterday I was talking with a podcaster who is in the middle of a significant pivot of their show. Why the pivot? It wasn’t working for them any more.
I’ve pivoted shows, started new shows, intentionally stopped publishing episodes of a show, and completely deleted shows from existence. Each time because there was a clear sign (often a sign I’d been in denial about) that the show was no longer working for me.
That’s what you have to figure out for yourself.
I did 1,400 episodes of Little Box of Quotes as a daily show. I had specific things I was practicing. When creating new episodes became a thing I started avoiding, I stopped. A year later, I’m thinking of resuming publishing the show, but my reasons for publishing it are now completely different.
I’ve tried two different show-formats for the Open + Curious podcast. Now in 2025, I’m scheduling guests for its 3rd season which will be in my signature style of conversation.
The Movers Mindset podcast hasn’t been the same format since day one. There’s been a bunch of experiments within that show. As I have new ideas, and new questions about what can a recorded conversation be, that’s where I’ve done most of my experimentation.
Even Podtalk has changed over time. What began as “the companion podcast to the Podcaster Community” (conversations with the community’s members) expanded to conversations with any independent podcast creator.
As I said: There’s no one, correct answer for everyone. There isn’t even one, correct answer for each of us!
I’ve tried to do digitally the thinking and creative part of writing. It just doesn’t work as well as scribbling on paper. I use these tablets to capture ideas. This seed has been bumping around for 3 months (if you zoom in, it’s interesting that this seed happens to be _about_ reverberations!) Today it gets turned into a new something for Open + Curious.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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.)
The fatalism advocated by the Stoics is in a sense the reverse, or one might say the mirror image, of negative visualization: Instead of thinking about how our situation could be worse, we refuse to think about how it could be better.
I use negative visualization very often. “What could possibly go wrong?” is one of my favorite interjections. Everyone thinks I’m making a joke—and in part I am—but what I’m really doing is actually thinking about what could actually go wrong.
I’ve learned, (slowly after far too much struggle because: i dumb,) that the more simple I can keep my life, the better. I want to be clear: The complexity I wrestle with—and which wins and beats me down—is all stuff I’ve invented. Not simply accepted, but outright invented. Things I want to create or see get done or ways I can help when someone asks and on and on and on. My brain is a snow globe of ideas.
And that all springs from my apparently hardwired drive to make things better. So, practicing refusing to think about how it could be better.
Do not, I beseech you, dread the things which the immortal gods apply to our souls like goads; disaster is virtue’s opportunity. Those whom an excess of prosperity has rendered sluggish may justly be called unfortunate; a dead calm holds them fast, as it were, on a motionless sea. And whatever befalls them comes as a surprise. Cruelty presses hardest on the inexperienced; the neck chafes at the yoke.
What role should competition and commercialization play in shaping the future of Parkour?
Mark Toorock shares his thoughts on the commercialization of parkour, FIG and competitions, as well as the direction parkour is headed. He also opens up about his personal goals for parkour, raising the socially acceptable age of play, and how he sees himself within the community. Mark wraps up by discussing the power of parkour to benefit all people.
The thing for me about Parkour is, if I can make one person that used to walk with their head down, walk with their head up, that’s the change in the world. We don’t change the world, we change a person.
~ Mark Toorock (32:32)
The conversation explores the evolving landscape of Parkour, focusing on commercialization, competition, and the community’s shifting mindset. Mark Toorock reflects on the initial resistance within the Parkour community to monetization and contrasts it with the growing acceptance as practitioners age and recognize the need to sustain their passion financially. The discussion highlights the complexity of maintaining Parkour’s spirit while enabling financial opportunities, drawing parallels to artists who monetize their craft without compromising authenticity.
Competition is another critical focus, with Mark advocating for a non-competitive foundation in Parkour while embracing competitions based on Parkour movements. He stresses that competition need not undermine the spirit of Parkour and can coexist with a community-driven, collaborative ethos. The conversation touches on the potential risks of external organizations, like the International Gymnastics Federation, attempting to control Parkour competitions and the broader implications for public perception. Additionally, Mark emphasizes the importance of maintaining play as a socially acceptable activity for adults, advocating for a culture that values lifelong movement and exploration.
Takeaways
Commercialization of Parkour — The community’s initial aversion to making money from Parkour has shifted as practitioners recognize the need to sustain their involvement.
Parkour as a Profession — Many who once resisted monetization now seek ways to make Parkour their career, reflecting personal growth and practical needs.
Competition and Parkour — Parkour can remain non-competitive at its core while allowing competitions to highlight athleticism and skill.
Dual Nature of Competitions — Competitions can coexist with the collaborative, non-competitive practice of Parkour without diminishing the community spirit.
External Influence — There is concern over outside organizations, like FIG, attempting to co-opt Parkour for profit or recognition, which could misrepresent the practice.
Cultural Impact — Parkour’s visibility and public perception could change significantly through organized competitions at national and international levels.
Parkour for All Ages — The practice spans generations, with both young children and seniors benefiting from participation.
Social Norms and Play — Mark’s mission is to normalize play for adults, challenging societal norms that discourage play as people age.
Inclusivity in Parkour — Parkour creates a space where background, age, and social differences dissolve, fostering unity and shared experience.
Resources
American Parkour — The organization founded by Mark Toorock, dedicated to promoting Parkour through training, events, and education.
Urban Freeflow — One of the foundational Parkour organizations co-founded by Mark Toorock, contributing to Parkour’s spread globally.
This can be swiftly taught in very few words: Virtue is the only good; There is no certain good without virtue; And virtue resides in our nobler part, which is the rational one. And what can this virtue be? True and steadfast judgment.
Walking on your knuckles is absolutely as odd as walking bipedally, a very peculiar way to get around. It doesn’t make sense, and it’s bothered anthropologists for years. Only chimps and gorillas do it. No one has come with the reason why—until now.
Having done quite a bit of walking on all-fours (aka “quadrapedie movement”, QM) I consider myself well-informed on this topic. Here’s my take:
Walking on knuckles sucks, but it is almost far superior to walking on the flat, open hands. Why does it suck? Because we humans are missing the fat pads (check the balls of your feet, and palm-side of your hand knuckles) that the Great Apes have on the back of their knuckles. When I walk on my knuckles in QM — and I do do that — I have to be very careful not to injure my knuckles. But in grass, it is delightfully more comfortable then flat, open hands. On your knuckles, the wrist is neutrally positioned and the wrist muscles are naturally activated, but not overly strained. The upper arm is easily kept inwardly rotated keeping elbows rotated/tucked rearward for a strong shoulder position. Meanwhile the forearm offers a nice range of rotation allowing comfortable hand placement.
Take a few steps on your knuckles and you cannot help but feel like a gorilla. rrr rrr RRR!
I’ve been slowly collecting small thoughts so that I could begin writing something about my journey. Over a year ago, I found an oath on Nerd Fitness, but hesitated committing; There are bits in this oath that will demand 40+-years-big-ship-small-rudder sorts of changes of me. I’ve been revisiting it periodically to see how it felt each time I tried it on.
I love it. I’m committing to it.
My oath:
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I shall make no excuses and hold no grudges.
I care not where I came from, only where I am going.
I don’t compare myself to others, only to myself from yesterday.
I shall not brag about successes nor complain about my struggles, but share my experiences and help my fellows. I know I impact those around me with my actions, and so I must move forward, every day.
I acknowledge fear, doubt, and despair, but I do not let them defeat me.
I would argue that falling commodity prices are bad news. It likely means that the debt bubble which has been holding up the world economy for a very long time–since World War II, at least–is failing to expand sufficiently. If the debt bubble collapses, we will be in huge difficulty.
