Abstract expressionism

A couple of years ago I bought myself a little notebook for Christmas and I have since gotten back into doodling. Doodling is wonderful self expression, and it's something that helps me significantly improve my concentration when I'm listening to someone speak for a long period of time, whether that's for a talk or for the recording of a podcast episode. I can't always draw while I'm recording but some shows lend themselves to this practice.

Since I bought the first notebook I have amassed a collection of doodles created during the recording of podcasts which I think people may enjoy. I have briefly described each episode so you can decide whether the interview content is reflected in the doodle.

1. Kyle Hanks

This recording was for Truth 2x2 Cult Kids and it was with Kyle Hanks, the survivor of a secretive unnamed cult. While the cult has many rules it has no formal doctrine and scant written records. Kyle has been trying to help other survivors by discussing his own experiences and other information that he can find.

2. Laura's submission to the cult inquiry

This one was not an episode recording but instead I was watching Laura McConnell Conti from Truth 2x2 Cult Kids make a submission to the Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. The submission was pretty emotional, including the pride I felt watching her do something so brave and momentous, and so the doodling helped.

3. Tristan Phipps

This podcast episode was another from Truth 2x2 Cult Kids, and it was about masculinity.

4. Sam Sellers

This episode was about therapy for cult survivors. I think the doodle looks like a map.

5. Clare Heath McIvor

This interview was a discussion of the Inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups. The doodle was made with a multi-coloured pencil.

6. Kim Wilkins

This one is from Hoops of Steel, the podcast of the English Teachers Association of Queensland. This episode was about gothic fiction. I know it looks unfinished but I like the blank space on the page, which you could connect to Kim's ideas about uncertainty, imagination, and possibility.

7. Kristin Warnaca

This episode was a discussion with a sex therapist who works with cult survivors.

8. Joanna Erskine

This unreleased episode is with Joanna Erskine from the Bell Shakespeare company, and it's about teaching Shakespeare.

9. Rell-Oliver Braddock

This episode was about growing up queer in a cult, and finding a meaningful theology after you've left.

10. Chris Sarra

This interview was about setting high expectations for Aboriginal students and watching them succeed. I ended up making two doodles during this interview.

Fin

Doodling has been an excellent strategy to improve my performance as a producer during podcast recordings. I'm glad I work in a field where there's scope for creative and fun strategies to improve performance, rather than a strong expectation to fit into a corporate culture. I'd love to hear what other creative strategies folks are using in their own podcasting adventures. Hit me up on the socials at Instagram or LinkedIn.