Gratitude

When I go to parties and tell people I work in podcasting I'm often told that it's a cool job, but there are a lot of days that feel like "just another day at the podcasting factory".

About half of the job is actually really interesting: meeting with people, developing ideas together, the storytelling, learning about new parts of life. Then there's the accounts, the marketing, and the occasional client who wants me to remove every filler word.

So it's nice to be reminded that the work itself is special. The magic of the work lies in the connections we make: between the production team and the hosts; hosts and guests; and then the dialogue with the audience.

There's a song on the second album I ever bought that I listen to when I need a boost. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry I listen for just a few seconds and it gives me that pep. I've never met the artist yet they've buoyed me up with this song for more than 25 years now. That's the value of creating artistic works.

Podcasting is storytelling. Speech is an imperfect vehicle for thoughts, feelings and intentions, but with care you can build a bridge from one person's experience to another. Yarns are captivating; laughter is infectious; the silence after a profound truth holds a feeling that you might not ever see the world the same way again. You can take your experience and make another person feel seen. You can start a conversation, develop ideas, and even build a movement. Powerful stuff.

So thanks to everyone who has trusted me to work with them on their podcast. Here's to many more!