Episode 9: Peter Ostebo - Finding Your Creative Voice
Release Date: 12/23/2018
Episode 29: Stars in the Darkness - What Changes Will Last?
Purpose in the Process
My co-host and I discuss a few of the potentially lasting changes (hopefully good ones) from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
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Episode 28: Mike Garrett - FInding Purpose in Suffering
Purpose in the Process
My friend Mike Garrett joins us in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis to discuss the purpose in the process of suffering. Thank you for your patience as I took several months off to “counter balance” a few other goals and projects. I’m glad to be back doing the podcast, especially now, and I appreciate all of the continued positive feedback and support. Some links for what we discussed in this episode: , by John Newton (I quote from this book several times in this episode). I found this book in an Episcopal church book store during a break at the Austin Film Festival, and it has...
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Episode 27: Will Blackman - Staying in the Moment
Purpose in the Process
My friend Will Blackman returns to help kick-off the second season of the podcast and give us an update. For his first visit, go check out Episode 19! In this episode, Will and I discussed: What Will has learned about the importance of staying in the moment - and how continuously returning to prayer throughout the day can help exercise that muscle Taking refuge within, despite “the shuffling of plates" How does Will feel about Viktor Frankl’s charge that we should strive to live in a manner “worth” our suffering? Learning to accept and embrace love (from both God and people) ...
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Episode 26: Peter Merriman - A Humble Approach to Hospitality
Purpose in the Process
Famous chefs don’t become known because of their humility. But as it turns out, their restaurants might. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with renowned chef Peter Merriman about his unique approach to hospitality in his restaurants. Why is it that a person always feels welcome when they check-in with his hosts? How does Peter motivate his entire staff to entertain like they are “throwing a party every night,” prepare each and every dish like they are “cooking for their mom,” and consistently go above and beyond to “do the right thing” for every customer they meet? In this...
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Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine
Purpose in the Process
We go to the doctor with the goal of feeling better, so it should come as no surprise that conventional medicine is often aimed at helping us deal with symptoms, rather than identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Such an approach is all the more likely in an overwhelmed healthcare system where doctors are increasingly unable to spend the time required to identify and address the root issues behind many “chronic” conditions, especially those with no immediately apparent source. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Hyla Cass about what has fueled her career-long desire...
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Episode 25: Dr. Hyla Cass - A Purposeful Approach to Functional Medicine
Purpose in the Process
We go to the doctor with the goal of feeling better, so it should come as no surprise that conventional medicine is often aimed at helping us deal with symptoms, rather than identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Such an approach is all the more likely in an overwhelmed healthcare system where doctors are increasingly unable to spend the time required to identify and address the root issues behind many “chronic” conditions, especially those with no immediately apparent source. In this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Hyla Cass about what has fueled her career-long desire...
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Episode 24: Discovering Your Seven Stories
Purpose in the Process
What accomplishments are you most proud of? When you think of the "top stories" of your life - those where you felt most empowered, full of joy, or simply had a great time doing something you were really good at - which experiences rise to the top? More importantly, what specific attributes seem to be common to each of those stories? On the heels of a couple deep philosophical episodes about finding “purpose,” I wanted to offer some concrete advice about the “process” someone might use to start figuring out what they want to be when they grow up. I’ve mentioned the “Seven Stories...
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Episode 23: Finding Meaning In Responsibility
Purpose in the Process
In this second part of a two-part special series I focus on the importance, and process, of finding meaning and purpose in life, as found in the book Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. Frankl explains how responsibility to oneself and others (and to what life is asking of you) is a vital counterpart to freedom, a concept echoed by many present-day authors, including notable thought leaders like Jordan Peterson and Jocko Wilink. If you only listen to one of these two episodes on Frankl’s book, this is the one to listen to for sure, because we talk and reflect on the second section...
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Episode 22: Viktor Frankl - Man's Search For Meaning
Purpose in the Process
In this special episode of the podcast I wanted to respond to a listener request by offering some takeaways from the globally renowned book Man’s Search For Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. I’ve mentioned this book in past episodes when discussing the importance of living a life of purpose with various guests, because at the end of the day Frankl’s message regarding the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life is core to the whole point of this podcast. This is not intended to be a summary by any means, and is certainly not a scholarly attempt to interpret what Frankl wrote in 1946 -...
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Episode 21: Staying Safe on the Road
Purpose in the Process
They say courtesy is not so common anymore - this seems to be especially true on the road. As I start to teach my son how to drive, I’ve been noticing that even some of the most experienced adult drivers are no longer driving in the kind of courteous and safe manner most likely to avoid both accidents and tickets. In this episode of the podcast I summarize a few principles about safe driving, and offer my insights as both a former police officer and attorney into some of the top ways to stay safer on the road, including how to avoid and deal with road rage. I hope you enjoy this episode...
info_outlineAll great writers have a “voice” - a way of expressing the written word in a way that is immediately recognizable as their own. Finding and harnessing your creative voice, in any art form, allows for the expression of emotional authenticity that leads to a true connection with the audience. For many people who make their living creatively, however, that’s easier said than done. After all, where exactly does that unique voice come from, and how can it be expressed “on-demand,” not just when inspiration strikes?
Screenwriter Peter Ostebo, a 2017 Nichols Fellowship quarter-finalist, is discovering and learning to rely on structured processes that allow for professional consistency and collaboration, while still expressing the distinct voice that gained him attention in the first place. In today’s episode, Peter answers my questions about some of those processes, and walks us through a few of the ways he has learned to overcome the challenges that all writers and creatives face.
Peter and I talked about:
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Creative collaboration, and the importance of staying true to an original vision
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Tapping into creative energy and discovering your own voice
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The importance of connecting with an audience by first feeling what you want them to feel
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Getting past procrastination and fear
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Tips for getting motivated, and approaching writing as a professional
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Structuring and outlining in the midst of developing story and characters
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Set-ups, pay-offs, and exposing the “world” of a script
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Getting the first draft done, then knowing what to take out
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The importance of feedback and notes
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Why there’s actually no such thing as a bad script
This is a great episode for anyone interested in learning more about connecting with their own creative voice, and reaching any audience in a more authentic, personal way. We also covered a few craft questions and tips that any screenwriter will appreciate hearing more about. I hope you enjoy!