367: You Have a Story to Tell: The Art of Memoir Writing
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Release Date: 06/17/2025
389: In Life's Current—Where Curiosity, Connection, and Serendipity Converge
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Spencer Seim owns and operates ZiaFly guide service in Taos, NM. He’s been tying flies since age eight and just finished his 23rd season guiding the southern Rockies. Spencer is well known for his classic Atlantic salmon flies, as well as his own patterns for fishing the Taos area. Spencer lives with his wife, Sophia, daughter Olivia, and son Ivo. From hopping freight trains, bouncing throughout the Rockies looking for fish, to tying flies, making hooks, and dyeing feathers, Spencer is always eager to share his hard-earned knowledge with others. Spencer’s...
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388: Bridging Our Virtual Distance: Reconnecting in the Age of AI
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Dr. Karen Sobel-Lojeski is a pioneer in understanding how technology shapes human connection at work and beyond. She created the award-winning framework, Virtual Distance, a proven and practical set of predictive analytics that target problems and predictably strengthen trust, collaboration, and productivity across remote, hybrid, and in-person teams. As the founder of Virtual Distance International, she has advised Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and institutions, including Coca-Cola, the US Navy, DARPA, and the World Economic Forum. A trusted advisor, former professor and...
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387: The Healing Power of Plants, Purpose, and Family
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Jodi Scott is a purpose-driven business leader and entrepreneur passionate about bridging the gap between natural wellness and modern innovation. As the co-founder of Green Goo, she’s helped pioneer plant-based alternatives in categories traditionally dominated by synthetics, from first aid to personal care. With a background in science, sales, and sustainability, Jodi brings a fresh perspective to how businesses can grow with integrity, lead with empathy, and stay true to their mission even in fast-changing industries. Summary In this episode, Jeff speaks with Jodi Scott, co-founder...
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386: Walking Back to Ourselves: Lessons from the Camino de Santiago
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Dennis and Ali Pitocco lead 360° Nation, a global media platform dedicated to uplifting humanity. For over 15 years, the couple has focused on showcasing humanity's best aspects and driving positive change. Their philosophy emphasizes presence, belonging, and compassionate service, allocating resources for the greater good. They believe in the power of media to benefit society, employing a purpose-driven "for good" vs. for-profit business model that highlights the human potential for creativity, compassion, and collaboration. Summary In this episode, Dennis and Ali reflect on...
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385: Uncertainty and The Art of Paying Attention to Small Things
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Christopher Schaberg, PhD., is the Director of Public Scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis, as well as a founding editor of Object Lessons, a book series on the secret lives of ordinary things. Chris is the author of ten books, including one really good one on fly-fishing. Summary In this wide-ranging conversation, Chris reflects on curiosity, confusion, and the value of paying attention to small things. He begins by adapting Norman Maclean’s line from A River Runs Through It—“Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” by suggesting...
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384: Beyond Test Scores: Four Pivots for Educational Leaders to Create Lasting Impact
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Lyle Kirtman has been a leadership development consultant for more than 30 years. As CEO, of Future Management Systems Inc., he has worked on developing leaders to increase results for students in 500 school districts in 15 states. Kirtman’s focus on innovation in education is a key element of his presentations, keynotes, and publications. His field-based research has already made major contributions to the educational leadership arena through his “7 Competencies for High Performing Leaders,” the use of leadership assessments for self-reflection and hiring, and the importance of...
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383: Beyond the Catch—The Deeper Lessons of Fly Fishing
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest When I sat down with Brew Moscarello, founder of Trico Unlimited, a Vermont-based fly fishing guiding and instruction service, it was clear that his story is about more than guiding—it’s about a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. Drawn to Vermont by both snowboarding and fly fishing, Brew found himself immersed in the mountains and rivers that continue to inspire him today. His journey eventually led him into the Orvis organization, where he has turned his passion for the water into a vocation—while still maintaining a deep connection to the slopes. Summary Brew’s approach...
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382: Rethinking the Purpose of Schooling—Preparing Adaptable Thinkers
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Sam Sochet is a retired high school principal who currently works as an educational mentor, coach, consultant, and community speaker. He has been a member of the Syosset, NY, Library Board of Trustees since 2020 and currently serves as its Vice President. Sam taught and led schools for over 3 decades, which culminated in his work at Martin Van Buren High School, transforming it from a school on the brink of NY State Receivership and closure, to a thriving destination school for families in Eastern Queens. Sam’s ability to utilize data analysis and community and civic involvement...
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381: From Compliance to Curiosity – Rethinking Student Engagement
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest Rebecca Winthrop is a leading global authority on education, the director of the Center for Universal Education at Brookings, and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in life, work, and as an engaged citizen. She leads cutting-edge research and initiatives aimed at transforming education systems around the world to better support children’s learning and development. Rebecca is a trusted advisor to both school communities and national and international organizations. Her expertise is sought by many,...
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380: Digging Deeper to Find the Heart of the Story
Getting Unstuck – Cultivating Curiosity
Guest None today; just me reflecting. Summary In this episode, I reflect on lessons I’ve drawn from Robert Redford’s film adaptation of A River Runs Through It and how they support my growth as a writer. At first, I loved the film for its beauty, but as a writer, I later returned to it as an instructional tool: how to go beyond the surface story of familial love to convey Maclean’s more profound meaning. The scene where Norman Maclean’s father insists he cut his drafts in half taught me that “thrift” is about essence, not just length. Like Norman, I struggle in...
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Cindy House is the author Mother Noise, a memoir in essays and a regular opener for David Sedaris on his tours across the country. She teaches nonfiction in the Lesley University MFA program and memoir writing at the Gotham Writers Workshop. She also offers private writing classes.
Summary
This podcast episode explores the art of memoir writing with Cindy House, my memoir writing coach. My conversation with Cindy delved into the memoir’s rising popularity and its essential elements. Cindy emphasizes curiosity as the foundation of writing—be still my curious soul!—and how memoir differs from autobiography by focusing on specific aspect of one’s life rather than a comprehensive account. Our conversation also covers the major elements of memoirs, including the importance of a central dramatic question, its supporting thematic framework, and the structure that holds everything together. Cindy shares insights on overcoming writer's resistance and self-doubt, offering practical strategies for perseverance. The episode also tackles the complex nature of truth in memoir writing, highlighting the significance of personal perspective over historical accuracy.
Three Key Takeaways:
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Curiosity drives the writing process and is essential for personal and creative growth.
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Memoir writing focuses on specific life aspects and requires a central dramatic question and thematic framework.
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Truth in a memoir is often subjective, relying on personal experience and memory rather than historical accuracy.