Ep. 85 - Poet Connie Cruthirds Shares Soulful Wisdom
Release Date: 01/25/2023
The Main Thing Podcast
The Worst Christmas Gift I Ever Received Welcome, wisdom-seekers to Skip’s Quips - a Holiday Special Edition! This week on The Main Thing Podcast, we’re doing something a little different — and a little more intimate. No guest. No interview. Just you and me, gathered around a story that has stayed with me for nearly half a century. And it couldn’t be landing at a better time. Today is a week before Christmas, and most of us are feeling the familiar holiday squeeze — the pressure to get it right, to pick the perfect gifts, to keep all the moving parts moving. Before the wrapping paper...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful wisdom conversation, I sit down with Kathleen Walker—a trusted friend of more than 25 years, a respected leadership consultant, an entrepreneur and one of the most compassionate people I know. Kathleen works with leaders, teams, and organizations to strengthen communication, clarity, and performance. But beyond her professional expertise, Kathleen brings a rare blend of empathy, insight, and lived wisdom that has shaped countless lives—including mine. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, look inward, and lead differently. Lead With Love...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
In this inspiring wisdom‑conversation, I sit down with Chris Breed. He’s not only a top PGA-certified golf instructor, coach, encourager and faith‑driven leader, he is one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. FACE Forward - Encouragement, Focus & Faith We explore how Chris’ coaching insights and spiritual perspectives combine to help us live wiser, bolder lives. Chris introduces his “FACE” framework (Focus • Attitude • Commitment • Effort) and shows how it applies not only on the green, but in our everyday journeys of growth and meaning. You will laugh and...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Today’s wise guest is an entrepreneurial business owner who has lived and worked in Chicago, London and San Francisco. Lindsay Yellin is creative and bold—and she keeps it very real. She’s worked as an executive in high-pressure industries and now helps other executive leaders in similar environments to cope and thrive. When you listen to this episode you will come away with … Tips and techniques for dealing with fear. Practices you can apply right now - today - for coping with stress and uncertainty. Leadership practices and advice on leading your team during tumultuous times. More...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special wisdom mini-series. This four-part project originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Courage to Change Part Four features what was, perhaps, John’s favorite story to tell, his favorite wisdom lesson. It showcases...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. A Powerful Six-Word Phrase for Leaders Part Three of our our mini-series is the shortest of the four. In it, you will discover one of John’s favorite leadership tools. It’s a powerful, six-word phrase that’s easy to grasp, easy to use and easy to...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. In the truest sense this batch of wisdom has been two decades in the making. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. The Art of Visualization In Part Two of our our mini-series, John tells one of his favorite stories. It’s the story of...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr. Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. In the truest sense this has been two decades in the making. Embracing Adversity with Grace and Resilience Here in Part One our our mini-series, you will hear John share a wisdom lesson with me...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
From Combat Zones to Community Hubs: Jake Harriman's Journey of Servant Leadership I first heard about Jake Harriman by way of his guest appearance on The Jocko Willink Podcast. Immediately I was drawn to his mission, heart and bias for action. Jake Harriman is a former US Marine Commander who spent more than a decade abroad defending our nation from enemies, terrorism and other global threats. But when Jake retired from active military duty and returned to America, in his words, he no longer recognized the nation he had spent so many years defending. Jake quickly saw that Americans were at...
info_outlineThe Main Thing Podcast
Creative expression comes in many forms—and it’s not limited to the arts. Creative expression can be a tremendous, strategic advantage in business, too. The rich, full life of our guest, Bryan Boyd, is a perfect illustration of this wisdom truth. Musical Journeys Meet Marketing Mastery In this rich, colorful wisdom conversation with Bryan Boyd, the ingenious artist and musician, you will discover how someone can blend art, music and entrepreneurship synergistically and successfully. Fresh off a notable performance where he shared the stage with KC and the Sunshine Band,...
info_outlineWelcome to The Main Thing Podcast! Our wise guest, Connie Cruthirds, is a storyteller, photo-journeyist, and weaver of words. She writes in the style of Mary Oliver and David Whyte, helping readers discover the intriguing life within us all. Her work has been featured in Beyond Knowing, Huffington Post, A Sacred Presence, and Lifeline.
Her new book, “The Current” is a collection of soulful poetry and beautiful illustrations. When not writing prose poetry, Connie is a certified creative coach who’s mission is to help people find their way through life.
Much like her supposed-cousin, Mark Twain, Connie lives on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, where the currents of life lap past her door. She is married with two adult children.
Over the next 9 minutes, you will discover why Connie Cruthirds is one of the wisest people I know.
Resources
Connie Cruthirds’ website
Check out Connie’s book “The Current” on Amazon
Stay Connected with Us
Twitter @themainthingpod
Instagram @themainthingpod
Facebook - @TheMainThingPod
LinkedIn - The MainThing Podcast
Credits
Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss
Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski
Public Relations + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell
Ready to Help Support the Growth of this Podcast?
- Become a subscriber.
- Share the podcast with one or two friends.
- Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod
- Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store.
- Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding.
Content You Will Enjoy in This Episode
[00:00:01] - Intro and welcome
[00:01:19] - Brief bio for David Homan
[00:02:18] - Greetings and opening dialog
[00:02:40] - On becoming a poet; poets and psalmists
[00:03:45] - How a ‘photo-journeyist’ approaches life
[00:04:35] - Stepping into Connie’s book, “The Current”
[00:05:55] - Connie’s intention: become listless
[00:06:55] - Release! A one-word poem
[00:07:20] - How Skip and Connie are connected
[00:09:14] - Connie reveals her Main Thing wisdom
[00:10:40] - Creativity is spirit and breath; getting help; the point of surrender
[00:12:24] - Opportunity for you to help keep the pipeline of wisdom flowing
[00:13:33] - Symptoms of being stuck or blocked; unblocking creativity & spirit
[00:14:50] - Opening the door just a crack to let light enter darkness
[00:15:00] - Thank you and good-bye; the importance of storytelling
[00:16:04] - Outro