Chapter 1: The Podcast Interview

I recently had the opportunity to be featured on episode #58 of the Hilliard Beacon podcast, and in true chaotic writing fashion, I completely forgot to share it here! It seems that many of us writers are navigating through a whirlwind of responsibilities daily, leaving little room for anything else. To manage this chaos, I rely heavily on to-do lists, but there's a catch: remembering to add tasks to the list in the first place.

The Hilliard Beacon, an independent podcast based in a modest building in Columbus, Ohio, hosted me for an interview. This podcast is run by Jordan Smith, Tim Hofmann, and A. Kevin Corvo, who were eager to delve into my ongoing project, Love Letter to Columbus. For those who might not know, it's an extensive effort to chronicle the history of this vibrant city. Although I shared this news across various platforms, I just realized today that I neglected to post it on my own website.

While I don't want to sound overly humble, I think the podcast turned out reasonably well, albeit with room for improvement. A bit more preparation on my part could have smoothed things over, especially since there were unexpected interruptions early in the conversation. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One of the highlights was the hosts' unexpected remarks, which often steered the discussion into fascinating new directions. Perhaps the essence of the podcasting experience lies in spontaneity and seeing where the conversation leads.

After the recording wrapped up, some of the most engaging moments happened "off the record" as we continued our discussion. Interestingly, this episode was technically #59, as the previous one had been accidentally erased due to a glitch in their new recording technology. Luckily, everything went smoothly during my interview.

For those who enjoy podcasts, I recommend checking it out on Spotify, but I also believe there are better avenues for accessing this episode. One such option is their Substack page:

In the current media landscape, local publications like the Hilliard Beacon are becoming increasingly vital. The team behind it consists of genuinely cool individuals, and I think they’re doing important work.

Additionally, I want to highlight a podcast app called Fountain. I’m not promoting it for any gain (though a subscription wouldn't hurt), but it's where I find the most enjoyment in listening to podcasts. It operates on a value-for-value model, allowing listeners to earn small rewards for their engagement, which can be kept or donated to the podcasts. The app has a straightforward layout and is available for download here:

In closing, this unexpected detour turned out to be a delightful addition to my writing journey. It's a reminder of the unpredictable nature of this creative life, where opportunities arise when least expected. All we can do is keep moving forward and continue to create.

Section 1.1: Embracing the Chaos

In the unpredictable realm of writing, it's essential to find ways to manage the chaos. From creating lists to setting reminders, we must navigate our tasks while remaining open to new experiences.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Joy of Spontaneity

Chapter 2: Looking Forward

In this chapter, I explore the future of my writing and podcasting endeavors, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the creative process.