A Post, A Podcast, and A Survey

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“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Out of the 1,063 posts I’ve published on this site, the one that generated the most discussion was the one I did where I talked about podcasting and why people do and do not podcast. Which I find interesting on several levels.

First, because I think we all have opinions about how reading versus listening works for us. If I could summarize, some of the comments from that post, it is that they are two different experiences, and sometimes to switch between one and the other is more than we want to do.

Second, because there are so many choices of content that speak to us – words versus photos, prose versus poetry, story-telling versus informative and on and on. We come in to a platform like WordPress, or the blogosphere in general, and then have to sift our way towards it.

When I talk with my friend, Eric, about the podcasts I listen to, he usually rolls his eyes and says they are too much work. I like podcasts about finding meaning, and digging deeper into what parts of our brain and body are running the show, about meditation and mystery. He likes things that are more at the entertainment level. Fair enough – because we meet somewhere in the middle and have really good conversations.

All of this is a prelude to two things. One, Vicki (of the Victoria Ponders blog), Brian ( of the WritingfromtheheartwithBrian blog) and I talk about blogging on the latest episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast. Episode 17: Building a Base with Brian Hannon if you want to listen on Anchor or search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts.

We explore the questions about whether numbers matter, how we can’t predict what will land with our audience, how Brian’s experience as a newspaper reporter early in his career applies to blogging, and what is meaningful about the blogging experience. If you are a blogger that likes podcasts, you’ll love this fun and interesting episode.

And number two, we’ve put together a short anonymous survey about podcasting to gather feedback about what you like. So, if you want to weigh in on what topics land for you and what you’d like to see more of – please spend 2 minutes to answer these 4 questions on the Sharing the Heart of the Matter Podcast Survey. Or put your thoughts in the comments below.

That’s a lot – a blog post, a podcast (Episode 17: Building a Base with Brian Hannon) and a survey (Sharing the Heart of the Matter Podcast Survey). Yeah, I know. But if you have a few minutes, I’d really appreciate it.

38 thoughts on “A Post, A Podcast, and A Survey”

  1. I don’t podcast nor do I do tiktoks. I’ve never ever wanted to do so. I like words and prefer to share them via the written page. Meant to be a blogger from the git-go!

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    1. I haven’t done tiktok either. Clearly your affinity and facility with words puts you right where you should be, Ally. And I agree – it’s a big divide between writing and listening/talking. Thanks for weighing in!

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  2. Wynne, I’ll pop in here for a moment but also jump to the survey as well. You and I have talked about my reluctance, for lack of a better fitting word, to the podcast format. Now I do enjoy listening to you and Vicki and guests but you know I typically don’t listen to podcasts. Well… I’ve followed a blog- TheKitchensGarden -for years now. A lovely, comfortable blog from a wonderful New Zealand transplant farming in central Illinois. There’s tons of backstory but recently the blog is transforming into a tool and resource for sustainable living. Blog author Cecilia has also begun podcasting, but with a twist. She is writing a memoir of sorts and reading twice weekly her stories- right now all about her childhood. She is also reading out loud in her wonderful voice, early blog posts, moving through selected stories of her life and farm adventures. No guests- no back and forth- just Cecilia reading and often interjecting new bits and pieces. Short stories read by the author, 20 minutes at most. Her podcasts are on the platform Substack but she blogs here on WP. I love her format and as she notes, right now it’s an experiment but hearing her stories first hand is lovely. I am finding myself liking this idea of bloggers reading their work out loud…

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    1. That is so interesting, Deb. You describe it so well – I bet it’s delightful to hear a story well-read. I’ve got to say – whatever the platform, it is fascinating to see what people do with it. Thanks for all your support as we venture into podcasting and for sharing Cecelia’s twist on it! Happy sunny Friday to you!

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  3. Ah…funny! Eric and his eye rolls. 😉What I appreciate about you, Wynne, is your willingness to move forward…figure things out…learn on the road and my, my, my – what you’ve learned and accomplished! I love the survey. Short and sweet — and it feels like a good time to round up feedback. Any and all is good! 😎

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    1. Thank you, dear Vicki! And I appreciate that you are willing to roll alongside me – sometimes ahead, sometimes prodding from behind, but all the while encouraging. Thank you, my friend!

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  5. I’m mostly with Eric on this one. I listen to a history of rock music podcast on my walk to work, but other than that, most of my listening is happenstance–when someone I’m riding with in a car wants to listen to something. I tried podcasting briefly. I decided that I would record some of my humor based posts and pair them with a couple of related songs. After 2 episodes, I started thinking “who wants to listen to this? I don’t even want to listen to this.” I’m not sure what makes a good podcast yet. By the time I figure it out, everyone will have moved on to the next big thing.

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    1. A history of rock music podcast – that sounds interesting. And I really appreciate your story about doing podcasting yourself. It’s not easy! Happy Friday, Jeff!

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  6. Well, well, after you dragged me kicking and screaming from my cushy little blog world into the, “you better be able to think on your feet,” deranged land of podcasting, I can hardly stay silent on the subject. I remember how you dropped this casual invitation, “when your book comes out, I’ll have you on my podcast,” and my heart just about went into cardiac arrest. Podcast? Talking? Without the benefit of editing? My prayer was, “she’ll forget, give it a week.” But you did not forget and I found myself stuttering through the first few minutes of a podcast I had meticulously prepared for but was utterly unprepared to actually speak. But then, a funny thing happened, I found my voice. I entered into the swing of it if you will and by the end of the podcast I didn’t want the experience to end. It was amazing, but I think a lot of that had to do with you, having the questions ahead of time, the way you eased me along, gently encouraging my thoughts, your complete calm had a calming effect on me, and then you just let people shine! It’s what you do and you do it so well. Now I’m sort of hooked and enjoy the idea of diversifying how you can convey a message, a product, a concept. It’s fabulous. Now I’m off to listen you your podcast and fill out the survey! Have a great weekend Wynne. Hugs, C

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    1. Oh, oh, oh, Cheryl – I love this comment. And I had so much fun with you on the podcast. I keep thinking we need to do another episode. And as you mention above, I don’t usually forget. I want to go back and maybe pick out a single thread to delve more deeply into. I’m going to do that so we can have more podcast fun and keep promoting your amazing book. Thanks so much for doing that with me and for supporting this journey!!

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      1. I should be thanking you for the opportunity to try out a new forum with Wynne as my safety net! You are such a delight to work with, affirming, gracious, and full of enthusiasm. I can’t resist, it’s a Wynneing combination! xxoo

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  7. I’ve filled in your survey. Beyond your podcast, I’ve not really listened to others. I prefer the written word too. If I’m doing research and find YouTube videos, I’ll use them for class but I need things written down … I sit taking copious notes watching … so it ends up written. Maybe I need more practice. 😂

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    1. You raise such a good point about it not being such a great format for research and notes. Thank you so much for participating with us on the podcast and doing the survey. Your input and coming on as a guest are much, much appreciated, Brenda.

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      1. Its my pleasure Wynne. It seems to be what everyone says, but although nervous, you both made me feel relaxed and it was fun chatting with you both for the podcast. Bx

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  8. The lovely quote you chose today resonated with me in a big way! – “One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Podcast or written – what makes your heart sing? I enjoy both!

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  9. I love podcasts and listen to them all the time! They’re especially good when I’m out walking or driving to work. I guess they distract me from the fact that I’m doing something monotonous!

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    1. I love podcasts in the car, too. You’ll have to let us know if it works to listen to podcasts and mow the lawn on your new tractor!

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  10. Congrats on your continued success with the HOTM blog and podcast.

    I will admit I prefer to read and haven’t quite gotten into podcasting. I think for me is just my days are so packed and I find reading to be a more calming activity. I can’t even watch a tv show or movie now. 😆

    I like that you are soliciting feedback anonymously on your podcast. It really shows a willingness to listen, to learn and to grow! 👍

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    1. I totally understand how packed your days must be, Ab. I don’t watch tv or movies either these days. What a state of affairs for our busy lives! I like podcasts for cleaning, driving, and sometimes working out – the activities that I can’t read during. Thank you for you continued support. I so appreciate you!

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  11. I did fill out your survey, it only took seconds, simply because I don’t listen to podcasts. I know they are very popular with many people, but it’s just something I’ve never done. If I ever get a chance to listen to anything, example when driving, showering, cooking etc. I listen to music. So unfortunately Wynne I can’t offer you much insight here.
    As you say there is also a lot of content to consume on the daily, and you’re right most people don’t like to flip between platforms. As you know, I add videos in many of my blog posts and find people do watch them, this is often because they are embedded, and people don’t have to leave one platform for another. If podcasts had the possibility of being embedded wouldn’t that be wonderful.

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    1. Alegria – that’s a great idea! Thank you for doing the survey and that suggestion. You have my mind racing for ways we might be able to make that happen. So thank you!!

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  12. I had no idea Brian used to be a newspaper reporter. That’s neat. I did an internship as a newspaper reporter for my minor in journalism. It felt like homework. I could do it just fine, but I wasn’t overly fond of it. 😛

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