Voices with Leticia Latino van Splunteren

Voices with Leticia Latino van Splunteren

Leticia Latino van Splunteren joins Craig Constantine to explore the relentless pursuit of podcasting excellence and the art of staying true to one’s essence.

"The one thing people have always told me— […] I connect people. My friends, even from high school and elementary school when I go back home, […] I'm the one planning, making everybody see each other. I've always been that person." ~ Leticia Latino 10:05

Leticia Latino and Craig discuss the essence and challenges of podcasting. Leticia shares her journey of producing over 250 episodes of her podcast "Back2Basics," highlighting the dedication and passion required to maintain such a consistent output. She emphasizes the importance of creating a sustainable podcasting routine that aligns with one's lifestyle and commitments.

"I think a lot of people get discouraged by seeing, sometimes the numbers and the statistics, and I don't look at them. I don't look at them because I look at the map of where it has been downloaded. And when I see it has been on every single continent [that's] encouraging and empowering for me because I've reached a place that I will have never dreamt about reaching." ~ Leticia Latino 35:20

Their discussion shows how podcasting, while a solitary endeavor at times, blossoms into a fulfilling venture through connections made and stories shared, showcasing the intrinsic value and joy derived from engaging deeply with guests and audiences alike.

The conversation also explores guest engagement and the sometimes meticulous process behind selecting and interacting with guests. Leticia offers insights into her approach to guest outreach, and how she tries to ensure a balance between introducing new voices and maintaining a steady flow of content. She discusses the strategic use of solo episodes as a method to keep the podcast alive during guest droughts, inadvertently discovering the audience's appreciation for her personal insights.

Finally, the conversation touches on the impact of the global pandemic on podcasting dynamics. Leticia notes a shift towards introspection among podcasters and listeners alike, suggesting a deeper engagement with content that resonates on a personal level, even today as the world again accelerates post-pandemic.

Takeaways

Podcasting as a passion project—discusses the deep commitment and joy derived from creating content that connects with people on a personal level.

The importance of a sustainable routine—highlights the need for podcasters to develop a manageable and consistent process for producing episodes to avoid burnout.

Guest engagement strategies—explores methods for maintaining a steady flow of interesting guests and ensuring the podcast remains dynamic and engaging.

Solo episodes as a strategic tool—mentions how solo episodes can serve as a valuable asset to keep the podcast going and provide personal insights when guests are scarce.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—reflects on how the pandemic has influenced podcasters and listeners, fostering introspection and a deeper connection with content.

The role of consistency in podcasting—emphasizes the significance of releasing episodes regularly to build and maintain an audience.

Content over perfection—advises podcasters to focus on delivering content consistently rather than getting caught up in the pursuit of perfection.

The global reach of podcasting—celebrates the ability of podcasts to connect with listeners worldwide, bringing diverse perspectives and stories to a global audience.

The value of process and preparation—underscores the necessity of having a clear process for recording, editing, and publishing podcast episodes to facilitate creativity and efficiency.

Resources

Back2Basics — Leticia Latino's podcast, focusing on reconnecting with the essence of one's personal and professional life. The show explores what makes people tick, featuring conversations with diverse guests.

https://www.leticialatino.com/ — Her web site with much more information, including her blog and media links.

Women In Business — The book Leticia Latino collaborated on, mentioned in this episode.

Akimbo Podcasting Course — The original course and platform no longer exist. But the material from the course was expanded and updated by one of the course's coaches to become, The Podcasting Workshop

PodMatch — Mentioned by Leticia Latino as a platform designed to match podcast hosts with potential guests, facilitating easier content creation and guest sourcing for podcasters.

Show Your Work and The Practice — Two books Craig wishes he'd read at the start of his podcasting journey: Austin Kleon's Show Your Work!, a book encouraging creators to share their process, not just their products, and Seth Godin's The Practice, a book that dives into the process of doing creative work, emphasizing the importance of showing up, doing the work, and shipping it out.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. 👋

This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.

In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.

If you like Podtalk, you'll love the Podcaster Community, https://podcaster.community/

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted.

--- Your support makes a difference!

I want to share more of these amazing conversations, with amazing people, but I’m limited by the cost of the project. Please support what I’m doing. Every dollar really makes a difference.

Podtalk has remained free and ad-free and alive thanks to generous listeners like you. I have no staff, no assistant… it’s just one maniac with a keyboard. If this labor of love makes your life more livable in any way, please consider contributing.

Supporting Podtalk

--- Thank you!

My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://constantine.name/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.

Thanks for listening!

Transition – with Alasdair Plambeck

Explore the journey of creative transformation and the profound shifts that come from embracing the spaces between, as Alasdair Plambeck navigates the end of a significant chapter to discover what lies beyond the familiar boundaries of identity and purpose.

I knew there was a general sense. It's like, "I'm meant for something more than this," and I think a lot of people feel that when they're in what I would call the over-culture. I was very much steeped in— trained for— prepared for— programmed by, all that kind of thing. I work with a lot of people who are maybe in that, but transitioning out, or wanting to transition out, or just maybe feeling that.

~ Alasdair Plambeck, 26:35

Alasdair Plambeck joins Craig Constantine to discuss the nuanced journey of personal and creative transformation. Alasdair shares his thoughtful approach to scheduling, aiming for times that harness his creative energy most effectively. His decisions reflect a deeper stance on being attuned to one’s energy levels and the optimal conditions for creativity and meaningful engagement.

The conversation extends into Alasdair's personal story, illuminating his shift from feeling confined within the "over-culture" to embarking on a path that resonates with his true self. This transition is sparked by a profound moment of realization while working as a general manager, where success and societal expectations no longer aligned with his well-being and aspirations.

The dialogue also ventures into the realm of podcasting itself, exploring the evolution of Alasdair's own podcasting journey and the decision to conclude his show after a significant run. This choice underlines a theme of knowing when to let go, to make space for new beginnings and growth. Alasdair reflects on how the podcast served as a medium for connection, self-discovery, and the cultivation of a deeper relationship with his wife through shared creative endeavors and discussions.

Further, Alasdair and Craig touch on the concept of the "in-between" spaces in life — those transformative periods where one is neither here nor there but in a state of becoming. Alasdair views these phases not as voids but as fertile ground for introspection, learning, and eventual emergence into new stages of life and identity. Through these varied topics, the conversation paints a vivid picture of the ongoing journey of self-exploration, the power of mindful changes, and the courage to pursue a life aligned with one's authentic self.

Takeaways

Mindful scheduling — Reflecting on the importance of choosing the right time for creative endeavors to optimize energy and output.

The journey of transformation — Discussing the pivotal moment of leaving a conventional career path to embark on a more authentic, fulfilling life journey.

The power of letting go — Exploring the decision to end a long-term project and the introspective space it creates for new beginnings and growth.

Podcasting as a medium for connection — Highlighting how podcasting can forge deep relationships and serve as a platform for meaningful conversations.

The significance of the "in-between" — Delving into the transformative potential of life's transitional phases and the opportunities they present for self-discovery and change.

Creative energy and its optimization — Emphasizing the need to understand and harness one's creative energy for productive and fulfilling work.

Navigating life's transitions — The importance of being present in moments of change and the role of pain as a catalyst for growth and self-realization.

Societal expectations versus personal fulfillment — Reflecting on the conflict between societal norms and the pursuit of a life that truly resonates with one's inner self.

The role of podcasts in exploring complex ideas — Appreciating the unique ability of podcasts to facilitate deep dives into nuanced topics, fostering understanding and exploration.

Resources

The Wild Within — Committed to creating and holding retreats & programs both in person and online to support humans in realizing their potential and rekindle our collective ability to dream up the unfolding and evolution of how we live.

Foundations of Wild Leadership — Information is available by joining Wild Within's email list. You can also email [email protected] directly or find @thewild_within on Instagram.

Far Out — Alasdair's and his wife's multi-year, multi-hundred episode podcast Far Out on Apple Podcasts or Far Out on Spotify.

Alasdair Plambeck — on LinkedIn

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. 👋

This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.

In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.

If you like Podtalk, you'll love the Podcaster Community, https://podcaster.community/

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted.

--- Your support makes a difference!

I want to share more of these amazing conversations, with amazing people, but I’m limited by the cost of the project. Please support what I’m doing. Every dollar really makes a difference.

Podtalk has remained free and ad-free and alive thanks to generous listeners like you. I have no staff, no assistant… it’s just one maniac with a keyboard. If this labor of love makes your life more livable in any way, please consider contributing.

Supporting Podtalk

--- Thank you!

My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://constantine.name/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.

Thanks for listening!

Happiness – with Matt Phelan

Matt Phelan joins Craig Constantine to explain how he manages to measure happiness without making it a pointless metric and to reveal the profound impact of podcasting on personal connections in the world of employee happiness research.

"For 10 years I ran a marketing agency, I know how the world works and getting big names on your podcast is really good […] But then I have to remind myself: The whole point of the podcast, for me, was the discovery of really interesting people […]" ~ Matt Phelan, 10:05

Matt Phelan and Craig Constantine lean into podcasting, happiness measurement, and the authenticity of dialogues. Their conversation evolves into a reflection on personal and professional paths, transcending the mechanics of podcasting to highlight the emotional bonds it can create.

Matt shares his experience with his podcast, "Happiness and Humans," stressing the critical view that happiness shouldn't be reduced to a quantifiable metric, as it risks losing its essence. He reflects on his decade-long journey, concluding that failing to align himself with the natural energy flow resulted in significant time lost on unfruitful endeavors. This insight shapes a broader conversation about the importance of surrendering to the flow, influencing his life philosophy and his approach to the podcast.

Further, Matt explains his decision to spotlight insightful, yet possibly overlooked, stories and research over pursuing notable figures, thereby staying true to his podcast’s aim to uncover novel perspectives on employee happiness and well-being.

Takeaways

The importance of authenticity in podcasting — focusing on meaningful conversations rather than chasing high-profile guests enhances the value of the content.

The futility of rigid metrics for happiness — emphasizing that once happiness becomes a target, it loses its significance as a genuine metric.

Following the natural flow — a decade-long reflection revealed the inefficiency of going against the natural current, underscoring the importance of energy alignment in personal and professional endeavors.

Highlighting lesser-known research — choosing to feature insightful stories and research from individuals who may not be widely recognized can uncover unique perspectives on topics like employee happiness.

Emotional connections through podcasting — conversations that dive into personal feelings and experiences can create stronger, more meaningful connections with the audience.

Challenging conventional success metrics in podcasting — success can be more authentically measured by the impact on individuals and the personal connections formed, rather than just viewership or listener counts.

The transformative power of self-reflection — reviewing past actions and decisions, such as the allocation of time and energy, can lead to more effective and fulfilling future endeavors.

Resources

Happiness and Humans — Matt Phelan's podcast exploring themes around happiness in the workplace, featuring insights from various professionals and researchers.

The Happiness Index — Matt's book, discussed in this episode.

The Happiness Index — A platform and company founded by Matt and his partners, offering tools and services to measure employee engagement and happiness.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewphelan/ — Matt on LinkedIn

Freedom to Be Happy — Matt's first, self-published book based on insights and data gathered from measuring employee happiness in over a hundred countries.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. 👋

This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.

In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view.

I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted.

--- Your support makes a difference!

I want to share more of these amazing conversations, with amazing people, but I’m limited by the cost of the project. Please support what I’m doing. Every dollar really makes a difference.

Podtalk has remained free and ad-free and alive thanks to generous listeners like you. I have no staff, no assistant… it’s just one maniac with a keyboard. If this labor of love makes your life more livable in any way, please consider contributing.

Supporting Podtalk

--- Thank you!

My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://constantine.name/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.

Thanks for listening!

Reflecting – with Rob Wreglesworth

Rob Wreglesworth and Craig Constantine dive into the challenges of podcasting, focusing on the unexpected joys and hurdles they encounter.

"The willingness of of people to lend their time so generously I think is probably the thing that surprised me the most" ~ Rob Wreglesworth, 2:11

One of the key topics they explore is the impact of podcasting on connecting with people they previously thought were out of reach. Rob shares his astonishment at how podcasting has opened doors to in-depth conversations with innovators and leaders who would otherwise be inaccessible. This revelation highlights podcasting's unique power to facilitate meaningful dialogue and share insightful stories with a wider audience.

"[Something might be] mundane and old hat to me, but could be really interesting and insightful to a listener. So I've gone to the other end of the spectrum now and just decided to ship the whole conversation pretty much unedited—unless there's any horrendous bits that need cutting out. That's definitely helped me cut down [time spent]." ~ Rob Wreglesworth, 19:25

Another significant part of their conversation revolves around the technical and creative aspects of podcasting, such as editing and the use of AI tools. They discuss the delicate balance between over-editing and maintaining the authenticity of the conversation, emphasizing the importance of letting the natural flow of dialogue guide the editing process.

Additionally, they touch on the innovative use of AI, like ChatGPT, to enhance the podcasting process, from generating episode notes to improving show discoverability. This exploration sheds light on the evolving landscape of podcasting, where technology plays a crucial role in enhancing content quality and listener experience.

Takeaways

The power of podcasting—reveals its unique ability to connect with thought leaders and innovators previously considered unreachable, highlighting the medium's capacity for in-depth and meaningful conversations.

The surprise of generosity—discusses how individuals are often more willing to share their time and stories on podcasts than expected, offering rich, engaging content for listeners.

Editing for authenticity—explores the balance between editing content for clarity and preserving the natural flow of conversation, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in engaging the audience.

The use of AI in podcasting—touches on innovative ways to utilize AI tools like ChatGPT for enhancing the podcasting process, from generating episode notes to improving show discoverability and listener engagement.

The challenge of verbal ticks—addresses the continuous effort to improve speaking skills, including the identification and reduction of verbal ticks, to ensure clear and effective communication.

The evolution of content strategy—considers the decision-making process behind what content to edit out and what to keep, aiming to deliver the most value to listeners while maintaining interest and relevance.

The impact of episode notes and SEO—evaluates the effectiveness of various methods for enhancing podcast discoverability, including the debated value of publishing full transcripts for SEO purposes.

Resources

Innovate Eco — Rob's podcast.

https://innovate-eco.com/ — The Innovate Eco web site.

https://www.instagram.com/innovate_eco/ — Rob is @innovate_eco on Instagram.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robwreg/ — Rob on LinkedIn.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. 👋

This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.

In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view.

I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted.

--- Your support makes a difference!

I want to share more of these amazing conversations, with amazing people, but I’m limited by the cost of the project. Please support what I’m doing. Every dollar really makes a difference.

Podtalk has remained free and ad-free and alive thanks to generous listeners like you. I have no staff, no assistant… it’s just one maniac with a keyboard. If this labor of love makes your life more livable in any way, please consider contributing.

Supporting Podtalk

--- Thank you!

My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://constantine.name/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.

Thanks for listening!

Audio Drama – with Scott Edward Smith

Lean into the world of audio drama with Scott Edward Smith, as he transforms historical figures into compelling stories, revealing how he reshaped his approach to storytelling to bring theater to the radio.

"As a writer, as a producer, and quite often as the director, I'm taking material that is meant to be seen. And being told you have to make this work in audio—nobody's going to see what you think— and having to transform… it wasn't story, it was words. So that the words were more specific. […] It changed how I wrote and also how I spoke, because I had to learn this medium, which gives you no visuals. You have nothing to work with. You just can't say the things that you do in a play, or a movie or, a television show." ~ Scott Edward Smith, 4:20

Scott Edward Smith and Craig Constantine dig into the world of audio drama and its resurgence in the era of COVID-19. Scott shares his journey from writing for television, movies, and theater to embracing audio dramas due to the pandemic's impact on traditional media outlets. He highlights how it forced him into the realm of audio storytelling, transforming his approach to narratives and character development.

With historical figures as his subjects, Scott crafts one-person plays that bring these personalities to life, emphasizing the shift from visual to auditory storytelling. This transition, he notes, required a nuanced understanding of how to convey stories solely through sound, making every word and effect crucial in painting vivid pictures for the audience.

Scott discusses several of his works, including audio dramas about Wallace Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean, explaining how each project adapted to the audio format's unique demands. He reflects on the creative process, from the initial concept to the detailed execution, integrating sound effects and music to enhance the listener's experience.

The conversation also touches on the technical aspects of producing audio dramas, such as segmenting stories for listener convenience and the strategic use of sound to evoke specific settings and emotions. Through these discussions, Scott illustrates the power of audio drama to captivate and engage audiences, offering a theater-like experience through the intimate medium of podcasting.

Takeaways

Adapting to new mediums—how a seasoned writer transitions from traditional stage and screenwriting to audio dramas due to the constraints posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The power of sound in storytelling—exploring the use of audio effects and music to create vivid, immersive experiences in the absence of visual cues.

Evolution of narrative techniques—reflecting on how the necessity to focus purely on audio has refined writing and directing approaches, emphasizing the importance of every word and sound.

Future of audio dramas—speculating on the ongoing role and potential growth of audio dramas in the broader landscape of entertainment and storytelling.

Historical figures as subjects—the creative process behind transforming the lives of iconic personalities into compelling one-person audio dramas.

Technical aspects of audio production—discussing the challenges and strategies involved in segmenting stories for an audio format, catering to listener habits and preferences.

Resources

Intimate Fame Podcast — An audio drama discussed in this episode, focusing on the stories of historical figures of Wallace Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean.

Edinburgh Festival/ — Mentioned in the context of one of the audio dramas having been performed there, the Edinburgh Festival is a collective term for several arts and cultural festivals that take place in Edinburgh, Scotland, every summer.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello, I'm Craig Constantine. 👋

This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.

In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they've learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator's point of view.

I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don't take it for granted.

--- Your support makes a difference!

I want to share more of these amazing conversations, with amazing people, but I’m limited by the cost of the project. Please support what I’m doing. Every dollar really makes a difference.

Podtalk has remained free and ad-free and alive thanks to generous listeners like you. I have no staff, no assistant… it’s just one maniac with a keyboard. If this labor of love makes your life more livable in any way, please consider contributing.

Supporting Podtalk

--- Thank you!

My personal mission is creating better conversations to spread understanding and compassion. This podcast is just one of the things I do in service of my mission. Drop by my website https://constantine.name/ for my weekly email, my other podcasts, writing and more.

Thanks for listening!