Speed Dating -- Be In The No

Wow, Adam, thanks for the vote of confidence! I'm glad to hear that you've been able to tune in to the podcast -- hope you'll enjoy checking out some of the old episodes.

I appreciate you giving my luck a little extra push!

Thanks, Elizabeth. I'm really glad you liked what you heard. Pocatello always reminds me of "Pocatell," the dog who was a stable companion to the great racehorse Seabiscuit -- one of the greatest don't-take-no-for-an-answer stories of all time.

Whatever happens, the podcast has a life of its own -- hope you'll have a chance to come have a listen.

Another KCRW fan! And what a nice drawl you have.

I think there's already a line around the block of people ready to court you. Congrats!

Ah, chocolate. You definitely have my number.

(As for the grass, it was a lemon-poppyseed bagel, I swear.)

Very sweet of you to put in a good word for me. Put away your pocketbook, I'm getting the check.

I'm pleased and feeling flattered that you approve, having read your comments on the pro-am aspect of this whole jamboree. Even if I don't make it to the next round, I hope you'll check out some of my podcast episodes -- the show's already a reality in the land of the Intertubes. Thanks!

Thanks for the kind words!

Finishing strong is always an option, even after the toast lands butter-side-down.

I was interested in learning that you've spent time in Nepal. A lot of what I've learned from people I've interviewed has been about learning to give up our attachment -- to things we thought were necessary for us to be happy, or to move forward.

Thanks for listening in, and good luck!

Of all the sound clips in all the entries in all the world, you walk in to mine...Like a lot of folks here, when all is said and done, I'll still be able to say "We'll always have podcasts." Hope you'll enjoy going through the back catalogue of shows, and thanks for the thumbs-up.

(Are there actually sharks in central Florida? I think I'm more a swims-with-manatees type, myself.)

Yes, yes, Nannette!

I work at a "Right Stuff" university, and I also tutor teenagers -- there's definitely a crazy-mad amount of pressure on kids nowadays to succeed and not make mistakes. But what seems to be common to so many people I've met who have done interesting, substantial things with their lives is that they got turned away or rejected outright at something really dear to them. It's how they responded to that setback that made all the difference.

Besides, there's often more interesting scenery when you get off the beaten lifepath.

If you've got young kids, I think you'll enjoy the podcast episode with Matt Phelan. He started out by trying to be a screenwriter, and even quit his day job to do that...until his optioned screenplay got deep-sixed in Hollywood. Only after that did he begin to pursue the job he really always wanted, as a children's book illustrator. That's where his heart is, and success found him: He's the illustrator on the most recent Newbery Medal-winning book, "The Higher Power of Lucky" by Susan Patron.

Matt shares a really great tidbit in that interview about Dr. Seuss, which I'll leave you to discover...

Nice quote!

Maybe it's just me, but I really enjoy listening to radio theater in the dark. It's like going to the movies, or to live theater, and bringing down the house lights, only easier -- just close your eyes.

Listening to radio theater while driving at night is also a special treat. I imagine there's vast stretches of central Texas where you could do that for hours at a time, if only you could hold onto the radio signal.

(Hook 'em, Horns!)

Steve, I'm very glad to hear from you, having seen the nice welcome mats you've put out for other participants. Now I officially feel like I've moved into the neighborhood. I'm Stoked!

Thanks for the positive comments. (While we appreciate "No", we definitely enjoy getting a "Yes"!) It's true what you say about a jumping point -- and some people have really been able to turn that point into a springboard that allows them to fly with a grace that comes as a surprise, even to themselves.