Three guys gather in a recording studio. They’re preparing to record the initial episode of a new podcast. Unbeknownst to them, their podcast episode (once released) will become subject matter for a poem. It will also be a jumping-off point for this post related to National Poetry Month 2024, rising out of a fledgling podcast.
One of the three men is married to my niece. The other two are strangers to me. Since I’m listening to their podcast, I must improvise by recreating the scene in my head. My mental image suggests each man is equipped with his own microphone and headset. Being long-time friends, they know each other well and share an obvious depth of affection which communicates through the audio. They treasure each other’s friendship, so their conversation is relaxed and warm.
Given my admiration for one of the three men, I’m pleased to listen. I’m curious about the direction their podcast will take and what observations they will offer. They indicate the weekly podcast will engage in candid discussions about life and relationships, based in their desire to pursue a deeper understanding of the One who made them.
Like the vast majority of first podcasts to which I’ve listened, these guys do their share of stumbling. I have a sense I’m eavesdropping on their conversation as they share morning coffee at Starbucks. While they interact with a generous amount of teasing and jokes, I remain patient, but hopeful they’ll eventually add some purposeful meat to the skin-and-bones of their conversation.
Subsequent podcasts (I’ve listened through episode 5) demonstrate they’ve progressed (thankfully!) to a more compelling discussion. However, the initial installment was a characteristic example of how the culture has contributed to brain-rot. (Visit the local coffee shop or a school cafeteria sometime and listen as mindless phrases permeate nearby conversations.) Children of a very early age have caught the like, you know bug and adults (of every age) find the habit difficult to break.
I’m relieved to observe there’s significant improvement in succeeding episodes of the podcast from which the above sonnet grew (almost fully-formed). We can all do better and these guys are proving it!
