184 episodes

What do you pay attention to? How do I determine what's worthy of my limited attention? It’s the questions every human asks at some point, and the questions we MUST ask, to thrive in this one precious life.

And it’s these types of questions (and more), we want to wrestle with on The Art of Paying Attention.

We believe the work of paying attention is not optional, and something we all must learn to do well. The poet Mary Oliver said, "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”

Every week, we'll consider this endless, and proper work, of paying attention. What do we see? What are we learning? WHAT or WHO needs MORE attention? Join writer, creator, teacher, and accidental entrepreneur, Ryan J. Pelton, as he explores with others, the essential Art of Paying Attention.

Most episodes feature an interview with a bonafide "attention-collector" working in the arenas of creativity, art, music, writing, publishing, entrepreneurship/business, and spirituality. Join in the conversation and learn to see with new eyes a world bursting with hints of hope. Often in the most unlikely places.

ryanjpelton.substack.com

The Art of Paying Attention Ryan J. Pelton

    • Arts
    • 4.6 • 82 Ratings

What do you pay attention to? How do I determine what's worthy of my limited attention? It’s the questions every human asks at some point, and the questions we MUST ask, to thrive in this one precious life.

And it’s these types of questions (and more), we want to wrestle with on The Art of Paying Attention.

We believe the work of paying attention is not optional, and something we all must learn to do well. The poet Mary Oliver said, "To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”

Every week, we'll consider this endless, and proper work, of paying attention. What do we see? What are we learning? WHAT or WHO needs MORE attention? Join writer, creator, teacher, and accidental entrepreneur, Ryan J. Pelton, as he explores with others, the essential Art of Paying Attention.

Most episodes feature an interview with a bonafide "attention-collector" working in the arenas of creativity, art, music, writing, publishing, entrepreneurship/business, and spirituality. Join in the conversation and learn to see with new eyes a world bursting with hints of hope. Often in the most unlikely places.

ryanjpelton.substack.com

    TAOPA #010: Sunny Drake on Discussing Big Issues Through Art

    TAOPA #010: Sunny Drake on Discussing Big Issues Through Art

    Sunny's inventive and award-winning theatre works have been presented in over 60 cities across the world and translated into 6 languages. His wide range of audiences have spanned international arts festivals, underground warehouses, and regional theatres. As a prominent theatre leader, Sunny was selected to write the 2019 World Theatre Day message for Canada. He was awarded the inaugural Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize 2019 for having a significant impact on performing arts in Ontario.In April 2023, Sunny will launch his theatrical podcast, CLIMATE CHANGE AND OTHER SMALL TALK, in which he brings together over 100 artists in 9 cities across the world to create audio dramas. You can find Sunny at his website for more info: https://www.sunnydrake.com/
    Mentioned on the Show:
    * Sunny’s website: https://www.sunnydrake.com/
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    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 54 min
    TAOPA #009: Kristin Oakley on Compelled to Write

    TAOPA #009: Kristin Oakley on Compelled to Write

    In January 2009, Kristin Oakley wrote her first words to Carpe Diem, Illinois. Five years later, Little Creek Press published the book, and it won the 2014 Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year Award! Its sequel, God on Mayhem Street, was a finalist in the 2018 Winning Writers North Brook Street Prize. Kristin Oakley is an accomplished writer, novelist, and helps other writers with their craft. Her latest series, The Devil Particle, is available June 6th.
    In this episode, Ryan and Kristin explore the motivation to write, how research can be fun, how to keep going, and much more. You can find Kristen here: https://kristinoakley.net/about/
    Mentioned on the Show:
    * Get free books, and the latest updates on Kristin’s work: https://kristinoakley.net/about/
    * Chicago writers conference:
    https://www.chicagowrites.org/
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    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 52 min
    TAOPA #008: Darryl Stickel on Building a Culture of Trust

    TAOPA #008: Darryl Stickel on Building a Culture of Trust

    Darryl Stickel is one of the world’s leading experts on trust. He teaches leaders how to find and use their most powerful tool. A tool that is always in a leader’s control, how to effectively build trust in their relationships. Darryl is an unshakable force of positivity and brings the best out of people. His personal trials have strengthened his resolve and character to be a positive force for Trust. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.
    Dr. Stickel is an executive coach with over 20 years of experience focused on Trust. His PhD "Building Trust in Hostile Environments" from Duke University established his unique and practical approach to Building Trust. In this episode, Ryan and Darryl explore why trust is waning in our days, how to rebuild it, why it doesn’t take as long as you’d think, and much more. You can find Darryl Stickel at Trust Unlimited: https://www.trustunlimited.com/
    Mentioned on the Show:
    * Darryl’s latest book: “Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World.”
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    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 56 min
    TAOPA #007: John Livesay on the Art of Storytelling

    TAOPA #007: John Livesay on the Art of Storytelling

    John Livesay, aka The Pitch Whisperer, is a sales keynote speaker where he shows companies’ sales teams how to turn mundane case studies into compelling case stories so they win more new business. From John’s award-winning career at Conde Nast, he shares the lessons he learned that turn sales teams into revenue rockstars. In this episode, Ryan and John chat about the power of storytelling in all of life, why we all have a story, how to get at our story, and much more. You can find John here: https://johnlivesay.com/
    Mentioned on the Show:
    * John’s book: “The Sale is in the Tale.”
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    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 39 min
    TAOPA #006: The Human Side of Sports

    TAOPA #006: The Human Side of Sports

    Ryan riffs on the human side of sports. Billions of people watch, play, and consume sports of various kinds. Why? Do they really matter? Will they cure cancer? No, but don’t miss the stories woven into the sports we love. Listen in and see what Ryan has to say. Do you agree, disagree, or don’t care? It’s fine, we’re all adults here.


    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 28 min
    TAOPA #005: Ramona Lee Soo-Jun on Never Too Young to Start Writing

    TAOPA #005: Ramona Lee Soo-Jun on Never Too Young to Start Writing

    Ramona Lee Soo-Jun is a German-Romanian novelist and screenwriter currently based in London, UK. Born on July 5, 1997, in Sindelfingen, Germany, Lee grew up in Holzgerlingen, Baden-Württemberg. Lee moved to London in early 2019 to further pursue a career in writing and film. In this episode, Ryan and Ramona talk about her early beginnings in writing, why it’s never too early to start writing, how to use social media well, never giving up on your dreams, and much more. Find Ramona here: https://ramonaleesoojun.com/
    Mentioned on the Show:
    * Ramona’s latest book: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07ZPGRH4R/about
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    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ryanjpelton.substack.com

    • 47 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
82 Ratings

82 Ratings

NoName#01 ,

Great Podcast

Been listening to Ryan for years. His new podcast is a great balance of technical advice and inspiration for both novice and experienced writers

mhcalhoun ,

Great Podcast for Writers

I have really enjoyed this podcast. It is packed with great tips, advice, and inspiration for writers. Some days it was exactly what I needed to hear and I can’t recommend it enough.

Courtney Matson ,

Glad he’s back!

I really enjoyed the previous podcast and this reboot is great. I feel like the 10 rules for life were practically written for me! Especially the first few. Keep up the great work!

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