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The Art of Noticing — Arts
The Art of Noticing

**A Bite-Sized Podcast that Teaches You to See and Use the Creative Inspiration That’s Already Around You** Trouble with the muse? Believe me, I get it. Even after 120 books and a show on Hulu, I have as much trouble “finding the magic” as anyone. But the truth is, you don’t need to seek inspiration because it’s already all around you … if you know how to see it. Each 10-minute episode of “The Art of Noticing” contains two parts: something small and almost random I noticed around me, then a creative lesson I made from it, like spinning gold from straw. Whether it’s something in the news, the rhythm of rain against the window, a bit of trivia, word from a friend, or some small tidbit I picked up somewhere, anything can be creative fuel if you can learn to see what’s in front of you. Nothing is ordinary. Everything is art! /// Find show notes, transcriptions, and multi-weekly blog posts at https://www.johnnybtruant.com

johnnybtruant.substack.com

Copyright: © Johnny B. Truant

Latest Episodes:

144 - How My Plant Never Gets Bigger May 06, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that despite being watered and getting sun, the plant on my desk never gets any bigger. This species can grow quite large but is not.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that sometimes even when the basic requirements are met, environmental factors or circumstances can still prevent growth and the full realization of potential … for creatives and characters as much as plants.

WANT MORE?Members at johnnybtruant.substack.com get extra episodes of the podcast, behind-the-scenes peeks, and access to my members-only One-Drink Book Club podcast (listen to a sample episode here) … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

142 - That Loose Chalk is OK Again May 03, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that my climbing gym, which had banned traditional powdered chalk in favor of liquid chalk during COVID, now allows powdered chalk again.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that while emergency circumstances may necessitate reactive, short-term systemic shifts, going back to earlier ways always lurks in the background.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

141 - That the Only Difference Between Copyright Infringement and Brilliant Derivative Work is TIME May 02, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that the only real distinction between illegally-profited-from fan fiction and officially licensed/authorized derivative works is only the amount of time passed since the original property's creation.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that concepts of creative ownership and legitimacy are more contextual than we usually think.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

140 - That They Still Use Nitrous May 01, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that even though I thought dentists didn’t provide nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") anymore, it turns out they do.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to not assume, and to question the sources of our thoughts. Supposed "knowns" can persist as remnants of outdated knowledge.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

139 - That Maybe Bluebonnets Are Being Conquered. Maybe. Apr 30, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that the famous bluebonnet flowers on Texas roadsides each spring seem like they might be being eclipsed by a multiplying orange flower among them.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that things always change … period.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

138 - That It's All About Totality Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that after experiencing a total solar eclipse, the most impressive stuff, by a long shot, only happens during totality, when the moon fully covers the sun. The other 99% of the eclipse is interesting, but pales in comparison.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that there can be transcendent moments when everything converges in a special way, but they’re fleeting compared to a well-planned build-up. Writers should identify and maximize our narrative's “total eclipses.”

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

136 - That I Speak Very Differently Than I Write Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed when editing transcripts of my own spoken words how much my verbal communication differs from how I express myself in writing.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that different modes and contexts of expression can reveal distinct sides of a communicator's voice, personality, and mindset. We present variations of ourselves naturally depending on the medium.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

135 - How I Keep My Endurance No Matter How Long a Break I Take From Running Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that even after taking long breaks from running, I don't seem to lose much cardiovascular endurance. When I start up again after weeks or months off, running still feels relatively easy, which is weird.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that some skills, experiences, and attributes can become deeply ingrained parts of us that last longer than we might assume, even when we step away from them temporarily. In the same way, our histories and formative experiences leave their own marks.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

134 - How Much Everyone Honks in Chicago Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that in Chicago, everyone honks their horns constantly and often for no real purpose. This was culture shock, seeing as in Austin, you don’t hear much honking at all. It guess it’s a different cultural norm between the two.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that local customs and behaviors (even small ones) can greatly impact the texture of a setting. Watching for the unique quirks that differentiate one community from another gives a story authenticity.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

133 - That I've Been Misspelling People's Names Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that I’ve been misspelling the names of two different people for a long time without them ever correcting me. As someone who values having my own name spelled correctly, I was embarrassed afterrealizing my mistake that they had allowed to continue without saying anything.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that small gestures of clarifying details, even if initially awkward, help build understanding between people. We shouldn't make assumptions about what is or isn't important to others based on our own perspectives. Simple open communication is the key to real connection.

WANT MORE?Members get extra episodes of the podcast, extra companion blog posts (see below), and more every week … all for the price of a fancy coffee. Learn about membership here.

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

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