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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:

132 - That Hutch Died Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that in a TV show episode I've seen many times before, a character who gets shot actually dies — something I had completely overlooked somehow before now. Not sure how I missed it …

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that even when we think we know a story inside and out, maintaining a fresh perspective can reveal overlooked nuances and details. Complacency leads us to make assumptions, while active engagement allows us to pick up on important storylines or character moments we previously missed.

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

130 - That Everything Is Automated Now Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how many things now require almost no human interaction, like ordering food at Panera and McDonald’s through computer kiosks. Simple encounters that once involved human interaction now require virtually none at all.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that while increased efficiency has benefits, we should keep an eye on how replacing human connection with technology impacts social fabric and individual experiences. There's value in person-to-person engagement that shouldn't be dismissed.

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

129 - That Amazon Can Wait Its Turn Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that as an author selling books, my entire business model just underwent a paradigm shift. Instead of primarily selling through third-party retailers, I'm now launching books first on Kickstarter, then selling directly through my own online store, and only then putting my books up on places like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that creators can benefit from rethinking established norms and shaking up their usual paths. Questioning assumptions about how things "should" be done opens up new possibilities for connecting more directly with audiences.

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

128 - That Jaws Still Holds Up Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that the 1978 movie Jaws, totally holds up despite being 45 years old. It’s still fresh and gripping today, and for the most part hasn’t become dated (or lost its intensity) over time.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that truly iconic creative works are timeless. Stories that tap into primal human experiences like fear, courage and nature's power have resonance that keeps them engaging for new audiences across generations.

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

127 - That Kids Are Like Planes Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Today I learned that kids are sort of like planes. When we were talking about letting our kids do their own thing, my friend gave me an interesting metaphor: not worrying about his daughters dating was like taking his first flight in a plane he had rebuilt. At some point with the plane, he had to trust that he’d done all he could, and the plane would either fly or not based on the work he’d done previously. Same, he said, with “letting go” of the need to micromanage his kids.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that in creative pursuits, as in parenting, there comes a point when you must have faith in the foundations you've laid and release your work into the world without trying to control every outcome.

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

126 - That I'm Not Going To Write Those Posts Anymore Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that I’ve been doing things in my business more out of habit and momentum than any real reason at all. Once I looked at it all with fresh eyes, I realized I was able to stop doing a lot of stuff that was a lot of work for no real benefit.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the importance of continually re-evaluating priorities to avoid becoming engulfed by inertia. Old habits and patterns can keep you from growing if you never check in with why you’re doing them. Conscious introspection, on the other hand, will keep you pivoting toward what energizes you.

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

124 - It Turns Out I'm Good Under Pressure Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

During a recent drive I noticed that when my car hit a patch of ice and went into a skid, I was able to stay calm. Which is weird, because I didn’t know that would happen and you just can’t know until it actually happens.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that heightened situations reveal aspects of ourselves we aren't aware of when life is stable. Facing challenges has a way of exposing hidden wells of strength and character within us, or our characters.

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.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find 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

123 - That Fog Makes Everything Creepy Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that during my normal morning walk, an unusually heavy fog had rolled in. It was creepy as hell. Familiar trees and houses looked distorted and regular folks nearby were dark silhouettes looming through the haze. All it took was fog to turn our neighborhood into an unsettling, creepy place.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that one small atmospheric change can transform the tone of a setting dramatically. Changing light, weather, or time of day tends to turn familiar places into intriguing new ones.

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.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find 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

122 - How Easily Communication Could Resolve This Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed after an infuriating exchange with my daughter’s school, it’s not actually the key issue that’s a problem anymore. The real problem is the way the parties are communicating with each other … and if everyone would just stop posturing and act like respectful humans, the whole dumb issue would go away.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to look beyond surface issues to uncover the true underlying problem. Tensions sometimes come less from crappy circumstances than from ego, and from how people choose to respond to them.

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.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find 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

121 - That It's Actually Spelled "Doughnut" Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that even though I've spelled the Homer’s favorite treat as "donut" my whole life, I finally looked it up to learn that "doughnut" is actually the proper spelling. “Donut" is now widely accepted from repeated misuse, making me some weird donut poseur (not that I plan to change).

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to reconsider what I think I know for sure, because the "facts" that we believe without questioning can turn out to be flawed assumptions … and you know that expression about what “assume” says about U, Me, and what Asses we make of ourselves when we do it.

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.

Prefer reading?Listening to the Art of Noticing podcast is only one way to get these lessons. Every episode of the podcast also has a complete companion blog post, all of which you can find 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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