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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:

070 - That American Ninja is Terrible/Wonderful Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that watching terrible 1980s action movies can be incredibly entertaining for me, not despite their absurdity, but because of it. As a child of the 80s, they’re nostalgic for me and bring joy in their over-the-top, trashy presentation.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that “being classically great” isn't a prerequisite for entertainment. Flawed or “trashy” works can have their own kind of appeal — a reminder that there's room for many kinds of creativity … so long as it’s entertaining.

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

068 - That The Universe Still Doesn't Give a Flying F Jan 26, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that after re-reading an old blog post of mine, which went maga-viral 12 years ago, I found it still resonated with me. This should have been obvious, but simply the fact that it was old didn't diminish its relevance … or the possibility that it could reach a whole new audience.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that good writing has a timeless quality that can constantly be rediscovered and appreciated anew. Old works can still be interesting for new audiences, so it's important, as the author, not to forget 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

067 - That Celebrities on the Simpsons Used to Not Play Themselves Jan 24, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed how the The Simpsons lost a lot of its edge, in part but not in cause, when celebrities began playing themselves instead of guesting as normal characters. This shift seems to prioritize name-recognition over narrative integrity … and for me at least, the change wasn’t for the best.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is to tread carefully in terms of letting the allure of popularity compromise the “art” of your creative work. Stay true to your vision, even if that means forgoing opportunities for mainstream recognition or immediate success.

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

066 - That I Don't Actually Need Those Poker Chips Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that I almost fell into the trap of believing I needed the most expensive poker chips, just for a single family vacation. This tendency to seek the best, even when impractical, is one of my constant (and unwise) weaknesses.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that "less can be more." In both life and art, the extravagant isn't always necessary. Sometimes, simplicity yields a more genuine and effective result, saving you resources that can be better invested elsewhere.

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

064 - That I Don't Like My Endocrinologist Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed decided that I just don’t like my endocrinologist at all. The staff is rude and I’m tired of being treated like I know nothing about my health

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the importance of questioning authority, even in creative circles. Whether it's a mentor, a critic, or a trend, don't surrender your originality and intuition without discernment. Just because someone holds a title doesn't mean their word is gospel.

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

063 - How Pineapples Grow Jan 17, 2024

Show notes

Today I learned that even something as simple as fruit can still surprise me. I was at an outdoor restaurant and was amazed to discover a pineapple growing right out of what I’d thought was an agave.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that assumptions can blind us to reality’s nuances. As artists and writers, we must remain open to the unexpected, both in the world around us and in the creative process itself.

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

062 - That I Don't Need (or Want) To Be Famous With Everyone Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Today I realized that I’d rather be the best damn thing in the world to a small group of fans than to be known by the masses. It feels better to create something so resonant that it’s ideal for a small, devoted audience than to be somewhat enjoyed by millions.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is the importance of honing in on your authentic audience rather than casting a wide, impersonal net. The aim isn’t just to reach people; it's to touch the ideal people even if they are few and far between.

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

060 - That There Are Already Self-Driving Cars in Austin Jan 12, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that the technology of self-driving cars isn't on some distant horizon; it's here, right now. Right now in Austin, I was amazed to see vehicles with steering wheels but no drivers navigating the city.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that what we often think of as "futuristic" may already exist in the present. As creators, we shouldn't limit our imaginations based on dated perceptions. The world is evolving rapidly. Our creative ideas should too.

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

059 - That My Family is Bored of the Same Old Stories Jan 10, 2024

Show notes

Today I noticed that every time I begin to recount a family anecdote, my family interrupts, telling me they've heard it a thousand times before. It's clear that my stories have a lifespan within my circle, and I need some fresh meat.

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that storytelling has a contextual lifespan. What might be tired and overused in one context could be fresh and invigorating in another. We should constantly seek new audiences to keep our stories alive.

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

058 - That The Dictionary is a Record, Not a Rulebook Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Today I learned that dictionaries don’t insist upon external “rules” of the words we use. Instead, they tell us how words are being used right now. They're more a snapshot of linguistic tendencies than arbiters of "correctness."

The creative lesson I took from this Noticing is that artists and writers should not feel confined by rules and standards. Instead, we can take inspiration from the evolving nature of language itself, innovating out side of rigid norms.

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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