I’ve been doing a lot of work imagining what the Open + Curious podcast will be for season 3. Now that I have actually recorded the first episode, I thought I’d talk here about the process I’m currently in.
Early in 2024 I did a season of the Open + Curious podcast with a friend, Jesse Danger. It was an experiment, and remains as season 2 of the show, now referred to as Bringing Conversation Alive. So currently the newest episode of Open + Curious is from July of 2024.
My vision for season 3
Conversation — I’m leaning into what I’m known for. Two people talking. That’s what everyone keeps asking for anyway. 
Intros — I hate writing them. I hate recording them. I think (and others agree) that the intros end up bad. Solution? Work on it. Practice. Get feedback. So season three of O+C will get introductions.
Sound design — I hope this works out. I’m currently discussing with some musicians about creating (for pay) custom music for opening, closing, bumpers, etc. I’ve no experience or particular skills at this (making music, and working with musicians to make music).
Editing — *gasp* I’m going to send these out for actual editing. Over the years, I’ve used Barevalue to edit many episodes of Movers Mindset and I’m looking forward to going back to offloading the editing and mixing.
Structure
I’d love anyone’s feedback on this part…
I’m going to be using a fixed opener as the springboard for each conversation. Obviously, this all gets explained to the guests in advance and there’s warm up etc. But when you listen, the conversations will start with me asking the guest one of the following questions (they’ll choose which, in advance)…
- What is something you hope people will take away from our conversation?
- What question shall we explore today?
That’s weird, I know. (I can’t think of any podcast that has a fixed kickoff like this.) But it’s important to me because it…
Sets intention immediately — I’m inviting them to frame the conversation in terms of impact, not merely content. It primes our listeners for meaning rather than information.
Gives the guest agency — They start in the driver’s seat. They’re not reacting to me, they’re aiming the initial arc of our conversation.
Creates narrative tension — For listeners: now they’re listening to see how that takeaway emerges. It plants a flag early, and says, “This will go somewhere.”
This is very “Open + Curious” — It treats the guest as someone with insight, not just a story or experience. It reinforces the idea that conversation is co-creation, not just extraction.
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