Épisodes

  • An Experiment with Race Walking (with Rhian Rotz)
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode, we explore the unique sport of race walking with Rhian Rotz. Rhian shares her journey from an active lifestyle enthusiast to a dedicated race walker. Learn about the intricacies of race walking, its supportive community, and how it enriches both physical fitness and personal connections. Rhian also discusses her recent experience participating in the Portland to Coast relay race and offers valuable advice on experimenting with new activities to enhance your life. Tune in to be inspired and motivated to try something new!

    Book referenced: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    https://bookshop.org/p/books/tiny-experiments-how-to-live-freely-in-a-goal-obsessed-world-anne-laure-le-cunff/a0d48a6606c80c86

    Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments!

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    00:00 Welcome to Take Part: Introduction and Support

    01:01 Meet Rhian Rotz: A Multifaceted Life

    02:25 Discovering Race Walking: An Endurance Sport

    04:21 Getting Into Race Walking: A Personal Journey

    07:13 The Community and Competitive Spirit

    12:41 Portland to Coast: A Major Milestone

    14:51 The Power of Community and Physical Activity

    21:26 Advice for Aspiring Race Walkers

    23:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    24 min
  • Nurturing Bagpipe Tradition Through Teaching (with Kevin Auld)
    Dec 3 2025

    In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of pipe bands with Kevin Auld, a veteran Scottish bagpiper and teacher from the Pacific Northwest. Kevin shares his journey into Scottish bagpiping, his role in leading a junior pipe band, and the challenges and joys of teaching this unique instrument to the next generation. We discuss the importance of community, the intricacies of playing in a pipe band, and strategies for recruiting new members. Kevin also offers insights into the broader value of youth arts programs and advice for those looking to connect with their communities. Join us for an enriching conversation about music, tradition, and building lasting connections.

    Northwest Junior Pipe Band: https://www.nwjpb.org/

    Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments! Are you a teacher too? How do you build community through your teaching?

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

    00:53 Meet Kevin: A Passion for Scottish Bag Piping

    02:16 The Junior Pipe Band: Teaching the Next Generation

    03:31 Challenges and Rewards of Leading a Pipe Band

    08:57 Building a Community and Recruiting New Members

    11:20 The Importance of Teaching and Succession Planning

    22:09 Personal Reflections and Motivations

    26:50 The Value of Pipe Bands for Youth and Society

    31:23 Advice for Connecting with Communities

    33:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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    34 min
  • The Psychology of Participation
    Nov 19 2025

    In this episode, I delve into the benefits of actively participating in society. Through the lenses of social psychology and personal interaction, I explore how engaging with others helps us make sense of the world, heal our traumas, and meet both basic and advanced needs. I also discuss the potential downsides of group involvement, such as conformity and loss of individuality, emphasizing the importance of intentional participation.

    Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments! How has participation shaped your worldview? What challenges have you had?

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:41 Making Sense of the World

    09:00 Healing Through Participation

    11:44 Meeting Our Needs Through Groups

    15:12 Contradictions in Group Participation

    18:28 Conclusion and Call to Action

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    20 min
  • How a Relocated Military Spouse Finds Connection (with Aimee Schlosser)
    Nov 12 2025

    In this episode, I am joined by Amy Schlosser, a Seattle native who transitioned to life in San Diego as a military spouse. Amy shares her journey of moving across state lines during the pandemic, becoming a military spouse, and finding new communities. She discusses the challenges of deployment, the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and offers valuable advice on how to forge meaningful connections in new environments. Tune in to hear how Amy transformed her life through connection, community, and resilience.

    Don't forget to join the conversation by sharing your questions and stories in the comments! Have you ever completely uprooted your life to a new area? How did you find connection?

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    00:00 Welcome to Take Part

    00:48 Meet Amy Schlosser

    01:34 Transitioning to a New Life

    05:41 Challenges of Deployment

    08:57 Finding Community and Support

    22:03 Balancing Remote Work and Social Life

    25:31 Final Thoughts and Advice

    26:53 Closing Remarks

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    28 min
  • How Third Places Help us Connect (with Laura Kiniry)
    Nov 5 2025

    In this episode, I talk with Laura Kiniry, a freelance writer specializing in travel, food, and culture. We discuss the concept of 'third places' - social environments outside of home and work where people can build community connections. Laura shares her experiences with unique third places, like harvesting olives in Italy and enjoying local cafes. We also explore the impact of remote work on social isolation and the importance of face-to-face interactions. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on how fostering community connections can enhance well-being and bring joy to everyday life.

    Don't forget to subscribe, follow, and join the conversation by sharing your favorite third places and stories in the comments!

    Read Laura's lovely article on third places on the Smithsonian here:

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/third-places-are-being-reimagined-and-welcoming-travelers-in-the-process-180987159/

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    00:00 Welcome to Take Part Podcast

    00:49 Meet Laura Kiniry: Freelance Writer and Traveler

    02:21 The Concept of Third Places

    04:21 The Impact of Remote Work on Community

    07:09 Personal Stories and Examples of Third Places

    19:45 Creating and Finding Your Own Third Place

    28:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    32 min
  • Cold and Community: Open Water Swimming (with Terri Eccles)
    Oct 29 2025

    In this episode, I am joined by Terri Eccles to discuss the invigorating world of open water and cold water swimming. Terri shares how she got into open water swimming, the challenges she faced, and the incredible community she has built. From the formation of deep connections to the physical and mental benefits, Terri provides an insightful look into how open water swimming has transformed her life.

    We also delve into the importance of setting boundaries and creating intentional community spaces. Join us for an inspiring conversation about taking part in something greater and finding personal fulfillment.

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

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    36 min
  • Individualism and Our Culture of Separation
    Oct 22 2025

    In this episode, I get nerdy into the concept of individualism, exploring its historical roots and modern implications. Featuring insights on 'rugged individualism' as coined by Herbert Hoover, the transcendentalist movement, and the philosophies of anarchist Emma Goldman, we dig into how the concept of individualism has similarities and differences within wildly different contexts.

    I also talk about the impact of individualism on society, especially in relation to scarcity, competition, and the hidden support systems behind individual achievements. I will offer four ways to redefine individualism in a way that will benefit you. Please let me know what you think! Do these four steps seem doable for your life?

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    29 min
  • A Communication Technology Free from Algorithms (with Madelyn Mills)
    Oct 15 2025

    In this episode, Madelyn Mills shares her experience with ham radio, a technology that is allowing her to build community and connection from home, without algorithms. Madelyn shares what this technology is, how it has impacted her, and even gets a surprise radio communication mid-podcast!

    The National Association for Amateur Radio: https://www.arrl.org/

    Puget Sound Repeater Group: https://web.psrg.org/

    Please Subscribe to follow along!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takepartpod/

    Substack: https://takepart.substack.com

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    31 min