Passionately Wrong Podcast

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E064 The Ins and Outs of Self-Publishing Key takeaway: A detailed look at the steps to self-publishing, including how and why to do it, what it costs, and how to produce the best book you can Topics covered in this video: Most first-time authors assume they need to publish traditionally; they may be better served by self-publishingSelf-publishing is not an excuse to take shortcuts on quality: things like copy editing, formatting, cover artWays to raise money before you publish and start sellingWhy genre-specific knowledge helps you position your book betterPublishing via Amazon vs. (and/or) the rest of the world - thinking globallyCoordinating your books in various places, universal book links, ISBN numbersFormatting your book for E-publishing and print; audiobooksAI-generated content - what the tools are good for, and what notTaking a book from one platform and distributing it globallyTailoring your work to meet reader expectationsHow an editor can help make your book betterResources in this video Grammarly ProWritingAid Universal book link Publisher Rocket Vellum Atticus Adobe InDesign IngramSpark Draft2Digital Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E063 Should you Traditionally Publish or Self-Publish your books? Key takeaway: Randy and James discuss key differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing, and what a budding author might choose one over the other Topics covered in this video: What is self-publishing?Contrast publishing with one of the Big 5 traditional publishersWhat are some reasons to choose one over the other?Speed, complexity, cost, marketing, etc.How likely is it your book will make you money?What is the 20 Books to 50K approach?Why it’s critical to know the market you are writing forNot all bestsellers are on the bestseller listThe importance of online reviews (and harmful one-star reviews)Randy gives an overview of the mechanics of the self-publishing processResources in this video: Stats about publishing (10 Awful Truths About Publishing) 20 Books To 50K (Facebook group) Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E062 Where Do People Choose to Live and Why? Key takeaway: It’s easier than ever for people to live anywhere in the world. What drives your choices of where to live, and what are some criteria to keep in mind before choosing Topics covered in this video: We’re in a unique period of human history, no longer individually tied to land for foodTechnology has also had an impact, enabling work from home or from anywhereMost jobs don’t allow remote work; hybrid workLifestyle preference factors, positive and negative (being close to the outdoors, avoiding a painful commute, etc.)Factors specific to the military: on the base or off the baseChoosing a job that allows you to purposefully design your lifeIt’s not just jobs that drive location; also relationshipsCriteria to keep in mind when evaluating possible locations: cost of living, political systems, family factors, climate, travel, etc.Places are in a state of flux, though, and don’t stay constant - expect growth or declineSupport the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E061 Stuff – What Our Possessions Say About Us Key takeaway: We have more stuff than ever, but is having it making us happier? If not, why not? Randy and James explore what things they had at different points in their lives, what have been the things of lasting value, and how to make our possessions serve our purposes. Topics covered in this video: What was important to us as teenagers in high schoolParents providing things for their kidsHow the military affected Randy’s attitude toward possessionsThe impact of (a) a place to put things and (b) how much one movesWhat of our possessions end up having enduring value and why?The transformation of media (books, music, movies) into digital formWhy the cost of our possessions is much more than the purchase priceOur things have utility for us and also serve a signaling functionWhat would we take with us if we had only 30 seconds to grab something?Possessions also serve for many as a proxy of something else they’re trying to get (happiness)What happens to other people’s stuff when they pass away? People are not their wealth or their things; family heirloomsIt can be a mistake to assume buying stuff will make us happyAsk yourself what purpose your possessions are serving, and to what extent they are fulfilling that purpose. Why having so much of our lives online makes it easier to pare down physical stuffSome of Randy’s and James’s favorite thingsResources in this video Europe on $2,500 a Day What Happens To All The Obsolete Technology? Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E060 Interview - Gayle Elliot Key takeaway: Far more important than what happens to us are the narratives we tell ourselves about what our story means. Gayle describes some of the many lessons she learned in 20 years in the Air Force and now working in HR in a private company. Topics covered in this video: Gayle’s background, and her and Randy’s overlap in ColombiaHow she joined the Air Force out of high schoolFurther training, in and out of the military, and further degreesWhat Organizational Development is and how Gayle works at her current jobMyths and misconceptions about HR - decisions by matrix, do HR staff always keep a proper demeanor, what master HR ultimately serves, social issues, being the messengerTaking people as individuals doesn’t mean one has to be a people personJust one thing a man can do in the women’s restroomHR helps employees best if they feel this: that they are seen, heard, and consideredThe significance of narratives, and how we can use them to our advantageHR as party plannersGayle’s advice for younger generations entering the workforceSupport the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E059 Hiking the Camino de Santiago with Steven Rindahl, founder of Warriors on the Way Key takeaway: Father Rindahl explains the nonprofit Warriors on the Way and its mission to help combat veterans deal with the trauma of PTSD and moral injury (see the prior episode for details). How does a person apply to join the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, and what will they experience on the journey? Topics covered in this video: Resources in this video https://warriorsontheway.org/ warriorsontheway@gmail.com Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E058 Helping Veterans with PTSD on the Camino de Santiago. Interview with Steven Rindahl, Founder of Warriors on the Way. Key takeaway: Father Rindahl tells us what he learned about treating PTSD and Moral Injury while serving as an Army Chaplain. He explains how he uses his nonprofit Warriors on the Way to lead veterans on pilgrimages to the Camino de Santiago as part of the healing process. Topics covered in this video: https://warriorsontheway.org/ Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E057 Where Have All the Heroes Gone. Interview with Author Jeff Tiegs Key takeaway: We continue our discussion with Jeff Tiegs, now discussing the book he wrote describing his faith and his military career, Where Have All The Heroes Gone? Topics covered in this video: What were some of Jeff’s main sources of inspirationHeroes in the bible and in lifeThe impact of Jeff’s military career on his family lifeWho the book is for and what Jeff hopes the book will do for readersResources in this video Where Have All The Heroes Gone? Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E056 Interview - Jeff Tiegs, part 1 (Skull Games) Key takeaway: What kind of person devotes their life first to the military and then founds a nonprofit to fight sex trafficking? Jeff takes us through his experiences and why he does what he does. This leads to a discussion of the book he wrote describing his faith and his military career, Where Have All The Heroes Gone? Topics covered in this video: What a Delta Force Lieutenant Colonel doesJeff’s calling to start working on combatting sex trafficking How being a hunter of men suits him for the role, and the mind games involvedHow sex trafficking works, and how the bad guys operate: force, fraud, and coercionWhy all pimps are traffickersBlaming the victims and why it’s hard to compare countries’ approachesThe risks inherent in legalizing and normalizing vicesHow the internet has made the problem worse, but created an enforcement silver liningHow Jeff and his team build cases by getting to the human story behind the victimsResources in this video Skull Games Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E055 Vices Key takeaway: How thinking about vices helps us keep a healthy relationship with them Topics covered in this video: What do we consider vices (unhealthy habits, things we wish we wouldn’t do)A vice can be both things we do and things we don’t doDistinguishing between harmful and not-so-harmful vices - impact on othersWhether not recognizing a behavior as a vice is a mistakeIs there such a thing as a vice that doesn’t affect other people?Ask why you are pursuing the vices you doReading a book, doing an online course, vs. watching TV Would you want your kids to follow your behavior?Acknowledge and think about what we’re doing How to change your habits/vicesPay attention to the people around you - their feedback, their habits Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E054 Interview with Kostas Mallios - Creating a meaningful career and a successful life Key takeaway: From a pizza restaurant to formative years at Microsoft and now GM of Applied AI at Applied Materials, Kostas provides unique insights on how to create a meaningful career and successful life Topics covered in this video: Kostas describes how he came to be GM of Applied AI at Applied MaterialsWhy Kostas does not feel he has had a career path as suchHow Kostas has used his appetite for risk to his advantageChange presents opportunity, and the future is likely to be as tumultuous as the pastKostas describes how running a restaurant and facing failure helped build his confidence Even when you do everything correctly, you can still fail - success is not in our controlKostas explains why courage is needed in addition to confidence, and why timing is criticalWhy telling a good story is so helpfulKostas describes the fundamental things he believes, including the importance of knowing yourself and your personal valuesWhy being able to communicate with people is vital: people do business with people they like, so how do you develop a rapport? To be interesting, be interested in them. Why making small mistakes (and admitting them) can help you avoid making bigger mistakesKostas describes how he defines success Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E053 Myths of Being an Author Key takeaway: Randy and James talk about myths and misunderstandings of being an author. From plotting to publishing, from reading to tools, your hosts explore the world of writing and publishing. Topics covered in this video: Can anyone write a book, and what does it take?Distinguish between nuts and bolts (structure) and the artistic pieceHow reading a lot helps you become a better writer, if you pay attentionTraditional publishing vs. independent, branding & followingThe benefit of regularly engaging with readers and fansSome practicalities and economics behind publishing alternativesWhy automation isn’t going to be the sole answer - cover art exampleHow to increase your chances of success - engagement, newsletters, events, paid promotionThe problem of blatant copiers, Amazon exclusivity and hasslesConsider English-language readers outside the United StatesMethods available to help you write consistently with the requirements of a genreResources in this video GetCovers Save the Cat Writes a Novel Story Grid Snowflake Method Hero’s Journey Fictionary Fiverr Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E052 Interview - Peter Connor Key takeaway: Peter discusses his legal career, first in a variety of business settings and then running his own company. He describes the T-Shaped Lawyer concept and why he believes it is a great way for lawyers to deliver value to their businesses in turbulent times. Topics covered in this video: Peter takes us through his background and professional careerHow the landscape for lawyers is changingHow Peter wrote his first book, and his experience publishingThe use of expertise vs. storytelling in writing Why it helps an expert (such as a lawyer) to be thinking of how to help the business more broadly and not to focus only on their area of expertiseLawyer’s duties to the company, the role of incentivesT-shaped individuals and T-shaped team frameworkWhy this is more than a question of new skillsSkills as distinguished from capabilities (competencies, qualities, mindsets)The importance of visionResources in this video The T-Shaped Lawyer AlternativelyLegal Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E051 How to Find Work-Life Balance? Key takeaway: What is work-life balance, and what are some myths surrounding it? Is it achievable? Do we even want to achieve it? We share reasons why a person might want to embrace targeted imbalance. Topics covered in this video: Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E050 Interview – Richard Freedberg Key takeaway: We don’t always know what decisions will be important in life, but we do reveal our character with our choices. Richard shares stories from four decades of running the theater program at the American School of the Hague. Topics covered in this video: What can a teacher tell about how a student is going to turn out in life?Why theater is an insight into the inner lives of the actorsWhat to do when a parent asks you to spy on their childThe amazing cultural diversity represented at the American School of the Hague (ASH)From teaching English in Pennsylvania to running the theater program in Holland and then spending 39 years thereOn writing, and how much authors control their charactersWhy plays are so different than moviesThe definition of acting is reactingWhat Richard considers his legacy to ASHWhy Holland was so encouraging of international schools, and what distinguishes American education internationallyA staging of Harold Pinter’s play Mountain Language Speaking foreign languagesIs it possible Richard oversaw more than 700 productions?How he got a student an interview at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts)A bloody nose in The Miracle WorkerThe only time Richard ever withdrew a planned productionAdvice to high schoolers and people of all ages: expose yourself to other cultures, be open, learn from the world you ar inThe meaning of lifeResources in this video The Student Becomes the Teacher (R. Freedberg Guest post) Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E049 ASH Interview with Amy Tibbets - Motherhood, New Careers, and Working for a Church Key takeaway: Amy describes her time at the American School of Hague, her diverse career path, and myths and misconceptions people have about working for a church Topics covered in this video: An overwhelming start at ASHWhy ASH has such great teachers, DeWittPlaces Amy has lived; moving a lot vs. staying in one placeExperiences Amy has had since leaving ASHHow having children impacted her career pathHer desire to become an editor and work remotelyHow to find new jobs, leverage contactsAmy discusses myths and misconceptions about working for a churchThe usefulness of challenging our assumptionsAdvice on making good decisions: sit with things for a while, pay attention to what makes you happyBenefits to getting older and being ignored by othersASH specifics - Frites and other snacks, Facebook connections, extracurricular activities, riding the bus, drama class Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E048 Misconceptions about Healthcare in the VA and and the Military Key takeaway: Randy and James dispel some myths and misconceptions about VA and military healthcare Topics covered in this video: What healthcare is offered while a person is serving in the military Qualifications of military doctors, and how their experience compares to other doctors Continuing Tricare (healthcare coverage) after retiring from the militaryVA coverage of medical disabilities (below and above 50% disability)How difficult it is to get partial disability determinationsThe military retirement program, i.e. before 20 yearsCombat and combat-related injuriesHow fair is the system? Does it work out appropriately in most cases?Tough questions have nuanced answers because facts and circumstances are complex Is the VA a terrible system for veterans? A perspective on veteran homelessnessQuality of VA care, and professionalism of VA doctors Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E047 Misconceptions about Healthcare in Europe vs US Key takeaway: Randy and James discuss healthcare systems in the Americas and Europe, drawing on their personal experience, and offer tips on how to be your own best advocate for your health. Topics covered in this video: Why the headlines about the cost of medical care in a country don’t tell the whole pictureCosts of healthcare differ from country to country, but often largely due to how the money is collected and paid (via taxation, by companies, by individuals, etc.)Qualitative outcomes do differ greatly from country to country: the U.S., Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Romania, etc.Costs of socialized healthcare reflect societal decisions about how much to invest in itWhy healthcare costs are legitimately high (doctors, medicine, equipment)How “free riders” affect costs for everyoneCultural influences affect costs: lawsuit risk, and expectations for all measures to be takenSome interventions are focused on length of life and not necessarily quality of life Important to be an informed patient because doctors’ and pharma companies’ incentives don’t always align with patientsHow you can be your own best advocate regarding your own healthSupport the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E046 Misconceptions about Homeschooling with Laura Graves Key takeaway: There are many myths about homeschooling. Laura talks about these and gives a clear-eyed look about what homeschooling is really like, including the costs and the many benefits. Topics covered in this video: Laura’s bio: early university graduation, teaching experienceHer intro to homeschooling and early reflections about itLaura’s thoughts on why more parents don’t consider homeschoolingQualifications (formal and informal) that contribute to one’s successSocialization benefits from homeschooling (spending time with adults)The time demands, scheduling, and time off for the parentMore free time for both parents and kids, if done rightWhy homeschooling can be demonizedHow actual results compareControl over subject matters being taught, and time spent teaching themScaling up, and earning money on the sideResources in this video https://www.k12courses.com/ Curriculum reviews: https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/ Video Quizzes: edpuzzle.com Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E44 2023 Year-End Thanks Key takeaway: A look back on the first year of the Passionately Wrong podcast. Where do listeners come from, what do they enjoy, and how do Randy and James feel about the year. Also, what’s ahead. Topics covered in this video: Forty four episodes since our start in February, pretty much weeklyJames and Randy briefly discuss the technology: Buzzsprount, Descript, and ZoomPreparing both a podcast and a YouTube videoRandy describes our Jet-setting listeners, coming from more than 20 countriesWhich episodes have been popular so farRequest for feedback: topics, interviews; what’s up with the podcast thumbnailWe say thanks!Leave feedback on my personal webpage Support the Show. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe. Here are ways to connect with us. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggxZuXzexBtEhsX_TpV5yQ Passionately Wrong Podcast Webpage: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120466 James' Klugne Webpage: https://www.klugne.com/ Randy's Editor Webpage: https://randysurles.com/