What are you listening to right now?
Much like the rest of the world right now I’m listening to The Michelle Obama Podcast, which features her husband Barack “Barry-O” Obama as her first guest. There's a lot of information about two very public figures I wasn't aware of, but more importantly, they touch on ideas like your relationship to your country and community and how it all ties into personal identity. Unsurprisingly, even on her inaugural podcast Michelle Obama is an excellent host and the podcast is driven by her personality: undoubtedly this podcast will be wildly popular for years to come.
What do you think more people should be listening to?
For people that don't listen to podcasts already, I would usually recommend them Business Wars. It's incredibly engaging, informative, and keeps you coming back for more, so it's a terrific entry point to try and get people hooked on the medium.
If I was going for something further off the beaten path, I'd recommend Twenty Thousand Hertz. It’s about the history and implementation of sound design from the sounds effects in Star Wars to the “fasten your seat belt” ding on aeroplanes. Many times I’ve stopped and thought, “I had no idea that’s how they made that." To me, that's the sign of great content.
When you’re not obsessing over podcasts what are you doing?
Well if I’m not pestering friends and family on what they should be listening to, then I'm likely talking about or playing basketball. I’m what you would describe as a basketball tragic: in love with the game, but cursed with lack of height and co-ordination and talent and... actually, I’ll stop there. I also love photography as it was a former-job-now-hobby-again and if I’m really not doing any of those things, then I’m looking for Melbourne’s best bowl of Pho.
Where is Melbourne's best broth?
Well, everyone has their favourite but at the risk of causing a scandal, for me, it’s Pho Hung Vuong II on Victoria Street. Melbourne restaurants are doing it tough right now, so I am very much looking forward to going back and dining in at local restaurants.
If you weren't doing this for a living, what would you be doing?
I'd likely still be working in the wine industry as a photographer/videographer/digital-content/all-of-the-above marketing jack-of-all-trades. When making and marketing content about things you love, whether it's wine or podcasts, you are usually a lot more excited to get up for work every day... usually.
[gif, elaine]
Do you have a daily mantra?
Like do I have a tattoo on my lower back? Well, maybe, but I wouldn't call THAT a mantra. In all seriousness, I recently read legendary Bulls/Lakers coach Phil Jackson's book Eleven Rings and among the many philosophical gems in the book, there was a Zen saying "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." The point is to just focus on the task at hand, and not to worry about the past or future. It's really an exercise in mindfulness.
What is your favourite Advert?
A great ad has great recall value even years later and while many would fit the bill, mine would be Kellogg's All-Bran Is Delicious campaign. I feel for anyone named Jan.
If you want to get in touch, e-mail Edward at rob@ranieriandco.com.