Daily Breakfast #185
In today’s show: Podcasts and iPods; SQPN Studio update; the 5 year anniversary of the iPod; my iPod Mini miracle story; a Latin Dave Ramsey proverb; Catholic podcast promos; Battlestar Galactica best episode ever; Secrets of the Pirates of the Caribbean; podcasters, negative feedback, discouragement and enthusiasm.
- You Don’t Need an iPod – by Uncle Seth
- Cliff Ravenscraft’s ‘My Crazy Life’ about Fr. Roderick and SQPN
- Promos: Into the Deep Podcast, Kolbe Sheen website, Typical PC User, GSPN Lost Podcast
Today’s show (Click blue triangle to listen)
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Just starting my download now… Boy! You must have some energy! It is 8am ET and the DB is already uploaded!
Thanks!!
Hi Father,
I know you want everyone to listen to your excellent podcast, but they have the option to move one to something else. This is your vision. Don’t let the negative people ruin it. A few years ago, I got hooked on conservative radio and it always baffled me that liberals would listen to a conservative and then call to complain instead of trying to find common ground through dialogue. They did have Air America, but it went bankrupt. They should have listened to Dave Ramsey.
Faithful listener,
Rob Fulton
Father Roderick-I’ve been listening to your show for a long time. It’s my favorite podcast, and I listen to a lot,
being something of a geek myself. I remember being very impressed, on an earlier show, by the importance you put on listener feedback. You made a big point about how important it is for a podcaster to solicit and respond to feedback. So, I was somewhat dismayed by your reaction to the negative feedback re. the JW segment etc. However, when you went on to explain that it’s the tone in which the comments were written that was most disturbing to you, I totally understood. I haven’t read all the comments, but I’m sorry if people are bashing you. However, I think, for one thing, it probably “comes with the territory” so to speak. In other words, the more popular you get, and the more widespread listeners you have, the more you will be open to criticism, and not everyone is polite.That’s life. Probably best just to ignore the rudenes as much as possible.
I enjoyed the segment on the JW and hope to here more regarding the similarities and differences between Catholocism and other religions. But, at the same time, I was aware of a little feeling of fear. And I think the fear stemmed back to an earlier time in the Church, in the late 50’s and 60’s, when we were told that Catholics were the only ones going to heaven etc, etc.
I think that that was a difficult time for many of us, especially those who had friends and family of other faiths. Perhaps your segment stirred up that fear and pain in some of the other listeners and that’s why you received such a lot of negative feedback.
Just wanted to make you aware of my reactions, in case they might be helpful to you regarding this issue.
Thank you for your wonderful work.
Father Roderick
I really love your shows, and I was very happy to see that you’ve put so many of them online yesterday, but just the one show I’ve been waiting ever since I listened to the latest episode, the shoq I’ve been checking sqpn three times a day for, isn’t on of them.
Dear Father, when will there be a new McFaith?
Over in the US (at least in the southeast) we call it a “drop ceiling” with “acoustic tiles”.
Father,
Like one of my mentors told me, “people are going to start shooting at you babe…” You know that when you get negative feedback, that means that you must be doing something right. The devil doesn’t like all you good your doing, so he’ll try anything to stop you. The power of the dark side is strong.
I for one need to tell you more often, as a person that really enjoys what you have and are doing, that you are doing a great job. Maybe more of those of use with kind words need to express it. so Father THANK YOU for all that you do!
Fr. Roderick,
It cracked me up to hear you describe the 4th episode of Galactica the best one ever, because I had just used those exact same words to my wife a few days ago. I actually made her stay up until midnight last Friday to catch the rerun of the show just so that I didn’t have to wait too long to talk to her about it.
Wow…
[Beware. There are spoilers below]
It’s the only show I can think of that honestly deserves the description of a roller coaster ride. I literally felt sick to my stomach during the scene between Tigh and his wife. It was gut wrenching. Then, when the Galactica jumped into the atmosphere and started hurtling toward the surface and all the Vipers shooting out the sides… it was just brilliant. I was actually up of my chair cheering. And the pilot sitting in his cockpit just before launch saying, “Well, this is going to be different…” Perfection.
I’ve been listening to the soundtrack of the show alot lately and, after seeing Exodus, it’s clear to me why they mix in classical themes with the real percussive style they set during season one. The way the stories come together is just like an orchestrated concert. The manipulation of the Cylons – particularly the really devious ways that they have set up Starbuck and, more obviously, Baltar.
I am amazed.
Father… I’d really love to hear your interpretation of the religious elements in the story. I know alot of them haven’t come to fruition yet, but there’s alot of interesting stuff there with the Colonial’s polytheistic Lords of Kobol (and the way that Adama’s deception to motivate his people turned into something more real than he expected) vs. the Cylon’s apparent belief in one God and their fascination with the concept of Love.
When you’ve got time…
== Sean Burgess, Hagerstown, MD
@Sean,
I must be having a brain blip. You wrote: “the way that Adama’s deception to motivate his people turned into something more real than he expected.”
I’m drawing a complete blank. What was Adama’s deception? I thought he was pretty up front with everyone, wasn’t he? Or did I miss something?
I agree about the Galactica jumping into the atmosphere. I told Jennifer, “Well, I’ve never seen THAT in a science fiction story before.” Definitely my favorite scene of that episode.
The promo idea is great but you should spread them out throughout your breaks, doing them all at once makes it too long.
BTW: I like the longer format better.
Father Roderick,
I had planned to write a follow up to my diatribe yesterday, clarifying my attitude and the tone of voice I tried to have; when I heard today’s show, I knew that I had to do it.
I just want to make sure that you know that my purpose, and I think it would be clear if we were face to face and you could hear my tone of voice (and see all the hand waving that I use for punctuation), is in no way negative. I hope that SQPN becomes the next wave, that you follow in the grand tradition of EWTN and Mother A. I want your shows in the broader public arena, I want SQPN to succeed – heck, I wish I could help by doing something more than the occasional paypal contribution (hint, hint to other listeners).
Having started a couple of big projects from scratch, I know that you sometimes have to modify format, change direction by a few degrees, evaluate what works and what doesn’t. And I know that some of the “feedback” can be damned discouraging; I’ve gotten some truly virulent hate mail over the years, some times on theological issues, but more often from people who thought I was stupid. You just have to keep your own vision and push on, and that’s what I had hoped to say in the feedback I’ve done up to now – your shows are winners (literally last September), and you need to make sure that when you transition to a new format that you don’t lose that spark that made them winners. In bringing it to the greater masses, don’t lose what makes Daily Breakfast so….. Daily Breakfast.
Hope that makes sense. And sounds positive. It’s meant that way.
Oh, and I love the blues outros.
Dear Fr. Roderick,
I just want you to know that I totally love your show, and I absolutely appreciate your effort. I agree what T Bob Kernie said. When you receive negative comments, you know you’re doing something for God. It’s the devil who is trying to stop you.
I can totally relate to your feeling about negative comments. I am a graduate student working in a research group, and we regularly have persentations of chemistry literature by group members. In order to improve our presentation skill, my supervisor asks everyone in the group to fill out an evaluation form for a presentation. After I gave a presentation, I was surprised how negative people can be. It was especially hurting when I thought about the fact that they came from people who I work with every day!
I want you to know that I regularly pray for you and for SQPN. May the Holy Spirit always guide you and give you his strength.
Jack
Fr. Roderick,
I realize you would prefer feedback to start with the positive, but in this case the stroking comes later…
I have to tell you that I was deeply hurt and offended by your response to my blog post yesterday; so much so that I came very close to deleting the Daily Breakfast feed from my iTunes podcast directory. I am always very careful about how I word my feedback to you or to others on this blog, and I try as much as I can to avoid making comments that might be interpretted as offensive. I found your dismissive response to my suggestions particularly harsh.
Admittedly, one paragraph of my post yesterday was not directed to you, but rather to others who have posted comments on this blog. It had been suggested that mere “political correctness” was motivating the concern that we not be perceived as attacking other faiths. I responded that we needed to be respectful of other faiths. That comment was not directed towards you. I actually think that in the newer version of the segment on cults you came across in a much more even-handed way than in the original version.
The greatest weakness of text-based chat is that it is very difficult to convey tone. Something that might sound like a friendly suggestion when spoken can easily come across as “bashing” when it is read. That’s why it is so important in this kind of communication that we carefully consider our words, and that we be alert to the multiple ways that a particular message might be interpretted.
I have been a loyal listener to the Daily Breakfast for almost a year, and have regularly responded with feedback on the forums, on this blog, via recorded audio and even with a postcard last winter (a photo of the Cathedral of Montreal). When you indicated in late March that your diocese was going to shut down your podcasting operation, I sent you a draft of a letter of support to your bishop (thank goodness I didn’t actually mail it to him!).
As a liberal Catholic I’ve come in for regular bashing on this blog, including (indirectly) Rob Fulton’s comment this morning, which suggested that people like me should just go away. Well, I don’t think I should have to go away. I still enjoy the Daily Breakfast, and if I’m taking the time to post long feedback comments like this one, it’s because I care about the show and want to do my part to help you to refine it. I’m very sorry if you perceived me to be “bashing” you; that was absolutely not my intention.
As for the cult segment, I think it’s a great initiative. The Peculiar Bunch segment is a key reason why I look forward to the Daily Breakfast every day, and the disucssion of cults is an excellent extension of that aspect of your ministry. I simply expressed the suggestion that the segment focus more on how “cults” use manipulation and deception to attract the unwary, in addition to a critical evaluation of what they believe.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Father Roderick, you’re providing a tremendous service to The Church and to the faithful. While it’s true that we should all be careful how we express our comments, I hope you also realise that no one who doesn’t care deeply about what you are trying to accomplish would bother taking the time to offer suggestions (however undiplomatically they may do so).
Shaun Lynch
St. Lazare, Quebec, Canada
Greg – At the end of the miniseries that introduced the series, they are having a service for the dead. The remainder of humanity is gathered in the fleet – Caprica is destroyed by a series of nuclear weapons. The crew and fleet leadership is assembled in the hangar deck and Adama sees that people are giving up hope. Grasping for some way to keep his people from giving up to dispair, Adama refers to their holy scriptures and the story that there is a 13th colony of humans – Earth, which circles some distant and unknown star. Adam then deliberately lies and tells them that the location of Earth is not unknown, that he knows its location and will lead them to it. It is here that he begins the exodus of his people. He deliberately lies in order to keep his people moving forward.
Hope this helps.
It makes you wonder if Adama will live to accompany his people into the promised land, or if he will die, denied the promised land, but knowing that he has seen his people safely home.
Hello Father,
On your comments about criticism, I have a favorite quote from Faulkner made to literary critics, “They see a finished work and do not dream of the chaos of trial and error and torment from which it has somehow emerged”.
I’m a designer and my wife is a painter and we are constantly amazed at what comes out of people’s mouths. A person who can’t match a pair of socks suddenly gives themselves the title of Art Director then delivers their opinion to you as if your eight years old. I’ve been at this for fifteen years and am as thick-skinned as they come but I would be lying if I said it didn’t bother me.
What’s hard to remember is that, in the long run, criticism is always good. It’s HOW it is presented which makes it tough to absorb. I learned a long time ago to only verbalize about ten percent of my thoughts and give my self a good twenty-four hours before writing a letter.
One of the greatest words in the English language is “Because”. If a person can back up an opinion with whatever comes after that word will always get a thumbs up in by book. Even if I don’t agree. At least they put some thought into it.
Keep up the great work,
Gary Deckard
Fr. Roderick,
I love your show. I download it via iTunes on my non-apple laptop. I feel rather guilty about this, but it’s stopped crashing my computer – so the Microsoft gremlins must have learned to deal.
Sonya
Dear Father,
Can you post a link to the instructions you followed to replenish the battery charge of your iPod mini?
Thanks!
Chris
Father,
I like the longer version of your show as well. You have so many good segments, and there isn’t enough time in 20 minutes. The transitions will get smoother as you practice them.
A crazy idea for you – create an MP3 that is 40 minutes long, that for most of it is silent, then fades in the bumper to go to break. You can start it at the begining of your show, and it will tell you went to take a break without you having to think about it.
-George
I’m listening to #185, the part about feedback, so I thought I’d leave some also.
I love your show. Continue to experiment!
And keep up the good work.
George,
That’s brilliant.
I wonder if a file that size would affect the overall file size of the show. I don’t think it would, but it’s worth asking.
But that’s just a brilliant work around.
Just wanted to say that i love your work father, and have my prayers and full support, and it isn’t just battle star galactica who is a rollercoaster, it is life as well.
Pax
Father,
The new format is working out nicely! Get ready for our promo! Keep up the great work and don’t sweat the “haters”. Not everyone is going to agree with you and the more people that listen to the show, the better, even if some of them have a different viewpoint. Thanks for showing us how to make a great podcast.
Javier
Hey Greg,
Yeah… what Maureen said. =)
Adama decided to tell the survivors that the stories about Earth were more than just a myth to give them all a common sense of purpose. It also set up the conflict between Adama and Roslyn which reached a climax when Roslyn convinced Starbuck to go back to Caprica to retrieve the arrow.
== Sean
Sean and Maureen,
OK, I misunderstood Sean’s post. I thought he meant in the last episode Adama somehow deceived people. I’m with you now. Thanks for the clarification.
So I don’t normally follow these forums and I posted my previous comment while listening to the beginning of this Daily Breakfast. It was only after finishing the entire show did I realize what went on the forums before me.
I’m a listener from the very beginning Father Roderick. I have sent you occasional email and voice mail feedback and even a heartfelt April’s Fools testimonial for your bishop.
You may recall comments from a video game designer who has worked on some Star Wars games – that’s me. In my profession asking for and evaluating feedback is half the job. And it sure can be stressful. So stressful in fact that this year I stepped down from a design director position at my company because it just wasn’t worth it anymore. It was affecting my home life and my happiness and all for a video game! In looking back on my decision (both my wife and I don’t regret it at all), the main reason I stepped down was because of what I call consider “unprofessional” negative feedback. How I smiled when I heard you explaining to your listeners how they should word their feedback. It sounded very familiar to me. 
I hate to say this Father, but you are always going to get “unprofessional” negative feedback. Your challenge is going to keep up your spirit and keep looking through your feedback for good ideas. In the software business there is a phrase called “flipping the bit”. Basically, when you get feedback from you someone you don’t like or in an “unprofessional” manner you will naturally tend to disregard all that they say. In my experience, even a person I’ve disagreed with or was “unprofessional” to me can still have amazingly relevant feedback. In the past you’ve done an excellent job incorporating listener criticisms into your show and today was another example even if you felt hurt and defensive. On “conservative” talk radio here in the US, having a caller that gives badly expressed criticism is almost considered entertainment. It gives the host someone to yell at and the listeners someone to be angry with. You’ve always tried to understand and address feedback to your shows in a truly Christian manner. And I’m sure you will this time as well. At a minimum this whole incident has inspired me to post more feedback (especially positive) to you on a regular basis. All those comments I think of while listening to SQPN shows don’t help you when they are unsent in my draft email box.
Speaking of Battlestar Galactic! James Olmos was in my area yesterday and a local newspaper did a story on his visit to a juvenile hall (it holds young criminals):
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061023/NEWS/610230326
We may all not fully agree with his presentation style, but he sure is using his talents as an actor to try and help those kids.
God bless Father! And hang in there, SQPN is worth it.
Chris Ross
Petaluma, California USA
+JMJT
Father Roderick,
First time comment so first have to say thanks for all of your fantastic podcasts. I live in the UK and I’ve been listening for a couple of months now. I was touched by what you said today so I feel compelled to comment:
1. I urge you to continue to lead from the front – remain focused on your inspiration. I think God may be leading you somewhere. More people need to be able to listen and understand that it’s possible to be holy and love God without being dull and closed-minded. I think your podcasts (and others at sqpn) can help people who are immersed in a secular world to perhaps begin to see the relevance of faith in their lives. The strength of your presentation style is its accessibility and God may be using you to reach more people. He will take you where you need to go – he will open doors that need to be opened and close doors that need to be closed.
2. I learned a lot from what you said re JWs. They visit me regularly. I am polite and listen to what they have to say. I always explain that I am a practising Roman Catholic and I ask them where they’re from. So many of them are far from home. They always leave their newsletter anyway and I recycle it with my newspapers. I never really knew much about their beliefs but I figured at least by speaking to me about their magazine, it’s 5 minutes not spent speaking to someone else who is more vulnerable. It’s important to treat people with respect but an open and honest presentation of facts should offend no one. I thought Agent 777 was great and in some ways the style of the presentation made the facts stick in my mind better – esp the summary list at the end of the differences. I learned from both presentations but the lighter presentation helped me remember the essential facts better (in my cluttered brain).
God bless you and your work. Pax Christi.
Hi Father Roderick,
Don’t let them get you down. I love your podcast.
People can be cruel, partly because of the non-immediate natural of the Internet.
I read somewhere that you should only post something that you would say to that person face-to-face.
I bet that would cut down on the put-downs.
Love your show, keep it up.
Bob Erwin
@GREG: This would not affect the file size at all since it is just mixed into the show like all the other jingles.
Martin
Dear Fr. Roderick,
I have a question. In your decision to try to have the Daily Breakfast conform more to radio format, I was wondering: what kind of radio are you going after? Is it Catholic radio only or mainstream radio as well? Because I see a potential problem. Here in the US at least, Catholic radio, as far as I know, does not do advertising but relies on donations. Therefore, would you need commercial breaks if there are no commercials? And if there are no commercials, won’t you then need a full 60 minutes?
If you are going after mainstream radio, won’t they object to the Catholic content, even as benign as it is? Somehow I can’t see mainstream radio allowing such segments as The Peculiar Bunch on their stations (and to their loss, that’s a great segment). There is a LOT of Catholic bashing going on in the States, especially where I live in Massachusetts, where the whole sexual abuse scandal broke forth. The vitriol in the people here against the church and priests is just so intense. Frankly, I think the Daily Breakfast would provide the perfect bridge between those people and the Church but I can’t see mainstream radio allowing all the Catholic content.
Has anyone in the radio industry approached you about the Daily Breakfast, even casually?
You have something very unique and precious here in the Daily Breakfast. And your approach to outreach is fresh and new, and bound to be misunderstood by many. I agree with Chris that there will be much criticism to bear. It’s hard and we will support you with our prayers. At least you’re rocking the boat though, that really counts for something!
Peace, Susan
Dear Father,
I have been listening for about a month, and after listening to your show today I felt compelled to respond. I know that you are perfectionist, I love this about you. I am a perfectonist as well. I truly appreciate how much effort you put into every podcast. I admit that my favorite podcast are the ones that are not perfect. I laughed histericaly when you spilled water on Greg’s computer. Please do not mistake me for someone who enjoys the misery of others. I enjoy life’s surprises. I love the humanistic part of your show, the good and the bad. Thank you for podcasting. You and all the members of SQPN ar mondern day missionaries. Keep up the great work.
Keri
Dear Fr. Roderick,
I’ve been a long-time listener and have been following all your podcasts ever since I discovered you a while back… and have started listening to all the other SQPN podcasts, just by your mere mention of how good they are, and am glad I listened to your suggestions.
Being a cradle Catholic, but also a diet Catholic because of my upbringing…I haven’t had the education or knowledge and there is no “Catholic for Dummies” book out there…yet, so most of my religious knowledge stems from listening to you and all the other SQPN podcasts that are out there.
What I’m trying to say is…if you hadn’t been so “unconventional”… I would’ve never been hooked on your podcasts…and I wouldn’t have the desire to learn and reunite myself with my faith.
So whatever it is you’re doing… keep doing it! (and don’t let a few hecklers get to you). As my mother used to say… “If you don’t like my cooking, you give it a whirl–let’s see how your’s tastes!”
I’d like to see how great their podcasts are! %P~
God Bless
I just listened to Cliff’s Fr. Roderick Testimonial. It was amazing! How wonderful for Fr. Roderick to learn how important he has been to this podcaster on a day where negative feedback has gotten him down. If you haven’t heard Cliff’s almost hour-long praise of Fr. Roderick, you need to go listen.
Fr. Roderick, keep up the great work. I’m glad you decided to stay with the longer format. I was going to suggest at least 30 minutes for DB and 10 minutes of your other podcasts to make up the 40 minutes, but if you’ve decided to do 40 mins of DB, that’s GREAT!
Also, I love getting “ads” of other podcasts during your “commercials.” I have tried a couple that I wouldn’t have even known about had they not been mentioned during the promo section.
Good luck Father!
Dear Fr. Roderick,
I would like to comment on a couple of things from your podcast today. I can totally relate to getting criticism, since I am a musician, and also I am in marketing and sales. The difference is constructive vs. destructive criticism. I think you described the differences very well in your show today.
I feel very strongly that you should be the leader of the show, but should also be open to constructive criticism from your audience. For the most part, I think you are–and I know that it is painful when someone leaves you destructive criticism. I think you have a talent and a mission given to you by God and should keep pursuing this production dream.
As a listener, I don’t like the segways or the promos. Actually the musical segways aren’t so bad–but to have commercials in between isn’t working for me. I fast forwarded them, but was distracted by them at the same time. I really hope that your shows won’t have to have commercials. I don’t mind you mentioning other podcasts that you like or have listened to–in fact, ,that’s how I discovered the Pray-as-you-go podcast which I am ADDICTED to now! I LOVE the jingles as an intro to each segment, but it would make the podcast more enjoyable for me without the commercials.
In my experience and education as a marketer, we were taught to not project your own tastes in advertising. I know that a show is different and you have creative authority, but if you would like to know what works or doesn’t work for your audience, perhaps you could write a poll and post it on the website. Get some statistics on what people think. That way, you can minimize some of the harshness that people can bring when they are reacting out of emotion.
I hate that you have to experience destructive criticism-It sucks. I know that if you bring this part of your mission to God that he will give you the grace to endure these “lashes” and look past them to understand where people are coming from.
We love you–keep trying!
@Greg: This would not change the file size since these bumper are just mixed into the final MP3-file like all the other jingles…
Martin
@Dizzy Lizzy,
Actually, there IS a Catholicism for Dummies book, and it’s actually quite good. The Idiots Guide to Catholicism, on the other hand, is very questionable. But Catholicism for Dummies is great. You can find it on Amazon and most other online bookstores.
Silly question – what does the @ symbol mean at the beginning of an e-mail?
@Dunadan: With that symbol you can tell the readers of these comments to whom you are addressing your message. Quite useful if there are a lot of comments by various people.
Thank you, kindly, Father!
Bah. don’t let the nay-sayers get you down. I love your podcast!
(And I’m glad I’m not the only one–from reading comments–who bawled through the last BSG episode…)
Fr. Roderick,
I love the format of your show, even with the new intros and outros, and you’re sounding really professional with them. I agree with most of your listeners that it’s your personality that comes through in the Daily Breakfast show that we all love, regardless of the length of the show or how many bumpers there are.
Also, your Agent 777 segment is very creative, as well as entertaining and (most importantly) informative. I hope you keep that up.
God bless!
Fr.
Thanks for playing my promo.
I don’t usually post because so many of us think alike:)
BTW i Just Joined the Knights of Columbus that you mentioned after the Eucharistic Congress.
God Love You
time spent playing video games statistics…
Sorry, don’t agree 100% with you on this!…