20 Episodes Down — Some Key Takeaways
Host Chip Alford recording an episode of the podcast in the Chattanooga Public Library's recording studio.Hard to believe almost seven months have passed since the launch of Home Where You Belong. Initially, episodes were posted once a week, thanks, in large part, to much needed support from Kyle Welch of South Broad Creative. (Thanks, Kyle!) I quickly learned, though, putting together a quality product takes time, especially if you’re a 60-year-old podcasting novice with limited technical skills. Not only do you need to find and master the right software and hardware, there’s also the interesting, but time-consuming process of finding and interviewing guests, editing the final product, and marketing and promotion. A few months in, I switched to a bi-weekly production schedule, which has been much more manageable (and enjoyable)!
This morning marked the achievement of two new milestones — posting of the 20th episode and surpassing more than 4,000 listener downloads through our website and major streaming services like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and Amazon Music. No, we’re not in the top 10 (or top 100, for that matter), but I’m proud of the progress made to date. More importantly, I’m thrilled with the people I’ve met and things I’ve learned about how to feel more at home in my living space, more connected in my community, and more engaged in my relationships.
Here’s a few of my key takeaways to date:
Knowing your neighbors is good for your health — literally! According to author Melody Warnick, you’re 67 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 48 percent less likely to have a stroke if you’re friends with your neighbors. Learn more by listening to our first episode, How to Love Where You Live.
Decluttering and organizing your home is worth the effort. Not only can it give a spurt of much needed energy, it allows you more time to spend with those you love and accomplishing the things that matter to you. Listen to my interview with professional organizer and productivity specialist Lindsey Hardegree.
Feeling at home doesn’t require a beautiful bungalow or 3-bedroom ranch. Some people are just as comfortable in a treehouse, tiny house, or RV.
Exploring your family history can be interesting, revealing, and occasionally, downright amazing! Last year, I discovered one of my great grandfathers was knighted by an English king and another played a key role in an unsuccessful plot to subvert the rightful succession to the English throne. You can hear the rest of the story in Episode 6, and discover how to harness the power of genealogy to live your best life.
You can’t feel at home if you don’t feel safe. Just ask Lizbeth Meredith, who shared a harrowing story of surviving domestic abuse and rescuing her kidnapped daughters in Episode 11; or Andy Murphy, aka “The Secure Dad”, who shared security tips in Episode 15 that can reduce your home's chances of being a target for crime.
If you want to experience a sense of belonging, you have to take control of your own life (Episode 16) and confront inherited mindsets that may be holding you back (Episode 12).
Stay tuned for more great content, and if you have any story ideas or topics you’d like to see addressed, email me at chip@homewhereyoubelong.com.
