
The Troubadour Podcast
"It is the honourable characteristic of Poetry that its materials are to be found in every subject which can interest the human mind." William Wordsworth The Troubadour Podcast invites you into a world where art is conversation and conversation is art. The conversations on this show will be with some living people and some dead writers of our past. I aim to make both equally entertaining and educational.In 1798 William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads, which Wordsworth called an experiment to discover how far the language of everyday conversation is adapted to the purpose of poetic pleasure. With this publication, he set in motion the formal movement called "Romanticism." 220 years later the experiment is continued on this podcast. This podcast seeks to reach those of us who wish to improve our inner world, increase our stores of happiness, and yet not succumb to the mystical or the subjective.Here, in this place of the imagination, you will find many conversation with those humans creating things that interest the human mind.
Latest episodes

Jan 10, 2024 • 47min
The Art of the Twist: Celebrating O. Henry's Timeless Tales with Ann Ciccolella
Joining us is Ann Ciccolella, artistic director of Austin Shakespeare, as we celebrate O. Henry's timeless tales. We discuss translating literature to the stage, enlivening narratives with multi-role casting, music, and dance. We touch on the impact of reading with children and the importance of language development. A must-listen for literature lovers and theater enthusiasts!

Jan 8, 2024 • 56min
Riding Towards Wealth: The Pursuit of Financial Happiness and the Wisdom of Rich Dad Poor Dad
Former submarine officer turned MBA student, Mike White, discusses the pursuit of financial happiness, the wisdom of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', the transformative power of financial literacy, living in an RV, the importance of saving and budgeting, long-term perspective in real estate investing, the role of finances in pursuing a fulfilling life, and the potential impact of Bitcoin.

Jan 2, 2024 • 27min
Exploring the Grand Themes of Love and Chivalry in Andrew Marvell's Poetry
Explore the complexities of Andrew Marvell's 'The Definition of Love' and 'To His Coy Mistress,' delving into themes of despair and impossibility. Reflect on the enduring nature of love's portrayal and the challenges of 17th-century poetry. Discover the transformation of chivalric codes into modern-day courtship. Champion a balance that honors profound connections while staying grounded in reality.

Jan 2, 2024 • 13min
Unveiling the Layers of Beauty and Truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54
Explore the essence of beauty and truth in Shakespeare's Sonnet 54, revealing the harmony between inner and outer attractiveness. Delve into the significance of integrity and honesty, and the relationship between canker blooms and roses. Reflect on the rarity of finding inner beauty and celebrate the decay of canker blooms. Discover how a rose metaphor conveys the concept of inner beauty and truth, as outer beauty fades.

Dec 31, 2023 • 20min
Reflecting on Tennyson: Embracing Hope and Renewal as the Year Ends
Explore the emotional landscape of Tennyson's 'In Memoriam, A-H-H' and delve into themes of grief, loss, and renewal. Reflect on the need for change and living a noble life amidst chaos. Embrace hope and renewal through Tennyson's words and find inspiration for the new year.

Dec 27, 2023 • 1h 23min
Exploring the Intersection of Parenting, Personal Growth, and Marital Satisfaction with Jesse McCarthy
Send us a textDoes becoming a parent condemn you to a less joyful marriage? Jesse McCarthy joins us to unravel the complexities of parental happiness and the dynamics between raising children and marital satisfaction. Our conversation moves beyond the common narrative that contentment dwindles post-children, probing into whether this decline is a parenting inevitability or a sign of unpreparedness. Along the way, we dissect perspectives on pro-natalism, the transformative potential of parenting for personal growth, and the delicate art of integrating children into the quest for a fulfilling life.Embark on a journey of self-reflection and educational evolution with us as we sift through the Montessori method's impact on independence and family appreciation. Jesse McCarthy, with his expertise, guides us through the philosophical embrace of memento mori and its capacity to deepen familial bonds. We also consider the spectrum of personal growth that parenting initiates, the role of coaching, and the growth mindset in navigating life's undulating terrain. The episode promises not merely to navigate the challenges of parenting but to offer a lens through which we might better understand ourselves and the enduring happiness we seek.As we wrap up this episode, we delve into strategies for cultivating positive friendships in children and the developmental advantages of experiencing different roles within a classroom setting. Our dialogue underscores the importance of modeling healthy relationships, respectful communication, and creating an environment ripe for learning—lessons aimed not only at children but at ourselves, too. We conclude with heartfelt thanks to Jesse McCarthy for enriching our discussion and invite our listeners to explore his resources for further enlightenment on the art of parenting and education.

Dec 20, 2023 • 57min
Surprised by Art: Holiday Spirit
A podcast exploring the holiday spirit through art, poetry, and heartwarming tales. Topics include an enigmatic painting, symbols of joy and benevolence, Luke Travers' latest book release, personal anecdotes of rekindling ties, acts of kindness, professional success and personal fulfillment, Scrooge's transformation, and the ripple effect of happiness spreading to others.

Nov 26, 2023 • 37min
Redefining Your Financial Future through Money Scripts With Jake Nuno
Jake Nuno, a certified financial planner, joins hosts Jake and Kirk to discuss money scripts and their impact on our relationship with money. They explore different money personalities and how they shape financial decisions. They also highlight the importance of understanding money scripts in relationships and the role of communication in financial matters. The episode concludes with a discussion on common money scripts in the younger generation and the value of a financial planner in making informed decisions.

Oct 24, 2023 • 24min
Exploring Love and Art Through Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love'
Exploring the potential of art to replace romantic love, analyzing Lord Byron's 'The First Kiss of Love', cautioning against idealistic views in romance, exploring the significance of the first kiss of love in art and aging, discussing the importance of identifying and nurturing one's deepest values in love.

Oct 21, 2023 • 54min
The Psychology of Entrepreneurship: Insights from Dr. Gena Gorlin
Send us a textHave you ever wondered what goes on in the mind of an entrepreneur? Well, we have the perfect episode for you. We're thrilled to have Dr. Gena Gorlin with us, a trailblazer in the psychology of entrepreneurship. She offers an enlightening perspective on the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the unique challenges and complexities that entrepreneurs face. She touches on the importance of making value-oriented decisions in our relationships, which are relevant not just to entrepreneurs, but everyone out there.What’s more, we delve into the importance of work in our lives, not in the typical sense but how being purposeful and goal-oriented changes your whole perspective about it. Dr. Gorlin sheds light on the concept of compartmentalizing work and how it shapes confidence and lends structure to your narrative. But that’s not all; work, according to Dr. Gorlin, can also have mental health benefits, providing an organizing function in one’s life.In the latter part of our discussion, we circle around to topics that resonate with all of us - the power of passion, purpose, and finding meaning in life. We discuss the importance of understanding our subconscious and the role that community plays in fostering a builder's mindset. Plus, find expert insights from Dr. Gorlin on emotional intimacy, the importance of vulnerability in relationships, and recognizing the value of people's contributions in supporting projects. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for personal and professional growth. Listen in!