

The Long and The Short Of It
Peter Shepherd & Jen Waldman
A weekly podcast for curious people ready to explore the art and science of being human from every possible angle: macro, micro, Australian, American, tall, short and everything in between.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 26, 2025 • 20min
361. Making Friends
Jen and Pete dive into the complexities of making new friends as adults. They explore creative strategies to forge connections, highlighting the importance of lifting friendships beyond superficial interactions. The duo reflects on navigating adult relationships, sharing personal anecdotes that emphasize the need for intentionality. They'll also challenge listeners to engage in friend-making activities, all while pondering the significance of human connections in our increasingly digital world. Get ready to rethink how you connect!

Aug 19, 2025 • 17min
360. Lower Back Pain
For the first time in three years, Pete is free of lower back pain, and he shares with Jen his journey and learnings on his way to healing.Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about:Why might we hide from our problems by creating a self-diagnosis?How can we work on discovering what our problems actually are?Who are the people in our lives who might serve as mentors and coaches?To hear all episodes and read full transcripts, visit The Long and The Short Of It website: https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/.You can subscribe to our Box O’ Goodies here (https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/) and receive a weekly email full of book and podcast recommendations, quotes, videos, and other interesting things that Jen and Pete are noodling on. To get in touch, send an email to: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Learn more about Pete's work here (https://humanperiscope.com/) and Jen's work here (https://jenwaldman.com/).

Aug 12, 2025 • 20min
359. Building Skills
Dive into the intriguing world of skill-building as the hosts challenge conventional thinking. They explore the distinctions between finite and infinite skills and how leaders can effectively coach groups. A unique 'bingo card' metaphor is introduced to enhance team skill development. Discussions highlight the difference between technical and relational skills while emphasizing psychological safety. Plus, learn how actors refine their technical prowess through self-reflection and consistent practice, fostering continual artistic growth.

Aug 5, 2025 • 16min
358. Caramelized Onions
This week dives into the art of caramelizing onions, emphasizing the importance of patience in cooking and life. Jen and Pete explore how efficiency isn't always ideal and share tactics for persevering through uncertainty. They draw parallels between the layers of cooking and the creative process, highlighting the value of intentionality and thoughtful pacing. Personal anecdotes add humor while illustrating how waiting can yield richer outcomes, both in culinary adventures and artistic endeavors.

Jul 29, 2025 • 19min
357. Overappreciation
Explore the concept of appreciation as a byproduct rather than a goal in creative work. Discover how audience expectations can shape a creator's intent, yet true satisfaction lies in self-expression. Delve into the essence of genuine gratitude and its power when offered without strings attached. The conversation takes a humorous turn as it highlights the effects of social media on fame and the unpredictable nature of audience appreciation. Ultimately, it champions solving personal challenges to foster authentic creativity and growth.

Jul 22, 2025 • 19min
356. Back on Track
Dive into the intriguing world of habits and routines! The hosts tackle the challenge of getting back on track after disruptions, exploring how our environments influence our behaviors. They'll share personal anecdotes about maintaining fitness goals while traveling and the emotional rollercoaster of personal projects. Plus, discover the role of intentional friendships in habit formation and how small adjustments can lead to big changes. Join them for a mix of insights and humor as they navigate the journey of re-establishing habits!

Jul 15, 2025 • 21min
355. What the FOOC?
Explore the intriguing concept of opportunity cost and how it impacts decision-making. Discover the fears related to setting boundaries and engaging in practical goal setting. Learn strategies for balancing ambitious aspirations with real-world responsibilities. Jen and Pete discuss the importance of establishing a minimum engagement fee to streamline professional opportunities. Tune in for insights on navigating scarcity mindsets and the delicate dance between hope and practicality in pursuing your dreams.

Jul 8, 2025 • 18min
354. Land Snorkeling
This week, two hosts explore the whimsical concept of land snorkeling, a playful way to engage with our surroundings. They discuss how the lessons from snorkeling in the sea can be applied on land, encouraging mindfulness and deeper connections with nature. Personal anecdotes reveal the joy of savoring everyday moments. Listeners are invited to recognize their unique strengths and embrace curiosity in daily life, reminding us to appreciate the beauty often overlooked.

Jul 1, 2025 • 18min
353. Q&As
Dive into the world of Q&A sessions and discover strategies to host them successfully! The hosts reflect on the fears that often accompany these interactions and share personal stories of overcoming those hurdles. They emphasize the importance of honest responses to cultivate trust and deepen audience engagement. Explore innovative approaches that invite participants to reflect and uncover community priorities through their questions. It's all about connection, creativity, and empowering meaningful conversations!

Jun 24, 2025 • 17min
352. Geniuses Are Humans
This week, Jen and Pete reflect on how grateful they are for their clients, and what they can do when a genius is standing in front of them, ready to be coached.Specifically, in this episode Jen and Pete talk about:Why might a person who is excellent at their craft crave further guidance from a coach?What are some tactics and strategies for coaching a genius?How might ego stand in the way of coaching or leading?To hear all episodes and read full transcripts, visit The Long and The Short Of It website: https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/.You can subscribe to our Box O’ Goodies here (https://thelongandtheshortpodcast.com/) and receive a weekly email full of book and podcast recommendations, quotes, videos, and other interesting things that Jen and Pete are noodling on. To get in touch, send an email to: hello@thelongandtheshortpodcast.com.Learn more about Pete's work here (https://humanperiscope.com/) and Jen's work here (https://jenwaldman.com/).