Allright folks, it’s been too long. But let’s get the Ask Roulette flywheel back up and spinning. I miss hearing from y’all, I miss the idea that we can connect with strangers — lord knows we need it.
How does this work? Each newsletter you’ll see one reader’s answer to the previous week’s question. Then you’ll see the question they have for the list, which you can respond to if you’d like. Or you can just read and enjoy.
Previous ask:
Do you have imposter syndrome about anything?
[[This week, since we’re just getting started up again, I’ll answer the question.]]
Jody answers:
I’ve always felt that a sense of inadequacy is one of the great motivators. Certainly in sports, having that feeling that you’re not quite good enough, that no one believes in you… it’s always been the thing that has kept the bar just beyond my reach, which I think is the key to success. And I’ve always marveled that even the most successful people in the world find a way to feel like the underdog. (Steph Curry has an ad campaign right now where the punchline is that he was taken seventh in the draft! He still holds that grudge!)
Professionally, I’ve always doubted my writing. It’s never been my strong suit. When I read great writing, it feels like magic that I’ll never possess. So when I’ve done projects that involve a lot of writing (like Good Sport) it’s very intimidating. But it leads me to push myself. And when I’ve gotten complimented on my writing (as has happened a few times with Good Sport) it means the world.
I have larger thoughts on the language of “imposter syndrome” that I’ll tuck1 into the bottom of this newsletter. For now, on to the question.
Jody asks:
Have you ever truly, truly feared for your life?
If you’d like to answer this question, you can simply hit reply to this email and write it in. Be sure to also include a question that you’d like to submit next. And tell us a story — your answer will be the bulk of the next newsletter. We will only use your first name, but if you wish to answer anonymously, let us know.
Bits and Pieces
From time to time, I’ll throw some updates, links, and other thoughts at the bottom of the newsletter.
Podcast marketing is a weird thing. Even those two words next to each other makes me uneasy. But I’ve always felt that with a limited series, you should largely wait until after it’s done to really spread the word, so that people can go find the whole thing. Well, the first season of Good Sport is done!
This has been an immensely satisfying show to make. Not perfect, but I pushed myself and got to work with some great people. I think every episode contains at least one moment that I’m really proud of. And I’m gratified by all the feedback. I’d love for you to listen. And if you haven listened, I’d love for you to tell someone about the show. For now, here’s a fun exchange.
I’ve been posting other favorite clips on my reels. Over the next few weeks I’m going to be doing some stuff on the TED social feeds about my favorite and least favorite sports cliches. I may drop some of those into this newsletter too.
Every year, for a trip to a cabin in Montana, I make a mix. (Largely intended to be listened to while sitting on a couch on psychedelics) I basically start working on it the moment the trip is over, spend the whole next year fiddling with it, and I do think they are really good playlists. Anyway here's this year's Montana mix.
My favorite fun and complicated (and delicious) recipe to make with friends: Cha Ca La Wong. Text five people “come over next Saturday and let’s cook something complicated” and have at it.
This is an immensely funny, but also just perfectly crafted, joke.
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I’ve come to realize that motivating self-doubt is different from “imposter syndrome.” I think the imposter framing tends to put too much emphasis on personal failings — “oh, it’s your imposter syndrome that’s holding you back.” The fact is that for many, the barrier to having a seat at the table is more systemic. The language of imposter syndrome kinds settles into an unhelpful middle ground, where it can be used to avoid larger conversations about why someone isn’t being given a chance; but also not helpfully motive someone to work hard on self-improvement. I know this is a half-baked thought, so I suppose it’s perfect for a footnote.