Trust the process (again)

I wrote about it in the past, but here we are again.

I have finished mixing the upcoming Missing Niamh podcast, which will be out in less than two weeks. Many people will listen to it and move on, some will leave a comment or a review, and some will contact us to discuss it further.

But few, if any, will think about the process of making it. And that’s fine.

However, the project reminded me to trust in the team and myself.

A couple of years ago, when I first received the first drafts of the scripts from our Casefile host and our editor, Anthony, I read them and thought they were a bit of a mess. But I thought, ‘We have done it many times before; trust the process.’

When I received the first recorded drafts of episodes and interviews and thought they were too long and convoluted, I said, ‘We have done it many times before; trust the process.’

When I sat down to write the music for the show, with no clue how to start, I thought, 'You’ve done this many times before; trust the process.’

Over the last months, as we worked together on the project and chipped away at the drafts, the music, the interviews, and the mixes, a picture started to emerge. When I listened to the final mix, it was almost like it all just happened—like the final thing appeared out of nowhere, like we didn’t even work on it.

It’s a strange feeling I always get at the end. A sense of completion but also detachment, like I left part of myself there, and there is a hole inside that needs to be filled with something else.

Now that I am writing this, I realise how difficult it is to explain.

But one thought remains—trust the process.

WHAT AM I WORKING ON

I already mentioned the upcoming Missing Niamh. Apart from that, I am working on several Casefile episodes, which I want to prepare as I will be away for my birthday soon. These are masterful episodes from the team, and I am sure the listeners will be pleased.

Other than that, we are working on another Casefile Presents show that we want to release in November. It is less work than a limited series, but it’s work nonetheless.

WHAT AM I READING

Ultra Processed People by Chris Van Tulleken. I have finished the book, and I can recommend it. There was a tad too much biology and chemistry for my liking, but the idea stands. The food that most people eat is rubbish, and the food industry definitely doesn’t care about our health. I kinda knew most of the stuff about processed food as I read a few books about it before, but the definitions and distinctions between different additives, colourants, and other chemicals added to our food were interesting. I am definitely looking for an alternative to my protein bars now (after I finish my last boxes, of course.)

State of Affairs by Esther Perel. My therapist recommended this book several times, so I decided to give it a go. I read Mating in Captivity by the author before, and this book expands on the chapter on infidelity. What’s interesting is the description of how the institution of marriage changed over the years and why infidelity is now viewed as the ultimate betrayal - and it wasn’t like that before. It’s an interesting read so far. A bit triggering for me, though.

WHAT AM I LISTENING

I am adding a new segment to this newsletter, sorry.

Last week, I listened to a lot of Linkin Park due to their announcement of getting back together with a new vocalist, Emily Armstrong. The news, as one suspected, wasn’t without controversy, especially after the tragic passing of Chester Bennington in 2017.

However, the band was ready to start the next chapter. They released a new single, which I am hooked on, and the new album will be out in November.

I was never that much into LP, but it was my brother’s one of favourites bands. But I revisited their classic and the nostalgia hit hard.

Within Reason. Recently I have been listening to the podcast (and YouTube) by Alex O’Conner - a young philosopher, debater and atheist. He’s has a degree in Theology so it’s fascinating to hear the takes with the backing on his religious knowledge. There are also some good guests on his podcast and I recommend listening to two long episodes - Top tier arguments against Atheism and Top tier arguments pro Atheism.

WHAT AM I WATCHING

Kaos. Paulina is back so we finished the series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, the diversity of the characters as well as the funny and modern take on Greek mythology (which I am a fan). I hope they will renew for the 2nd season but you never know with Netflix. Also - Jeff Goldblum is 71 years old! He must be on that Meander water.

The Rings of Power. OK, I enjoyed episode 5 of the second season. Things are happening, there finally was a death (albeit a minor character but still). Sauron is plotting and the Rings of Power started corrupting their wearer. They took their time, I tell you that. But I am feeling like watching the trilogy again…

Jack Whithall Fatherhood. Yes, we started watching it. Yes, I enjoy it just like their previous stupid series.