We are back
From the paradise
The radio silence is over, and we are back!
We've been away on the other side of the world - Australia. The trip was beautiful, with several personal highlights.
I've met up with my cousin Kinga, who has been travelling for the last year and a half. We grew up, partied and shared a student house for years, and it was great to see her after so long.
After a few days in Sydney, she was off again, this time to South America.
We also had a long time coming Casefile crew meet-up. It was only for a night, but the first time in 7 years that most of the core team could meet in person.
We all work remotely, and the flexibility of the schedule allows everyone to work around family time and other commitments. However, I always say there is nothing like meeting people face to face. It elevates the relationships and makes the bonds stronger.
Hopefully, we don't need to wait another seven years to do it again.
We spent the rest of our time in Australia at our Casefile's host home, where we relaxed and checked out incredible sights - it was good to slow down for a second.
Then another big highlight - the trip to the Blue Mountains, where we hiked the treks for a couple of days. Being in nature helps to disconnect, reflect and get a perspective on life, at least for me.
It was an active few days and worth it; the national park is now definitely one of my favourite places I visited.
On top of it all, this was my most extended work-free holiday in 15 years. It's not that we don't take time off. Of course, we do, but it's usually short breaks throughout the year, with laptops in hand.
This time I prepped my work and wanted to disconnect completely. I wanted to start 2023 on a different note. More relaxed and appreciative of life.
This trip has done that. My wife, Paulina, said that this was the best trip of her life so far, and I concur. There was nothing I would change or complain about, even the length.
We also experienced what Tim Ferris named - time dilation. When by doing many various things, time stretches. Because we have done so many things during these (not even complete) two weeks, it felt like we have been there for months.
Would I stay longer?
Yes and no.
We had a fantastic time and great weather, but I started to miss our dog Benji, playing music and my work. So I left the beautiful country of Australia sad but at the same time happy to be back home and to make new memories.
It definitely won't be the last time we visit.
But mate, that plane travel is long!
PODCAST PRODUCER LATEST
As we are nearing the end of our break, the Casefile team is ready for another season.
We are preparing a big case for our comeback, and at the minute, I am waiting for the final dialogues. I should be starting production on Monday.
Casefile Presents shows are full steam ahead. This week I need to finish the QC notes and final mixes on our latest podcast for Jan/Feb release. I also need to complete the music for another show (March release) and prepare sessions for yet another one!
YOUTUBE
We will be experimenting with the Youtube format this year and posting a variety of videos. I hope that we find what works for us in 2023. I recorded a few videos in Australia, so these should be fun!
We've also released a couple of videos lately.
In this video, I want to discuss how I work as an audio editor. The idea is to simplify and use minimalism in podcasting and audio production.
And here we are trying to record in different locations
LEARNING
Before my trip, I submitted my first assignment for the new unit - Writing to a Brief.
It was a rush job as I was finalising all my work simultaneously. However, the feedback I got was better than expected, so an excellent start to the year!
The next assignment starts tomorrow, and I only have two weeks to complete it!
BOOKS
During my trip, I read three short books.
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida. A somewhat controversial book on masculinity. Deida's book's premise and overall philosophy are interesting, but I can see how some parts can offend. Still, it was an alright read on a plane.
The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd. It's one of these 'ditch 9-5' books that there are plenty of around. However, I found it pleasurable to read. It's not a groundbreaking idea, especially if someone has read similar books before but still, a good reminder that there are different ways to live and enjoy our lives. It is aimed at a Western audience, though.
The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. One of the most interesting books I've read lately. Singer is a spiritual teacher, businessman and author. The book is part memoir, part his philosophy on surrendering to the flow of life. The interesting part is how he blends his spiritual discoveries with business acumen as he flows from one moment to the next. I enjoyed it, and it made me rethink my outlook for 2023.
FUN
Well, as I mentioned at the beginning, the two weeks away were amazing.
We didn't, of course, get to see any TV or shows, but being in Australian nature beats all of it.
But!
Glass Onion. Just before our trip, we watched the sequel to Knives Out. I enjoyed the first movie and was looking forward to this one. The acting and production were good, but I found the story was a letdown. Also, I wouldn't say I liked the sequel's direction - more humour, less mystery.
It was an ok watch.
That's it for now. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you (hopefully!) next week!
Mike
https://mikemigas.com/
Some of the links in the newsletter could be affiliate links.