In this episode, podcaster Tracy Crow, an author, writing coach, and Marine Corps veteran, reunites with Eckerd College alum, Norris Comer, a 29-year-old native of Portland, Oregon, and managing editor of Northwest Yachting Magazine, to discover how Norris combines his passion for science and nature with his passion for storytelling. With a willingness to approach each day as a study in liberal arts, Norris finds plenty of "fodder" for storytelling. "Life can be scary," he says, "if you live in a bubble...and much more enjoyable through knowledge and a willingness to appreciate the interconnections of all things." Making connections through story seems to come natural to Norris. "Everything needs a storyteller," he says, and shares how storytellers help to breathe life into scientific discoveries overwhelmed with data. On his LinkedIn page, Norris states, "I think Forrest Gump is a great role model," and he tells Tracy why: "Forrest Gump is a man who doesn't project himself onto the world. He's an observer, present for the moment, and his sense of humor and acceptance resonate with me." Norris shares how he, too, enjoys the serendipity of life -- whether fishing in Alaska when the Valdez decision was delivered and firsthand witnessing the anger and frustration of local fishermen or attending the first inauguration of President Barack Obama and helping to Occupy Wall Street. After a summer of Alaskan fishing, he delayed college for a year to travel around the world, and traveled by train throughout Russia, even visiting Siberia. "I called my dad and said I wasn't so sure now that this was the best idea -- visiting Siberia in February. My dad said, 'It's the best time to visit Siberia!'" When Tracy asks Norris what he believes his 80-year-old self would one day wish to tell 29-year-old Norris, he says, "I'd probably encourage young Norris to get in more trouble. 'Go out with that woman...bad idea...but you learned a lot. Take that job...bad idea...but you learned a lot.'" So let's listen in, as Tracy and Norris reunite, share a little of their history with one another, and discover Norris's insightful take on what it means to him to live a creative life.
To read articles by Norris, visit Northwest Yachting Magazine.
EP #34: Navy veteran, author shares excerpts from new novel, No Salvation
EP #33: Who's fired up for (stained) glass?
EP #32: How to inspire creativity at the 9-to-5!
EP #31: Fear of gardening? What could possibly go wrong?
EP #30: Part 2 -- "Train's Comin'"! Military wife reads excerpt from PTSD memoir
EP #29: Part 1 -- Military wife uses writing as a pathway through PTSD
EP #28: Portrait artist redefines self-expression through abstract painting
EP #27: A celebration of poets and their poetry -- part 2!
EP #26: DISCLAIMER -- These poems may change you!
EP #25: Pulling paintings out of the fire -- nurse practioner finds meaning in the journey
EP #24: Part 1 -- Pediatric psychiatric nurse practioner blends science and art to refill her well
EP #23: Part 2 -- Novelist, Navy vet Jeffery Hess discusses value of writing workshops, personal process
EP #22: Part 1 -- Novelist, Navy vet crafts newest book from historic events
EP #21: Part 2: Discovering stillness, gifts through life-changing Vision Quest
EP #20: Part 1-- No phone, food, or shelter...she's answering the call for a Vision Quest in the NC wilderness
EPISODE 19: Part 2 -- How viewing life through the lens of a storyteller reveals truths & the true Self
EPISODE 18: Part 1-- Going viral...writer discovers surprising gifts amid storm of negativity
EPISODE 17: Part 2 -- Army veteran reads excerpt of compelling PTSD memoir
EPISODE 16: Part 1 -- Writing journey transforms Army vet from PTSD agoraphobia to "new normal-BIG life"
EPISODE 15: After trauma, she's sewing, quilting a new life -- "one stitch at a time"
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Voices of Misery Podcast
House of Whimsical Terror
Just Dumb Enough Podcast
Stuff You Should Know
Timcast IRL