19 Comments
User's avatar
Mike Sowden's avatar

Evelyn, that was a joy - thank you for being so generous with your time and for being kind enough to set this up.

(And I DEFINITELY don't know what I'm doing, but I'm having great fun finding out!)

Expand full comment
Diana M. Wilson's avatar

I LOVED this episode! And the fact that Mike opened by tipping his hat to "my one true love" (aka Bill Bryson) -signaled that this interview was going to be right up my alley. I also love this idea of committing to having fun, embracing "mistakes" as learning opportunities, and refusing to take yourself too seriously. Thx, to you both! Diana

Expand full comment
Mike Sowden's avatar

Thank you so much for watching, Diana - and hooray for Bill Bryson! I'm a bit sad he announced his retirement from writing in 2020, but he's certainly earned it - I owe a lot to his style of writing, both in my current career and my previous one (as a travel writer). What I think many folk don't get about him is how experienced he is as a traditional journalist, working in Fleet Street in London for a while. I really can write in any non-fiction style he chooses, and yet it always sounds like him. I hope he gets restless enough to come back for another book or two...

Expand full comment
Diana M. Wilson's avatar

I will keep my fingers crossed right along with you! Thx again for agreeing to be on Evelyn’s podcast and also for reading and responding to my comment. Best of luck to you in all your endeavors, D

Expand full comment
Krystyna's avatar

This was so informative and inspiring...I love the idea of presenting yourself as a student, ready to learn and interact.

Thank you!

Expand full comment
Sam Robinson's avatar

Loved learning more about Mike! I really appreciate his experimental mindset; this convo provoked a lot of ideas!

Expand full comment
Mike Sowden's avatar

Thanks for watching, Sam (and it's down to Evelyn for asking such great questions)! Regarding an experimental approach, I recently discovered this bestselling book - https://nesslabs.com/book - and it very much reflects what I've found to work with my newsletter, and had a ton more to teach me, so I think you'd find it a good read.

Expand full comment
Sam Robinson's avatar

Amazing! Thank for sharing this, Mike. Will dig in!

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

Mike is the best.

Expand full comment
Mike Sowden's avatar

No, YOU are the best. Hooray! Our first fight! (Thank you, Jolene.)

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

😆!!!

Expand full comment
Evelyn Skye's avatar

He is SUCH a delight! I love his perspective on the world.

Expand full comment
Jolene Handy's avatar

Agree!

Expand full comment
Smriti Richard's avatar

This was such a brilliant episode! I learned so much and found a new substack that’s very much up my alley. Thanks for hosting such a great event episode, Evelyn! 🙂

Expand full comment
Evelyn Skye's avatar

Hooray!!!

Expand full comment
Steph Rae Moran's avatar

What a delightful interview to listen to! Mike provided great tips and insights--thank you!

Expand full comment
Kathy Napoli's avatar

The honesty in Mike is welcoming and a breath of fresh air. Love the thought process of learning each day, each newsletter, each book we read or often listen to. Talent and skill go hand in hand. Both of you have this in abundance. Putting his style into his writing is captivating. Loved this interview!

Expand full comment
Evelyn Skye's avatar

I share your opinion of Mike wholeheartedly, Kathy! Thank you so much for your kindness, as always!

Expand full comment
Mike Sowden's avatar

STOP IT I'M BRITISH WE CAN'T TAKE COMPLIMENTS *hides in garden shed*.

Thank you both for your kindness - and thank you, Evelyn, for being such a great interviewer, which truly is a rare skill.

Expand full comment