Today we’d like to introduce you to Sil Anen.
Hi Sil, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I often say that I began podcasting because no one told me that I couldn’t. I’d like to encourage anyone to follow their passion without permission!
I think that my love for podcasting began brewing years ahead of my first published episode with my love of a good story. I moved from reading to writing and scriptwriting to producing storytelling events and film before I released my first episode. That episode was terrible! Ach! But it was a start and there were plenty more that were so bad that I couldn’t post them, but they were instrumental to teaching me the ropes.
I am now nearing 100 published episodes, and I can attribute it to a few things: consistently showing up to put out good content that my guests and I can be proud of, listening to other podcasters, and being part of podcaster forums to get new ideas, work through blocks, and just expand the possibilities outside of my own mind. Most importantly, podcasting is a people-driven medium that requires the generosity of guests and supporters. I am deeply grateful to the amazing people who have taken the time to be part of my podcast, whether it’s via sharing their story, giving me feedback, or just listening. A powerful dynamic happens because when you produce good content and want to succeed, others want to see you succeed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Considering that I’d never podcasted before jumping into the deep end, it’s been pretty smooth. The main issue that I run into is related to sound quality. You always want to publish with high-quality sound, but it isn’t always possible, especially when a guest asks for a live recording. I gladly do that occasionally because of equipment limitations, or sometimes, a guest is nervous and prefers an in-person chat. Generally, those spaces are not designed for hi-def sound… and that’s okay! Sometimes, it’s kind of fun to have ambient sounds seep in and give the episode a realistic quality. I just warn listeners ahead of time about the sound, and I haven’t had any complaints. After a few minutes, the ear accommodates.
Other issues are with technology choosing the worst time to glitch… it’s always the worst time, isn’t it? Ha!
I have only missed one deadline and it was due to not doing my research based on assumption. I can’t stress enough the importance of thoroughly researching your subject matter. Research is so important in not only putting out quality content but allowing you to decide in advance whether a project is worth the effort and whether it will produce a result you can be proud of.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a podcaster, writer, film and storytelling producer, cook, gardener, and avid hiker. My passion is in hosting and producing interesting and inspiring conversations through my award-winning podcast with guests that range from well-known artists and restaurateurs to jewelers, poets, combat heroes, and many more. My guests represent an eclectic mix of backgrounds and experiences that collectively form a relatable and impactful community. Stories are what bond us by strengthening our connections through validating, inspiring, motivating, and humorous experiences. My podcast is a vehicle for connection.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Wow, I have many. I think that collectively, they instilled my deep love of natural places and my headstrong nature to tackle hard things and succeed.
I actually have two memories that come to mind that illustrate that. They’re both from early childhood, like age 4 or 5 when my grandfather would come home from work and right away take me for a walk around the block or bike riding on the paths that meandered through the park that was across the street from the end of our block. It was such a daily ritual that I would be dressed and ready for an outdoor adventure with him. Sometimes, we’d get an ice cream at the Thrifty’s, and we’d watch squirrels chase each other around the pine trees in the park while we ate them.
The other memory is from swim lessons. They were inside this cavernous building. It was always kind of dark in there, and its enormity just made me fearful to let go of the edge. I’d cling to the instructor with a vice grip whenever she tried to get me away from the wall. On the last day of lessons, my aunt Mayi was gently chiding me at the edge of the pool in that way that adults will to let kids know that they love them but that they totally need to level up immediately. My swim teacher was still in the water, and she swam over to join the conversation. And there I was in my bathing suit and swimcap, but I wasn’t really listing to the two women. I was staring deep into the turquois water because somewhere inside me, it had clicked that I was born a swimmer, and I leaped off the edge. I thrived in swim, high dive, and water polo teams through to my 20s.
I think that both of these memories are part of a network of foundational experiences that collectively provide my appreciation of nature and people, along with a strong drive to succeed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thequaintrellepodcast.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thequaintrellepodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuaintrellePodcast
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sil-anen-196688239/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuaintrellePod
- Youtube: @thequaintrellepodcast6927
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thequaintrelle
