Today we’d like to introduce you to Cade Curtis
Hi Cade, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea for my podcast, Learning From Friends, has been with me for nearly two decades. It has evolved through various forms—writing poetry, recording family stories, interviewing friends, and sparking conversations with strangers (a gift from my dad). I’ve always been passionate about storytelling and believe everyone has a unique narrative to share, whether about hobbies, work, or life events. My strength lies in listening and making others feel comfortable. The podcast was born during COVID to keep me grounded, and I set a goal to launch it by November 1, 2021. My first episode featured one of my best friends, Chris Byess, discussing his journey as an author. The premise is simple: I sit down with a friend, they choose a topic, and we explore it organically, building on our existing relationship. Since its inception, I’ve released bi-weekly episodes and as of my three-year anniversary, I have produced 88 episodes. I’ve never imposed a time limit on discussions, as I feel it constricts the conversation. Some episodes naturally extend to 2-3 hours, and it always feels right to keep going.
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?
Navigating the journey of being a producer, advertiser, and interviewer has been filled with challenges. From mastering the art of interviewing and convincing guests to join, to keeping the atmosphere enjoyable, I’ve faced many hurdles. Learning to use the equipment, handling advertising, and editing each episode all come with their pressures, especially when I aim to present each guest and their topic in the best light. Despite the self-doubt that creeps in, I manage to hold it together because I genuinely enjoy the process. Editing can be the toughest part, requiring hours to remove “ums,” “ahs,” and other distractions. I follow the rule of thumb of spending about an hour to an hour and a half editing for every hour of recorded material. Finding guests can also require persistence; scheduling issues often mean a proposed guest appearance may turn into a six-month wait. Writing outlines for interviews is both enjoyable and painstaking. I want to ensure my guests feel prepared, as my approach isn’t about surprise tactics—it’s about fostering comfortable conversations. Sometimes, researching their chosen topics takes significant effort to avoid feeling out of place. To make my guests comfortable, we record wherever they prefer, which sometimes involves traveling hours to locations like living rooms, porches, or parks, with my kitchen table being the most common site after some tidying up. While using a decade-old setup can present challenges, there’s something comforting about having all my recording equipment fit neatly into an old lawyer’s briefcase.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Being a middle school teacher is incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to play a pivotal role in shaping young minds during a crucial developmental stage. The joy comes from witnessing students discover new concepts and skills, lighting up with understanding and curiosity. Each day brings its own unique challenges, but the moments of connection—whether it’s through engaging discussions, shared laughter, or seeing a student excel—make it all worthwhile. I cherish the opportunity to foster a supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves, explore their interests, and develop a love for learning. Being able to inspire and guide them as they navigate both academic and personal growth is a profound privilege that fuels my passion for education.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a curious person—something that remains true today. I’ve always been fascinated by people and their unique stories. Throughout my life, I’ve collected tales by listening to family and friends, writing poetry, making music, and sharing my own adventures. I’ve never been one to sit still; I thrive on projects and ideas. Naturally nurturing, I prefer to support others, helping elevate their stories as they reach their heights. My passion lies in storytelling and music, and I cherish creating memories with friends in our tight-knit community, the Nightcrawlers. I’ve been immersed in music, whether as a band kid in school, playing bass in a garage band, or attending concerts with my brother. Growing up on my family’s farm allowed me to explore nature, play in the mud, ride horses, and raise cows. Thanks to my supportive parents, I developed a free spirit. Now, as a middle school teacher, I find joy in nurturing young minds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.learningfromfriends.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningfromfriendspodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningFromFriends
- Twitter: https://x.com/LearningFrmFrds
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-9MA1rodJmhKMiaVS5k6kA
