Beech Tree News Network

Most of my internet cruising these days is Twitter and information for articles I write.  If you look at my search history on my laptop, I’d say 90% or more is a hodgepodge of sites devoted to the topic I’m writing about that Tuesday.  Like most all writers, I have my writing days.  For instance, Tuesday is the day I write this column that you read here every week.  Saturday morning is when I type my wrestling column (www.nodq.com if you’re interested-in the columns section). 

I approach my wrestling column differently than this one.  That column is usually my opinion (sense a pattern) on the wrestling shows of the previous week.  The only time that requires the internet is getting on the link I was given when I started this venture years ago.  That link is where I write the column.  When I’m done, I look it over to make sure there aren’t any misspellings or anything.  Then I press “post”.  It’s a pretty cool feeling to feed all of your interests. 

A few years ago, I started writing a book.  It’s on my laptop but I’ve put it on the backburner.  Creative juices run dry.  It happens sometimes.  Oh, but creativity is not limited to the page-no, no, no! 

Back in November, when we were 8 months into the pandemic, I decided I’d do a little looking around for a podcast home.  The first thing I was looking for was a free app.  Why pay for what places will let you do for free. I settled on a website called anchor.  My podcast, Blendertainment, is on Apple, Spotify, Breaker (whatever that is), RadioPublic, Google podcasts and Pocketcasts.  

Why do I call it Blendertainment? As I covered in my first episode last year, this podcast will include a little bit of everything, hence the “blend” part.  I took the end of “entertainment” because I throw in a lot of music, what I’m reading that week, and yes, wrestling.  I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t talk at least a little wrestling, right?

Back when this idea of mine was in its infancy, probably last September, I was texting a friend about it and asked what it should be about.  She said whatever I wanted it to be about.  I was off and running.  I just wish my voice was louder, though.  I listen back to a little sometimes and I sound like one of those ASMR people.  Then I turned m iPad up and it was fine.  Well, it was sort of fine.  I still have work to do.  

Did I ever think I would be a podcaster? No, I did not.  Am I glad I started one? Yes I am, honestly.