Key Takeaways

  • Authentic connection and genuine curiosity are crucial for impactful interviewing and podcasting.
  • Believing in oneself and vocalizing that self-belief can be a catalyst for significant personal and professional change.
  • Sharing personal failures and shortcomings alongside triumphs provides valuable lessons and fosters deeper reader connection.
  • Navigating societal labels and preconceived notions requires self-advocacy and a strong belief in one’s own capabilities.
  • New York City’s intimidating exterior hides a supportive and diverse community for those willing to engage with it.

Segments

The ‘Because’ Behind the Work (~00:03:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Jonathan K. Fart’s ‘because’ is rooted in a deep-seated desire to tell other people’s stories, uncover the truth, and chronicle events with honesty and integrity.
  • Summary: Mick asks Jonathan about his ‘because,’ the deeper purpose fueling his work. Jonathan explains that his motivation stems from a lifelong passion for storytelling, a commitment to truth, and an understanding that facts and narratives evolve, requiring continuous engagement and trust from his audience.
The Power of Curiosity and Connection in Interviews (~00:07:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Genuine curiosity about the subject and the interviewee, coupled with an awareness of non-verbal cues, allows for more profound and engaging conversations.
  • Summary: Jonathan emphasizes that curiosity is the root of connection in interviews. He explains how paying attention to subtle emotional cues, like a twitch or a quiver in the voice, can lead to unexpected and more meaningful dialogue, transforming a potentially dry interview into a vibrant exchange.
The Impact of Self-Belief and Affirmation (~00:15:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Vocalizing self-belief, even in private moments, can be a powerful catalyst for change, leading to increased confidence and professional success.
  • Summary: Jonathan shares a pivotal moment where he declared out loud, ‘I am damn good at what I do,’ while in the shower. This act of self-affirmation, he believes, shifted his mindset, opened doors, and led to a period of significant professional growth and alignment.
Lessons from ‘The Wiz’ and Self-Love (~00:22:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Art, like the songs from ‘The Wiz,’ can serve as powerful mantras that reinforce the importance of self-belief and self-love.
  • Summary: The conversation touches upon the song ‘Believe in Yourself’ from ‘The Wiz,’ highlighting its uplifting message. This leads to a discussion about the foundational importance of self-belief and self-love, referencing RuPaul’s sentiment that one must love themselves to love others.
The ‘Because’ of Writing ‘Yet Here I Am’ (~00:24:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Jonathan wrote his memoir, ‘Yet Here I Am,’ to process personal stories from his summers in North Carolina and to share lessons learned from both triumphs and failures with honesty and vulnerability.
  • Summary: Jonathan explains that the impetus for writing his memoir came during a distressing period in national politics, leading him to revisit stories from his childhood summers in North Carolina. Encouraged by peers like Tamron Hall and April Ryan, he decided to put these experiences, including his failures and shortcomings, onto paper.
Navigating Labels and Educational Tracking (~00:35:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Societal and educational systems can prematurely label individuals, particularly minority boys, but self-advocacy and a strong sense of self-worth are crucial to overcoming these limitations.
  • Summary: Jonathan recounts an experience where a guidance counselor questioned his low IQ score despite his strong coursework, suggesting he wouldn’t go to college. He relates this to broader societal labeling of African American men and draws parallels with similar experiences shared by Michelle Obama and Valerie Jarrett in their memoirs, highlighting the importance of not letting labels define one’s potential.
New York City: Hard on the Outside, Soft on the Inside (~00:44:00)
  • Key Takeaway: New York City’s reputation for being harsh and intimidating is a deliberate screening mechanism that ultimately reveals a supportive and diverse community for those who engage with it.
  • Summary: Jonathan describes his analogy of New York City as ‘hard on the outside, soft on the inside,’ likening it to an M&M. He explains that the city’s initial toughness screens out those not committed, while those who persevere discover a community built on shared routines, diverse interactions, and friendships based on connection rather than professional status.
Washington D.C. vs. New York City (~00:51:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Washington D.C. is characterized by its ambitious and competitive nature, akin to a ‘giant high school,’ whereas New York City offers a more personal and community-focused experience for its residents.
  • Summary: Jonathan contrasts the environments of Washington D.C. and New York City. He describes D.C. as a place filled with highly driven individuals, reminiscent of high school archetypes, while New York fosters a sense of personal community and connection that transcends professional achievements.
Dream Day and Book Promotion (~00:55:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Jonathan’s ideal day would involve a simple, extended lunch conversation with Michelle Obama, and his book ‘Yet Here I Am’ is available wherever books are sold, with a preference for local bookstores.
  • Summary: When asked about his dream day, Jonathan wishes for a long lunch with Michelle Obama to simply talk. He then directs listeners to purchase his book, ‘Yet Here I Am,’ from local bookstores or any retailer where books are sold, and shares his social media handle, @KPartJ.