In The Beginning

A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness. It is never a thought to begin with.” 

That’s Robert Frost, and I believe his insight is about the act of creation as much as it is about the act of writing a poem.

I think all the best content I’ve ever heard on radio begins just about as Frost said of poems, with an emotion.

If you are trying to make your radio career successful, let Frost’s words help guide you.

I don’t know the restrictions you’re under, whether you have 30 seconds once an hour to speak, or multiple opportunities, or none at all — when your only content is station hype, meaningless liners written from afar.

But consider this…

Heed the words of Robert Frost. Start with a big fat lump in your throat. Start with a profound sense of wrong, a deep homesickness, a crazy lovesickness — and run with it.”

“If you imagine less, less will be what you undoubtedly deserve.”

“Do what you love. And don’t stop until you get what you love. Work as hard as you can. Imagine immensities. Don’t compromise and don’t waste time.”

“In order to strive for a remarkable life, you have to decide that you want one.”

“Start now. Not twenty years from now. Not thirty years from now. Not two weeks from now. Now!

That’s Debbie Millman and you know she’s right.

Great content always makes us feel. It always connects emotionally.

And you should strive to create it every break.