Character Matters

I’d set up and tested the recording gear. I phoned my podcast guest and listened through my headphones. Nothing. I picked up my phone and put it to my ear.

“Sorry. Technical difficulties.” I adjusted a few buttons, and asked if I could call back.

I did. Problems persisted. I began to feel flustered, trying to solve what was wrong as quickly as I could so I didn’t waste my guest’s time.

“Darryl,” my guest said. “It’s no problem. Take your time.”

He exuded calm. He wasn’t just bein...