[Ivette]

Here’s a more polished version of your message:

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Hey everyone,

I had an amazing conversation with two Fordham University students today—Ella and Kate! It went way better than I expected. I brought out my list of questions (one day, I’ll be able to do these conversations without needing a printout). I was at a University event and had chatted with them a bit beforehand. Then, I asked if they’d be willing to answer some questions about the environment, and they were happy to oblige.

I was really excited as they answered all the questions perfectly. I didn’t need to guide the conversation at all—it was smooth and on point. I wanted to move on to the “Create a Commitment” section, but they had to leave. I was a little disappointed because I was on a roll, but overall, I’m really happy with how it went. Looking forward to sharing more tomorrow.

[Ivette]

Tony Hansen: Part I

“When you do something you don’t have to do.” I feel the same way when I do something just because. I am not looking for validation, monetary rewards, or expecting something in return. I do it because it makes me feel good and, most importantly, makes the receiving party happy. This like many podcasts I imagine because I’ve only heard this one is a perfect example of the Spodek Method. It wasn’t just a question, answer, question, answer, and so on. The conversation flowed smoothly, which is my goal.

I had the opportunity to have conversations with three young college grads. I have to say it went better than I expected, at least when I reached the third person, Emile. He shared his experience in Massachusetts when he volunteered on a farm. He said it was one of the most wonderful experiences he’s had. Emile shared sensory memories, such as how the earth felt in his hands, the way it smelled and the rain on his skin. Emotions that came to mind were feelings of oneness, belongingness, connection, and peace. I asked the first question and he pretty much filled in the rest. I had to nudge him on the last question because he only expressed one emotion.

[Ivette]

October 29, 2024
Francis G

Francis said the environment is important to her, but could not recall a moment when it became important to her. Then she said she didn’t want to be interviewed. I started off with, “I am doing a workshop.” So maybe I should have just started a conversation.

November 2, 2024
Tiana T.

I interviewed my friend Tiana via phone. I told her I was doing a workshop about the environment (E) and asked if she would like to participate and answer a few questions. She said the E is important and that she could do more. Since she didn’t elaborate on what she could do more I asked, In what way have you acted on it? Then she said she tries not to use disposable items and likes to help other people who care about the environment. She responded to the second question by sharing her grounding experiences and how much she loved those moments. She could recall the scent of pine and how delicious and clean it smelled. She described how her feet felt in the sand and how soft and cool. I tried to get her to tell me how she felt. It took three times to get her to describe her emotions. She mentioned how much she loved that it only took her 15 minutes to get to the beach and how she left everything behind, like the noise, garbage, clutter, etc.., the urban environment, and how free and calm she felt. So I led with that and set up a scenario of her getting to the beach and walking towards the ocean and this is when she finally expressed her emotions. She said, relaxed, meditative, joyous and calm. But that was it. I find that it’s difficult for people to connect and express their emotions. I don’t know if I am coming across as too aggressive to my interviewee to express how they felt, or if my questions about expressing their emotions make them uncomfortable. Or is it me? I’m finding that with each interview I am learning more about myself too.

November 1, 2024
Santosh

There was good communication between myself and Santosh, but it was a bit frustrating because I couldn’t get him to talk about himself. He said, “It’s important… not as an individual … I mean to do something as a group…politicians need to get involved…” I tried giving him an example of how I feel I am contributing as an “individual” to the environment by carrying my utensils instead of opting for disposable ones. I also shared how I volunteered to clean the Bronx River and he said he doesn’t think those acts are impactful and shouldn’t be put on the individual and that a collective effort is more impactful. I agree with both efforts. I told Santosh that there might be things he does every day that he might not be aware of that impacts the environment positively and asked, is there anything you can think of now? He said, “I really can’t and, to be honest, I think it’s the wrong way to look at it… none of these things make a difference … Getting the vast majority of people to solve the problem together …” I told him that’s the reason why I joined this workshop and how we hope, as a collective to make a difference. I asked him question number two. He said, “I’m in Spain and there’s “ … flooding, people are dying … the news … the world is in trouble.” I then asked him, “How did that make you feel, he said, “Bad”. I went on and on (about two minutes) about my experiences, hoping he would connect with his feelings. Maybe that was not a good idea. It didn’t work. He started talking about the government. He made good points, but I couldn’t get him to express his emotions. I asked if there was a favorite place he likes to go to and he said a nice park across the street from his residence and he likes to go on long walks. I asked him if he could describe what the park looks like, how it smells, etc…? He said, trees, ponds, manmade things, people fishing, and added, “There’s a connection that can’t be explained.” I then described a preserve in Rye, NY. I described what I saw and how it made me feel. Then I asked, “What are the emotions that come up when you’re in your favorite park”, and he said calmness. And that was the end of the interview. Then I thought, I have to get better at this. Was it me, or was it him?

[Author]

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