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Special Father’s Day Edition: Wisdom, Family and Tony Caridi – June 16, 2024 – 50th Edition
Ask. Don’t Just Assume
Father’s Day Greetings from Parkwood Studios in West Virginia-
I’m enjoying a leisurely morning on my back deck. Birds are chirping. Hanging planters are filled with colorful characters the likes of Coleus and Silver Falls. A steaming mug of coffee sits within reach.
What joys have you found this weekend? Whether you’ve enjoyed time with friends, tasted delicious food, enjoyed live music or explored a new nature trail, I celebrate with you.
One of our shared joys is the study of wisdom. The fruit of those efforts is personal growth and expanded capacity for understanding. It’s knowing, understanding and responding. Especially discerning if– and when– to respond.
Wisdom is incredibly valuable in times of life transitions. Entering into parenthood. Moving to a new place. Gaining trust and acceptance within a new group. Choosing to forgive. Transitions are tough. Wisdom reduces the friction, if just a little bit.
In my interview with Tony Caridi, we touch upon all of these topics. I expected we’d talk about WVU sports and podcasting. We did. And we shared a rich conversation about family, wisdom, dedication and those things that truly matter in life.
Let’s kick things off!
New – Episode 111
Featuring Hall of Fame Broadcaster Tony Caridi
Thinking of fathers—and their influence, as you listen to this new show, notice the impact and the influence Tony’s father Joe had upon his life. We didn’t set out to weave a fatherhood theme into our show. We weren’t even thinking about Father’s Day, when we recorded in late April. Nevertheless, the threads and traces of it are unmistakable with uncanny timing for today. I think that’s neat.
Tony Caridi moved to West Virginia from New York in 1984. He began his first job, joining the broadcast team of the Mountaineer Sports Network, planning to stay for about six months after gaining some early career experience. What has kept Tony in West Virginia, now for 40 years? You’ll be surprised to hear what adheres him to the Mountain State.
This is a 46-minute special episode. The content of this conversation with Tony Caridi will surprise and delight you. As for the extra 30 minutes beyond our typical length, some content is simply too good to cut. Enjoy!
Dive into it by clicking the button below or pressing ‘Play’ on your favorite podcast app.
Wisdom Lesson 50
From Doubt to Delight: the Power of Asking without Assumptions
One insight I gained from my Tony Caridi experience: never assume a “No” on someone else’s behalf. This principle has reshaped how I approach opportunities and interactions.
For two years, Tony Caridi was on my “wish list” of podcast guests. During that span, I convinced myself it wasn’t possible. Not going to happen, I thought.
I imagined barriers—contractual restrictions, a packed schedule, disinterest. My self-doubt became a pessimistic voice, holding me back. After all, there was no way it would happen, right?
But one morning in April, something shifted. With an ounce of courage and an equal measure of resolve, I crafted a concise pitch. Knowing Tony’s active Twitter presence, I sent him a direct message there.
Anxiety tingled as I took a deep breath, said a little prayer, and hit send on my hopeful DM. My mind raced with mostly negative outcomes. Yet, 50 minutes later, the reply popped on my phone, defying my expectations. Tony responded: “Sure … let’s do it.”
This experience imparted a vital lesson: never say “No” for someone else without letting them respond. It’s a common error to project doubts and assumptions onto future situations and opportunities, preemptively closing doors. By doing so, we limit our potential and miss growth opportunities.
Psychology refers to such tendencies and behaviors as “self-handicapping.” Author Carol S. Dweck addressed this in her terrific best-seller, Mindset: the New Psychology of Success.
“Self-handicapping is a way of protecting your ego, but in the process, it holds you back from growing and achieving your potential. By making excuses for your potential failures, you never allow yourself the opportunity to truly succeed.”
Carol S. Dweck, “Mindset: the New Psychology of Success”
Reaching out to Tony was more than securing a guest; it was a testament to risk-taking and believing in possibilities. It underscored the importance of courage in uncertainty and the rewards of stepping beyond comfort zones.
Had I continued to assume Tony was a No, I would have missed out on a very rich and valuable conversation.
Willingness to ask, to put ourselves out there, is crucial for achieving goals and dreams. Whether inviting a guest, applying for a job, or pursuing a project, the initial leap of faith is the hardest but most rewarding part.
Give people the opportunity to say “Yes.” Avoid letting our assumptions decide the outcome. By asking, you open doors to unimaginable possibilities.
Remember: you will never know unless you ask.
Word of the Week: Fallacy
My two years of not asking Tony was predicated upon a fallacy. What’s the most recent fallacy you’ve uncovered?
Fallacy – noun
- A mistaken belief, especially one founded on unsound argument
- Faulty reasoning
Origin: Latin, late 15th century; Latin – “fallacia”
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One Last Thing …
Thank you for reading, listening and leading. You are a difference-maker, and I appreciate you very much.
We’re still looking for a couple testers who’d be willing to take one chapter for a test drive (for free) and provide feedback to help me shape this new product. Send me an email if you are interested.
