There is something delightful about people who get jazzed about a topic, even if the topic is weird (by my standards) or not something I’m necessarily interested in.
I have read most of Malcolm Gladwell’s books and have enjoyed them thoroughly. Some of the pieces within them are about topics that I wouldn’t necessarily choose to read about. But they were in the book. So I read them. And they were interesting!
He has a podcast called Revisionist History. Some of them I enjoyed because the content was up my alley. But then he turned to talking about music history which, oddly, I wasn’t super-interested in.
And yet, I was captivated.
He was so immersed in what he was talking about and so excited to share it that it was interesting to listen to.
Six-ish months ago, I bought a one-year subscription to MasterClass. Not entirely understanding what I’d purchased, I was delighted to learn that I had access to all of the classes, not just the one I thought I had bought.
I’m taking in all of the classes about either writing or photography. (The Kid has enjoyed some episodes of Penn and Teller and others about space travel.)
In the time I’ve been a member, new classes have been added, including one by Malcolm Gladwell.
It’s about writing, so I was going to watch it regardless, but by this point, I’d become a fan enough that I would have watched at least some of it anyway.
And it doesn’t disappoint.
Listening to the podcast adds voice, inflection, etc. that the consumer doesn’t get in writing.
Watching the MasterClass adds gestures and facial expressions.
If nothing else, he is excited about his work and the stories he tells.
I have no connection to him though I’d love to share a meal or afternoon tea, I get no kickbacks for books, podcast listeners, or MasterClass subscribers (though I think I can maybe give you a referral link to MasterClass and get a discount on a renewal). I am just delighted that his work has crossed my path at this point in time when I appreciate them.
Have you been in a space where you’ve been captivated by someone’s enthusiasm about something that you otherwise might not be interested in?