Shannon Cason's Homemade Episode: "It's OK to Be Boring"

Release Date: November 14, 2024
Host: Shannon Cason
Podcast Title: Shannon Cason's Homemade

Introduction: Embracing the Ordinary

In the episode titled "It's OK to Be Boring," Shannon Cason delves into his personal journey of discovering the value in embracing boredom and the ordinary aspects of life. Opening with a reflection on his extensive experience as a storyteller, Shannon sets the stage for an introspective narrative about growth, interests, and authenticity.

Shannon Cason [00:00]: "With age comes experience, so I'm going to pass on some of my wisdom for free."

Early Relationship with Books: From Resistance to Reluctant Reader

Shannon begins by sharing his childhood aversion to reading. He recounts memories of his babysitter, Ms. Clinton, who encouraged him to read instead of engaging in outdoor play. Despite his resistance, these early encounters with books planted the seeds for his eventual appreciation of literature.

Shannon Cason [00:45]: "Libraries are boring. See, as a kid, I wanted to develop my skills at jumping ramps on my bike, playing basketball, going to Pepper Creek to catch garter snakes."

His mother's attempts to foster his reading habits were met with frustration, reinforcing his belief that books were inherently dull.

Shannon Cason [02:15]: "I remember my mom taking me to the library, and it almost felt like a punishment."

A Pivotal Revelation: The Power of Being Boring

The turning point in Shannon's relationship with reading occurs during a visit to his cousin Mary. Observing her deep engagement with a Stephen King novel, he gains a new perspective on the importance of embracing moments of boredom. Mary's assertion that "it's okay to be boring" profoundly impacts him, challenging his previous notions about excitement and productivity.

Mary [02:45]: "Shannon, books are boring. And it's okay to do boring things."

Shannon Cason [04:10]: "That was an incredible revelation for me. It's okay to be boring. Wow, that's a new concept."

This moment serves as a catalyst for Shannon, encouraging him to balance his active pursuits with the quiet introspection that reading offers.

Rediscovering Fiction: Fueling Creativity and Authenticity

Inspired by Mary's words, Shannon revisits his love for reading, particularly fiction, as a means to nurture his creativity. He reflects on how fiction became his "creative muse," influencing his professional and personal life.

Shannon Cason [10:00]: "Fiction is my creative muse. For business, for family, for life."

He shares his experience of picking up "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson after a long hiatus from fiction. The book not only reignites his passion for reading but also fuels his imagination, leading to vivid, albeit humorous, apprehensions about a zombie apocalypse.

Shannon Cason [12:30]: "My mind had created vivid nightmares rooted in my own fears of a zombie apocalypse. And we're definitely getting a zombie apocalypse."

Balancing Professionalism and Personal Interests

As Shannon transitions into his professional career, he notices a shift in his reading habits towards self-help and business nonfiction. While beneficial for his career, this focus leads him to feel like he's becoming "everyone," diluting his authentic self.

Shannon Cason [20:15]: "Being everyone is what's really boring. Being everyone doesn't make me a better employee, salesperson or leader. Being everyone neglects the world of the real me."

Recognizing this, Shannon decides to reconnect with his genuine interests by incorporating fiction back into his reading repertoire, thus reclaiming his individuality and creativity.

Impact on Personal Life: Teaching by Example

Shannon's newfound appreciation for embracing boredom and reading fiction extends to his personal life, particularly in his relationship with his daughter. When she questions his choice to read over engaging in play, Shannon imparts the valuable lesson he learned from Mary.

Shannon Cason [25:50]: "Doing boring things help you never become a boring person. It's okay to be boring."

This advice fosters a shared love for reading between Shannon and his daughter, highlighting the episode's central theme of finding value in the seemingly mundane.

Conclusion: Celebrating Authentic Interests

Shannon wraps up the episode by reaffirming his commitment to reading diverse genres, especially crime fiction, and encourages listeners to share their book recommendations. He emphasizes that embracing one's true interests, even if they are perceived as boring by others, leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Shannon Cason [30:00]: "If you have any good suggestions on books, crime fiction or otherwise, shoot me a note or leave it in the comments, let me know."

He extends gratitude to his supporters and listeners, reinforcing the community aspect of his storytelling journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing Boredom: Accepting and valuing mundane moments can lead to personal growth and creativity.
• Authenticity Over Conformity: Staying true to one's interests, even if they diverge from societal expectations, fosters a more genuine self.
• The Power of Fiction: Fiction serves as a creative outlet that enriches both personal and professional aspects of life.
• Intergenerational Learning: Sharing values and lessons with the next generation can cultivate shared interests and deeper connections.

Notable Quotes:

• Shannon Cason [02:45]: "Shannon, books are boring. And it's okay to do boring things."
• Shannon Cason [04:10]: "That was an incredible revelation for me. It's okay to be boring. Wow, that's a new concept."
• Shannon Cason [20:15]: "Being everyone is what's really boring. Being everyone doesn't make me a better employee, salesperson or leader."

Final Thoughts:

In "It's OK to Be Boring," Shannon Cason eloquently explores the intersection of boredom, creativity, and authenticity. Through personal anecdotes and reflective insights, he encourages listeners to embrace the ordinary as a pathway to discovering their true selves and fostering creativity. This episode serves as a reminder that in a world that often glorifies constant activity and achievement, there is profound value in the simplicity of being.