Meet Patti Shene

We recently connected with Patti Shene and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patti, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Positive feedback about interviews I had conducted on the podcast boosted my self-confidence. I especially felt encouraged when literary agents referred their author clients for interview and I learned I was listed as a podcast reference for certain writing and speaking groups.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR PURPOSE?

I stumbled upon my purpose, at this point in my life anyway, quite by accident. My former pastor, Derek Hutchison, had to retire on disability due to health issues and started a podcast ministry titled The Road Less Traveled. Derek hosted several shows on a weekly basis, each with a different focus.

Aware I had established connections in the writing world over the years, he asked if he could interest me in co-hosting an interview style podcast with authors, editors, and agents under his ministry. I had never spoken on public radio, but the challenge intrigued me, and I agreed.

One of my interview guests, Marlene Bagnull, was the director of the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference and the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. Marlene thoroughly enjoyed the interview, Literally Speaking, and invited me to serve on the faculty at her Greater Philadelphia Conference. I was thrilled for this opportunity, since it provided a means to network with potential future guests in the writing and publishing world.

Then tragedy struck. My podcast co-host, owner of the podcast hosting site account, became gravely ill and unable to continue broadcasting. I had been recording in his home, sitting in front of a microphone and conversing with my guests. I had no idea how to manage the technology behind the process. I was scheduled to appear at the conference in two weeks to promote a show I no longer had!

I called the director in a panic, explaining my need to cancel my commitment. One thing I have learned about Marlene. There is no such thing as “I can’t do it.” With God all things are possible! She advised me to attend the conference, promote the show, and explain to prospective guests that I would resume broadcasting sometime soon.

I attended the conference and accrued a list of prospective guests. Upon my return home, my podcast partner contacted me, explaining his ongoing health concerns would prevent him from continuing our podcast partnership. However, he volunteered to come to my home and show me how to set up my own account.

All my life I had aspired to write. After retirement from a nursing career, I had invested several years in honing the craft of writing. Praying for guidance, I sought direction as to whether podcasting was a path God wanted me to travel. Co-hosting with someone else’s ministry was one thing. Hosting my own show with my name entailed considerably more responsibility.

I reviewed the Literally Speaking episodes and discovered a common thread among the interviews. Each of my guests had encountered an obstacle, battled a struggle, or overcome some tragedy to succeed, and always with God’s help. That realization along with my passion for photographing sunsets, a manifestation of God’s glory, prompted the creation of my podcast title and purpose.

Eleven weeks after the last Literally Speaking episode aired, I launched Step Into the Light. On my podcast, I interview guests who have been in a dark place and found their way out, or who lead others back to light through ministry, writing, art, music, or other creative endeavors. Many of my guests profess a deep and dedicated love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and attribute their healing, journey to fulfillment, or changes in life direction, to Him.

I conducted my first few interviews live. Later, I learned the value of pre-recording the episodes to provide a more comfortable interview environment for guests and deliver quality episodes to listeners. I climbed some rough and rocky trails to navigate through the technology of learning how to edit a recording. I’ve sharpened my interview skills, my public speaking confidence, and learned how to discern what sections of a recording need tweaking. I strive to promote my guests in the best possible light and provide listeners with an inspirational and informative broadcast.

Is this my life’s purpose? I still intend to pursue writing, and it’s partially through the podcast that I have received the encouragement and gained knowledge to pursue that goal. Many of my guests are authors who shared their stories of discouragement, setbacks, and rejection in their pursuit of publication, only to find success through perseverance.

I achieved one milestone in my writing career with the self-publication of a Christmas novella, Cathy’s Christmas Confession in late 2022. The book proved the adage that we should never say never. I said I would never write a Christmas story and never self-publish a book. God had other ideas for both.

My next step is to submit a completed novel to editors within the next couple of weeks who have expressed interest.

Just when I think Step Into the Light has run its course with its upcoming milestone decade of episodes, I receive a referral or an email from a listener with a story to tell. As long as there are people out there willing to share their darkness-to-light journeys, I’ll keep broadcasting Step Into the Light while penning words to inspire others, shedding light through stories as my guests do with their spoken words.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I have an outgoing personality and enjoy sharing my faith with others, especially discussing various facets of the Christian faith and exploring the characteristics of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I am comfortable speaking in public.

I have attended several conferences and workshops over the years and have networked with many professionals in the writing and publishing industry.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Sometimes, the technology presents an obstacle when recording or editing an episode. During those times, I take a deep breath, step back, and spend a few moments in prayer. I’m learning to access such tools as YouTube videos to help me overcome technology issues.

I have learned that there is always a solution. My podcast guests have been most gracious in understanding if a pre-record needs rescheduled or an episode needs to be aired on a different date due to technology issues.

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