Meet Kara Infante

We were lucky to catch up with Kara Infante recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?

My dad always told me, “you never know what someone else is going through, and unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, be kind.” That stuck with me. He had this incredible ability to talk to anyone, really connect with them, and I like to think I got a little of that from him.

I’ve learned that everyone has a story, if we just slow down and take the time to listen. Empathy, for me, is in the little things: a smile to a stranger, a moment to really look someone in the eye, a kind word. You never know what kind of day someone is having, and sometimes, that small gesture can make all the difference.

I try to leave people better than I found them. It doesn’t take much – just a minute, a smile, or a moment of attention. It’s simple, but it’s powerful. And it all comes back to what my dad said: be kind, because everyone is carrying something you might never see.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the host of the Bookish Flights Podcast, where we explore the idea that everyone has a story to tell and that story can be told by our favorite books. Each episode invites a guest to share a “book flight,” three thoughtfully paired book recommendations connected by a common theme, genre, or topic. This format gives listeners many book recommendations and a change to explore them.

In addition to the podcast, I’ve created the Pitch Perfect Guide, a practical resource for authors, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to get booked on podcasts and use those appearances as a marketing tool. It walks you through everything from crafting a compelling pitch to identifying the right shows and leveraging your episode to reach new audiences. Podcasting is such a powerful platform, and I love helping others use it to share their stories and connect with readers, listeners, and fans in an authentic way.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are curiosity, drive, and self-motivation. I’ve learned that these traits open doors in unexpected ways, especially when you’re willing to think outside the box. My biggest piece of advice for anyone early in their journey is to look at your skills in a new light. For example, I started my professional life as a physical therapist, and I never could have predicted how much my patient interview skills would translate to podcast interviews. The ability to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and connect with someone on a deeper level has been invaluable.

So, whether you’re building a career, a business, or a creative project, lean into your natural curiosity, stay driven even when things get tough, and trust yourself to take initiative. And don’t overlook the skills you already have. My favorite saying is “no one is you and that is your superpower.”

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

As a homeschooling mom to three, a wife, and a podcaster, I often feel like I live in a constant state of chaos. Over time, I’ve found strategies that help me manage it. One of the most important is setting aside one dedicated day each week where my kids are accounted for and I have uninterrupted podcast time. That time is intentional, with no distractions and no other priorities, just my number one focus.

I also rely on systems and checklists, planning episodes and tasks in advance so I’m not constantly scrambling. When things get hectic, I focus on the most pressing task, give it my full attention, and then move on. Motherhood has been an incredible teacher. It has shown me how to prioritize, stay organized, and find rhythm in the chaos.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bookishflights.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookishflights
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookishflights

Image Credits

Shakyra Canchaney Photography