in this clip, Emily confesses to not having read the script that I wrote for the episode. While it's a funny moment, it's also an excellent illustration of our different approaches and how they combine effectively.

I feel like I perform best when I've prepared and I have a structured framework. I may not actually need the script, but the fact that it's there gives me confidence and I can improvise around it. But very early on when we started making podcasts together, we discovered that a script is a straitjacket for Emily and she doesn't give her best performance if it's scripted.

So we've settled somewhere in the middle, where I provide a framework for the discussion but it's a very broad outline and allows Emily all the space she needs to bring her spontaneity and her authentic voice to the discussion.

If I need a bit more to fall back on than that, I have separate notes that I can refer to as we're talking. Another advantage of that approach is that I can still surprise Emily in the discussion with something that I haven't signposted in the script (especially if she hasn't read it!). And some of the best moments in our podcasts have been the unexpected ones.

Lest you should leave this with the impression that Emily is just winging it, I can think of few people I've worked with who puts so much energy and effort into her work or who cares more about the result. Emily is passionate about making good podcasts, just like she wants to be effective in everything she does. And to do that she uses the method that works best for her.

You can hear the whole podcast episode here: It’s Christmas!

Richard