Hello, and welcome to Takes One to Write One.I&#39;m Katherine Arkady and I’m a writer. However, my characters are everything but. While research gives me information about their jobs and lifestyles, it doesn’t give me the first-hand experience needed to write a well-rounded character. So I created this podcast where I invite people on to talk about their jobs, their hobbies, or their beliefs, because it Takes One to Write One.​Subscribe to Takes One to Write One for bi-weekly insights so you can write authentic, well-rounded characters through interviews and real-life stories.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/30/19/2fe4a375-cec3-4000-b307-41c54f08026d_massage_therapists_publish_file_from_riverside.mp3

What does a massage therapist actually do—and what should a writer know before putting one on the page?In this episode of Takes One to Write One, Katherine talks with massage therapist Shea about the training, techniques, boundaries, physical demands, and business realities behind the profession. They talk about different types of massage, what therapists are paying attention to while they work, how they adapt to different clients, and the things that don&#39;t necessarily make it into the popular image of massage therapy.For writers, it&#39;s a chance to look beyond the massage table and understand the person doing the work: their expertise, judgment, physical skills, relationships with clients, and the practical realities of making a living in the profession.<h3>In This Episode</h3><ul><li>How Shea became a massage therapist</li><li>Training, licensing, and learning the profession</li><li>Different types of massage and what they involve</li><li>What massage therapists are actually doing while they work</li><li>Working with different clients and individual needs</li><li>Professional boundaries between therapists and clients</li><li>The physical demands of massage therapy</li><li>The business side of working as a massage therapist</li><li>What writers often get wrong about the profession</li></ul> TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Introduction02:15 — How Shea became a massage therapist07:42 — Training, licensing, and learning the work14:30 — Different types of massage22:18 — What a massage therapist is actually doing31:05 — Working with different clients and needs38:40 — Boundaries between therapist and client45:12 — The business side of massage therapy52:30 — What writers should know about massage therapists58:14 — Closing thoughts Read the full transcript: <a href="https://www.takesonetowriteone.com/podcast-transcripts/massage-therapists" rel="nofollow">https://www.takesonetowriteone.com/podcast-transcripts/massage-therapists</a> OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In this episode of Takes One to Write One, Katherine talks with licensed massage therapist Shea about what massage therapy actually looks like behind the scenes—and what writers should know before putting a massage therapist on the page.
Shea explains how she became a massage therapist, what training and licensing look like, and how much individual practice and preference can shape the work. They dig into the differences between Swedish, deep tissue, therapeutic, hot stone, and other types of massage, including what a therapist is physically doing and why different clients may experience the same technique very differently.
The conversation also gets into the less obvious parts of the profession: working with clients of different ages and needs, maintaining boundaries, running a small business, responding to feedback, making massage accessible to different budgets, and the reality that finding the right therapist can involve some trial and error.
For writers, it&#39;s an opportunity to move past the familiar image of “person lies down, therapist rubs their back” and understand the knowledge, physical skill, judgment, personality, and business realities behind the profession.

Massage Therapists

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/15/18/a94e19a7-44fa-4dc5-bde0-9504da2a4050_takes_one_to_write_one_pilots_part_three.mp3

In the final Part Three, Katherine finishes her conversation with Marco and Nate, both regional pilots in the United States with a combined experience of 17 years. This is the final part of a three part series. Let’s hang! TIMESTAMPS00:00:49 What movies, media, pop culture gets it wrong?00:06:50 So with call-ins, call-outs, when you&#39;re talking about anything over the radio? What certain points need to be hit in order to be understood? What are you identifying?00:13:38 What is something that you think most people in your field would like to have changed?00:16:18 The divorce rate for the pilot00:19:59 Is it something that you notice, more wild with the younger crowd, more wild with the older crowd?00:21:09 Is there a physical item related to piloting or aviation that you guys cherish?00:24:48 How does one adapt the pilot speak?00:25:57 If I weren&#39;t in this field, I would never believe what?00:29:11 You&#39;ve mentioned the newer prospects and stuff. Is there any advice that you have for them outside of just keep pushing through?00:35:15 And when they refer to your passengers, they say, how many souls on board?00:36:53 You mentioned souls being old terminology. Is there other old terminology that&#39;s bled through?00:37:15 Alpha, bravo, trolley, delta, echo. You guys have that memorized now?00:37:52 So if you weren&#39;t a pilot…  00:43:27 So best job ever.00:44:12 What got me into aviation?00:49:01 What are pink tags? WEBSITEhttps://takesonetowriteone.com/ OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In Part Three, Katherine continues her conversation with Marco and Nate, both regional pilots in the United States with a combined experience of 17 years. This is the final part of a three part series. Let’s hang!

Pilots - Part Three

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/15/18/4be08835-9faa-41e8-aed3-6ffc1d750fe5_takes_one_to_write_one_pilots_part_two.mp3

In Part Two of this 3-part series, Katherine stays grounded (figuratively) while flying deep (literally) with Marco and Nate, two seasoned regional pilots with 17 years of experience between them. This time, the conversation gets personal—and sometimes hilariously honest—as they dive into the emotions, stereotypes, and unexpected curveballs that come with a life spent in the sky. From the thrill of flying next to eagles to dealing with burnout, to answering the age-old question: have you ever been struck by lightning? (Spoiler: you’ll want to buckle up for that one.)Writers and storytellers, this episode is also a quiet masterclass in character work. Whether you’re building an airline pilot protagonist or just want to capture the feeling of someone balancing logic, emotion, and a checklist, these two are gold. Part 2 lets you sit in the jump seat and hear what it really feels like to live a life above the clouds.Let’s hang. TIMESTAMPS00:00:57 What are typical emotions that you yourself go through? The anger, frustration, bliss.What&#39;s a sort of something that you experience on the daily, or that you would hope to experience on the daily, but instead you get X, Y, Z?00:03:03 Now, why is it that you won&#39;t [the photo]?00:06:03 &#34;Actually, you ever been struck by lightning?&#34;00:08:42 So I&#39;m hearing about eagles flying beside you, and these beautiful weather-related experiences. Is there anything else that really gets you excited about piloting and aviation that just makes your job fucking worth it?00:12:58 What is the typical dress of those in either piloting or aviation? Does it vary based on what plane you&#39;re flying or what airline?00:16:20 Do you get roasted a lot in this field?00:18:35 What is the most draining part of the job? Something that is like your least favorite thing to do.00:20:37 You touched on some stereotypes, but are there any stereotypes or cliches that you would like to take this platform to debunk?00:23:57 So you mentioned that there were some things that might pop up where the plane is still operational.00:30:09 So Murphy&#39;s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. What is something that perhaps is often overlooked or forgotten, that you need to just make sure that you flip this or check this?00:34:19 Is there such thing as being too long in the industry, where there are pilots where it&#39;s just like, oh boy, you need to retire.00:35:54 What is something that will take you off the roster?00:39:51 So what kind of other sounds do you encounter?00:42:57 I&#39;m curious, like Florence Nightingale was a hero for nurses, like Arnold Schwarzenegger is a role model for bodybuilders. Is there a hero for pilots?00:48:58 Earlier in the podcast, you mentioned plateaus. Do you guys have any personal experiences with hitting that plateau?00:56:16 Contract negotiations are just on fire for pilots right now.00:58:22 So when you see this problem on the news about the pilot shortage…01:04:02 Why is it that [Spirit] got such a bad rap then? WEBSITEhttps://takesonetowriteone.com/OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In Part Two, Katherine continues her conversation with Marco and Nate, both regional pilots in the United States with a combined experience of 17 years. This is part two of a three part series. Let’s hang!

Pilots - Part Two

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/10/15/18/c1b3f7ee-0643-4c83-9722-f7f5314ef8d4_takes_one_to_write_one_pilots_part_one.mp3

In Part One of this three-part series, Katherine chats with Marco and Nate—two regional pilots with nearly two decades of collective flight time. From what’s in their fridge to what it’s like inside a flight simulator, this episode covers the nitty-gritty of daily pilot life with warmth, curiosity, and a dash of dry skin talk.If you’re someone who loves digging into real-world routines, quirky human details, and niche subcultures (especially ones with uniforms and acronyms), you’ll love this one. Katherine brings her signature writerly eye to the flight deck, asking questions that hover between “How does this actually work?” and “What’s the emotional cost of flying 30,000 feet above it all?”Welcome to the world of pilots—from personality assessments to hangar banter, and everything in between. TIMESTAMPS00:00:49 What is in your fridge?00:04:39 What is in your flight bags?00:06:24 Do you guys get dry skin?00:07:43 Is there anything else that you could spot on a pilot on their body where you&#39;re like, you&#39;re a pilot?00:08:30 What accolades or credentials do you guys go by?00:10:37 How did you get into cargo?00:13:09 You&#39;ll go through ground school, and then you&#39;ll go through whatever flight portion you need to obtain the certificate, right?00:13:45 What is it like being in a flight simulator?00:16:01 What&#39;s a typical day for you?00:18:03 How does it affect your sleep?00:20:28 How do you go about saying that you&#39;re fatigued?00:25:32 What cargo were you moving?00:27:47 What makes a great instructor?00:31:02 What&#39;s a personality assessment?00:34:56 Working as a crew00:36:44 Fixation.00:39:23 What is the social culture of being a pilot, an instructor in an aviation scene, whether it&#39;s a hangar, whether it&#39;s an airport, whether it&#39;s just shooting the shit with other pilots, what is the culture that you guys get to share where nobody else understands the stuff that we go through?00:42:50 Do you struggle in any way with friendships outside?00:44:45 Your flight hours determine where you live in the country.00:49:46 Could you guys moonlight as weathermen based on your knowledge?00:50:25 aviationweather.gov.00:51:15 What other resources do you guys use to either keep up on your knowledge or to inform you of new stuff that&#39;s in the field?00:53:28 So as far as flying and getting all the credentials needed, is flying a plane in the US about the same or different as flying a plane in the UK versus flying a plane in the Uruguay versus flying a plane and does it vary state by state?00:57:25 How fast is too fast? How slow is too slow?01:00:40 So you said difference, that you go by FAA until there&#39;s a difference.01:03:40 What makes [airports] so efficient? WEBSITEhttps://takesonetowriteone.com/OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Marco and Nate, both regional pilots in the United States with a combined experience of 17 years. This is part one of a three part series. Let’s hang!

Pilots - Part One

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/9/24/13/7cb67a73-3d38-4292-a874-ae2797ca3ff2_o_write_one_playing_in_a_band_part_two_-_final.mp3

In Part Two of this conversation, Katherine picks things back up with Dave, a guitarist who’s been in more bands than most of us have friend groups, and together they unpack everything from the personalities you run into in the music world, to what it feels like to carry gear, lead rehearsals, and maybe even walk away from something you once loved.As a writer, this episode hit differently. It’s less about music and more about rhythm—the kind we try to find in our work, in our relationships, and in the way we build a life around our passions. If you’ve ever tried to create something with other people, struggled to find your voice in a group, or wondered if you’ll always love the thing you’re building… this one’s for you.Also, yes: we talk about the underrated bands you should be listening to. You&#39;re welcome.Let’s hang. TIMESTAMPS00:00:44 What sort of personality types do you notice, do you come across?00:03:17 What are private gigs like?00:04:17 On a what?00:04:56 What is it like hauling equipment?00:09:28 So what is a physical item that you cherish and with everything having to do with playing in a band?00:09:37 What is one item if something were to be burning and you had to go in and run and get one thing?00:14:18 So when reading books and journals and watching MTV and just getting all of this information, there&#39;s bound to be out of date tools or terminology.00:14:32 As far as playing in a band or learning more about music, how much change have you seen over the years?00:14:39 Are there terms that used to be used or tools that are just kind of now just really nice paperweights?00:21:12 Do you like taking in full albums?00:21:18 What is it for the people that don&#39;t really do that anymore?00:21:21 What are they missing out on?00:25:01 What kind of legalities might be involved with this sort of thing?00:26:56 Tell me about tryouts00:32:38 How does one quit a band?00:33:45 So we talked about having friends with a band, around a band, knowing creatives. How is it like dating in that aspect?00:34:08 Is there a certain balancing act that one must do?00:38:30 Are there people that follow the band just because?00:40:17 How do you communicate with your band members during a show?00:44:32 Murphy&#39;s law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. What is something that is perhaps often overlooked or forgotten before you start playing, where it takes the entire band to say, Don&#39;t forget that00:47:34 How do you book a gig?00:53:04 How long is the typical set for you?01:00:19 If you were to buy a piece of equipment right now, splurge, what&#39;s something that you want to splurge on right now?01:05:31 I guess what I&#39;m asking is, if it&#39;s the standard, if it&#39;s what everybody&#39;s getting, is that necessarily a good thing?01:11:14 What&#39;s a band that you think is underrated that you cannot love more, that everybody needs to listen to?01:13:51 How you find more information in this, is just being involved with it.01:15:21 If somebody wasn&#39;t in this field, if somebody had never played in a band, never experienced what you or, you know, the somewhat general population of people that have played in a band, if somebody wasn&#39;t in this field, they would never believe what?01:19:41 Do you think you&#39;ll always have this passion? WEBSITEhttps://takesonetowriteone.com/OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In Part two, Katherine continues her conversation with Dave, a guitarist who has been playing since he was fourteen, and has played in 8 bands since then. At the end of today&#39;s episode, she&#39;ll know more about what it&#39;s like to play in a band. Maybe you will, too. Let&#39;s hang!

Playing in a Band - Part Two

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/9/24/13/e2740e71-531d-4a66-8e84-5734a6c07634_rite_one_playing_in_a_band_part_one_-_final_r2.mp3

In this episode, Katherine chats with Dave, a guitarist who’s been playing since the age of fourteen. With experience in eight different bands, Dave gives Katherine (and listeners) a deep dive into the real-life dynamics of playing in a band. Ranging from managing multiple projects to the highs and lows of live performances, this episode uncovers what it’s really like to be part of a band. If you&#39;re a musician yourself or if you&#39;re writing about a character in a band, or just curious, you’ll walk away with fresh insights into the world of live music.Ready to rock? Let’s dive in! TIMESTAMPS00:02:21 What is in the fridge of a guy who plays in a cover band?00:04:23 How does one divide your time amongst one band, let alone two?00:04:27 How is that for your schedule and working a full-time job?00:08:18 Are there pros and cons to the cover band in which you can, you know, you know what the sounds are gonna be like.00:08:34 Is there any sort of downside to having both things going on at the same time?00:12:28 What is it like as the entertainer aspect of playing in the cover band?00:12:34 What is it like playing to the audience in that way?00:15:23 What makes a great night?00:17:21 What&#39;s a clean tone?00:23:07 What does it mean to be tone-oriented?00:25:57 A word from our sponsor.00:26:32 What&#39;s a bad night?00:27:51 How do you down tune?00:32:09 How long were these tours?00:35:05 Do you feel the high adrenaline, you know, during the show?00:35:09 Do you feel the low sort of post show?00:35:14 What are the emotions that you&#39;ve had to come to terms with when playing as you do?00:41:22 What&#39;s the difference between what you show them and what you&#39;re not ready to, you just want to keep it to yourself.00:43:59 Do you find yourself becoming friends with people that understand kind of the social culture of playing in a band, that when you&#39;re away, it will take you some time to process once you&#39;re back from a tour.00:44:18 Do you kind of have to be with friends with people that are also in bands or in bands adjacent?00:53:47 So what&#39;s this community like?00:54:09 Have you acquired this knowledge through all of this playing that you&#39;ve done?00:54:15 Have you acquired this knowledge specifically because Paper Covers Rock is a 90s band, and you kind of have to know the history?00:56:50 What was it like to tell your parents? WEBSITEtakesonetowriteone.comOTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Dave, a guitarist who has been playing since he was fourteen, and has played in 8 bands since then. At the end of today&#39;s episode, she&#39;ll know more about what it&#39;s like to play in a band. Maybe you will, too. Let&#39;s hang!

Playing in a Band - Part One

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/18/18/34d32a12-c82a-4c4d-afb4-180fc5768d92_cult_member_interview_part_three.mp3

In the final part of this candid and emotionally resonant series, Katherine sits down with our anonymous guest for a wide-ranging conversation on reclaiming life, identity, and freedom after leaving a cult. Through reflection, analysis, and moments of both levity and gravity, they explore what comes after escape: the long process of unlearning, healing, and re-entering the world.This episode dives into pop culture, spirituality, horror as catharsis, and what documentaries get right—and wrong—about cult life. You’ll hear powerful reflections on trust, autonomy, and the ongoing journey of writing a new story after surviving a system of control. TIMESTAMPS00:01:32 What other gossip was happening amongst the church?00:02:38 You said a hundred people. Was there like a flow of there was a minimum, there was a maximum?00:03:15 Was it ever discouraged going to the doctor?00:04:05 Tell me more about healing hands.00:04:47 Were there some church members that were a little louder than others?00:05:35 Was that truly believed to a level of, like, yes, women are healers, but God is ultimate?00:06:52 Is Aunt Bessie a reference to something?00:08:40 Was it just God or was there like the Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?00:09:40 What were you able to watch as a kid?00:10:40 Once you were out, and you could watch relatively anything, how did that feel?00:12:15 Are there any [bible] verses that you might still hold close to you because you like them?00:14:38 What was it like regaining your freedom of choice?00:16:11 Did you have to learn how to trust yourself?00:17:43 What&#39;s the difference between a cult and a military?00:19:29 Did you find comfort being in the military after your experience in the cult?00:21:18 When you say that you&#39;re learning this dark humor, how does that come about?00:23:27 What tactics have you utilized to get the pop culture refresh into your brain?00:24:32 What is it about horror that you&#39;re able to enjoy?00:27:32 Were there ever doomsday prophecies with the cult?00:29:03 You and I have watched a few documentaries on Cults, the Twin Flames documentary, the Keep Sweet and Obey documentary. What about these documentaries do you feel get it right?00:34:07 “As to what the documentaries got wrong, I can&#39;t speak to too much because every cult is different.”00:35:05 Would you like to see something being made about the cult that you were a part of?00:36:38 ”Anybody could fall victim to a cult.”00:37:44 What traits would that leader have to have?00:38:28 What resources would you suggest writers utilize to better write about Cults, either fictional or realistic, in their own writing?00:39:34 If I were to only watch one documentary to get that cultness through, what would it be?00:41:15 What is the best way to heal from a cult experience?00:44:54 What might you want to say to somebody listening who is questioning the organization that they are currently in, that it may also be of a cult persuasion? WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Cults - Part Three

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/4/8/2/b482b746-2263-4ea8-be6d-5062353ade57_cult_member_interview_part_two.mp3

In Part Two of Takes One to Write One: Cults, Katherine sits down again with her anonymous guest as they dig deeper into life inside a high-control religious group. This episode explores the long-term impact of spiritual abuse, how loyalty was weaponized, and what happens when someone begins to question everything they’ve ever been taught.Together, they unpack relationships, identity, and the emotional unraveling that often follows the first steps toward freedom. It’s an honest, intense, and insightful look into the psychological grip these groups can have—even long after someone leaves.Trigger warnings include trauma, spiritual and emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care. TIMESTAMPS00:01:26 What differences did you notice in these “biblified” holidays? 00:03:41 What were birthdays like?00:04:13 Speaking of siblings and their names from the bible…00:05:50 And y&#39;all could have pets like typical household families?00:08:44 To have siblings that weren&#39;t around for the cult, that are growing up in a different way. How do you feel about that?00:10:24 You touched on the sex education or rather lack of. Is that the only way —abstinence?00:11:53 Was there any talk about the health of like, hey, you&#39;re, this is what happens with puberty?00:13:18 What is in the Bible regarding menstruation?00:15:51 Did you experience other women in the church being pregnant?00:18:21 You mentioned at five years old, you knew who you were, quote unquote, destined to marry. Did you have a friendship with the person, or relationship?00:20:02 What sex education do you suppose the guys got?00:21:56 “I know one of the guys that assaulted me, assaulted one of my sisters.”00:22:33 Is that out of shame that you didn&#39;t share with each other?00:24:09 So now that you&#39;re not involved, and you exited, what was the removal process like for you?00:26:45 You mentioned earlier how overwhelming it was to be in the greater world of things. How did you cope with that?00:29:16 “I never even saw the r*pes as r*pe until I was in college.”00:33:14 So when you were trying one of every [drug], did you find answers out of those experiences?00:35:23 What was ultimately something that really helped you start the healing?00:36:39 This may have been weeks ago, perhaps an off comment, where you were figuring out like, there&#39;s not a hell, there&#39;s not this, there&#39;s not, and it was like, your whole belief system was crashing around you. How long did that take to get over?00:38:13 “Since the day I was born, I was told these shoulders are going to send me to hell.”00:39:35 Tell me more about you looking into Greek mythologies.00:44:32 “I have struggled with s*icid*l ideation adhesion since leaving the cult because suicide is a sin, according to the Bible and according to the cult.”00:46:13 Is an identity crisis the right term to use for that?00:46:49 Do you find more solace from talking to folk that were also involved in cults, or do you find more solace from folk that have never been in cults?00:50:08 So these claims, it seems very your word against everybody else&#39;s.Does stuff like this get caught in that rumor mill and all of the gossip? WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In Part Two of Takes One to Write One: Cults, Katherine sits down again with her anonymous guest as they dig deeper into life inside a high-control religious group. This episode explores the long-term impact of spiritual abuse, how loyalty was weaponized, and what happens when someone begins to question everything they’ve ever been taught.

Together, they unpack relationships, identity, and the emotional unraveling that often follows the first steps toward freedom. It’s an honest, intense, and insightful look into the psychological grip these groups can have—even long after someone leaves.

Trigger warnings include trauma, spiritual and emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, and suicidal ideation. Please listen with care.

Cults - Part Two

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/3/25/0/ceb93e1c-4fac-44a0-8a47-4cf571b9fb69_cult_member_interview_part_one.mp3

In this first episode of Takes One to Write One: Cults, Katherine sits down with a guest who bravely shares their experience growing up in a high-control group and their journey to breaking free. Through their anonymous account, we explore what it means to be raised in a cult, the tactics used to maintain control, and the emotional toll of leaving. This conversation is raw, honest, and at times heavy—so please listen with care. Trigger warnings include coercion, trauma, psychological manipulation, spiritual and emotional abuse, and physical assault. Your well-being comes first. TIMESTAMPS00:00:27 Trigger Warnings: coercion, trauma, physical assault, psychological manipulation, spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, self-harm, suicide, and gaslighting.00:02:05 Did the cult have a name, or was it a cult?00:04:26 What are your first memories or experiences with being in the organization?00:06:20 Who was doing the homeschooling?00:08:40 I imagine in an unfortunate circumstance, you got really good at knowing the Bible verses.00:09:20 Bible verses for discipline00:10:51 With these church services, were they the same no matter what day of the week or were they like, it&#39;s Monday, so this day is about this?00:11:55 What&#39;s the difference between the kids&#39; service and the adult service?00:13:40 Could you elaborate more on these responsibilities?00:16:14 How did your parents get involved?00:17:37 Matchmaking00:19:14 The bible taught the Rule of Thumb 00:20:40 What would you experience in these church services?00:23:31 Would anybody who&#39;s been at a church service be able to find similarities with the church services that you attended?00:25:09 What was the view with working— having an unrelated job?00:25:25 Members of the church, what sort of jobs did they have?00:26:42 Tithing with 10 percent but definitely more 00:29:44 With these clothes, was it retail stores that you went to? Were they made sewn?00:30:20 Was there like a uniform, like were there specific things that you needed to wear?00:31:02 If I were to put a dollar at the top of my knee, the shorts had to be longer than where the dollar ended going up my knee.00:32:07 Carrying religious traumas 00:32:56 What was youth group like?00:35:28 What does one do to become a leader?00:37:29 So overall, in the grand scheme of things, rather recently, a couple of years ago and I was like, hey, this is a cult, right?00:39:35 Because one does not simply leave a cult, they just replace it.00:39:53 What was the difference between the original and now the new or second?00:40:39 Are these cults still operating?00:41:06 You mentioned at the church services that people questioned commitment. What was that verbiage like?00:42:57 Was the pastor who was getting all the money, who was clearly not doing what he was saying he was going to do with the money, was he living a flashier life than the rest of the members?00:44:58 So, you were with this group, always doing stuff, always keeping busy, studying, doing X, Y, Z. And then you mentioned how isolating it was at the same time. I imagine there wasn&#39;t mental health support of, hey, you&#39;re feeling this way.00:46:08 Was there a big presence of Satan?00:46:57 Let&#39;s take a break ﻿WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

In this first episode of Takes One to Write One: Cults, Katherine sits down with a guest who bravely shares their experience growing up in a high-control group and their journey to breaking free. Through their anonymous account, we explore what it means to be raised in a cult, the tactics used to maintain control, and the emotional toll of leaving. This conversation is raw, honest, and at times heavy—so please listen with care. Trigger warnings include coercion, trauma, psychological manipulation, spiritual and emotional abuse, and physical assault. Your well-being comes first.

Cults - Part One

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/2/11/0/a0f3cf65-bca2-45a9-a152-704e3d19a41d_motorcycle_clubs_part_two.mp3

In the second part of this two-part series, Katherine continues her conversation with Todd, a lifer in the motorcycle club world. With 18 years of experience, Todd shares his thoughts on what it means to be a part of a club, the emotional ups and downs that come with the territory, and how the landscape of motorcycle clubs has evolved over time. From the challenges of managing relationships within the club to navigating the perceptions of the wider world, Todd pulls back the curtain on what really happens in the day-to-day life of a seasoned member. Learn about the balance between fear and respect, the importance of community meals, and what the future might look like for motorcycle clubs. TIMESTAMPS00:00:51 Are there such things as posers with the guys that have the motorcycles that have like leather jackets, but no patches sort of thing?00:01:40 What gets you excited about the Motorcycle Club?00:02:13 Follow up question, what about it drains you?00:02:55 Can we talk about you being a lifer and what that means?00:03:28 Would you say that being a part of the club, you get a full range of emotions?00:04:35 Now, going off with, you know, figuring out the burial and whatnot, would you mind talking a little about how you take on, you know, some responsibilities with that?00:07:31 There are folk with, you know, criminal records that are perhaps coming back from jail. How’s the reception when they come back?00:08:42 What do these community meals mean to you?00:09:38 What foods do you yourself have in your refrigerator?00:12:14 As far as scents and smells and flavors, what sort of smells and scents and flavors do you associate with the club or with the motorcycle?00:13:58 If you were to make a candle for your motorcycle club, what fragrances would it have?00:14:32 How important has your sixth sense been on your journey in this motorcycle club world?00:16:13 What&#39;s something that is perhaps often overlooked or forgotten when it comes to motorcycle clubs?00:17:02 Do you guys have like a rule book or legislation amongst the club that you have to follow?00:18:22 What advice do you have for individuals that are aspiring to join a motorcycle club?00:19:43 If, if somebody were to come up to you while you&#39;re, I don&#39;t know, at a, not at a club affiliated thing and say, hey, I see that you&#39;re part of this, is that something that you would have a conversation or is that just not a time or place?00:20:24 What&#39;s something that you think most people in motorcycle clubs might, like, change about the field?00:21:25 Once you become a member of a motorcycle club and then you find out maybe it&#39;s not for you, is there like, are you allowed to then go to a different club?00:22:15 You&#39;ve mentioned that going online, for information about motorcycle clubs, you&#39;ll find some stuff that&#39;s true and some stuff that&#39;s not true, and to recommend going to other clubs, or going to clubs to get more information. Is there anywhere else where people could find information, specifically writers, finding information on motorcycle clubs?00:23:20 Would you agree that it&#39;s like the media and entertainment that vilifies and adds this mystification to it?00:24:02 Are there things with motorcycle clubs that have gone out of date, or would you see the same sort of stuff happening today that happened in the 50s?00:25:02 You&#39;ve been involved with motorcycle clubs for 18 years. What have you seen the most change in?00:25:44 What sort of tech in a motorcycle has changed?00:26:55 Speaking about the ladies, how do they love the motorcycle clubs?00:29:51 Going off of my question about things going out of date, what is something with motorcycle clubs that is perhaps future proof, or it could be 200, 300 years from now, and it will still always be part of the club?00:32:05 If you read blank, if you read something in a book or saw something on TV regarding motorcycle clubs, what would that thing be where you would know that the writer did their research?00:34:37 And you&#39;ve asked me this question before, to which I answered incorrectly and you told me why. Where you asked, is it better to be feared or respected?00:36:48 You mentioned the fear of getting kicked out. Is that super possible with, like, anything, or does it take lengths to do it?00:45:50 Do you foresee a time where you&#39;ll be unbothered by the government and society and outsiders?00:47:56 If somebody wasn&#39;t in a motorcycle club, they would never believe what. ﻿WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Todd who has been part of a motorcycle club for so long and performed so many ranks that he’s become a lifer in the club. This is part two of a two part series. Let&#39;s hang!


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Motorcycle Clubs - Part Two

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/2/3/21/fa93c344-2379-4ae3-824b-f2551023e669_motorcycle_clubs_part_one.mp3

In part one of this two-part series, Katherine sits down with Todd, a seasoned member of a long-standing motorcycle club. With years of experience under his belt, Todd shares his unique perspective on the world of motorcycle clubs and their impact on society. From the myths surrounding club life to the realities of maintaining brotherhood, Todd goes into the history, structure, and personal significance of being a club member. He addresses commonly held stereotypes, the importance of club patches and colors, and gives insight into the role of philanthropy in the motorcycle community. Join us for an eye-opening discussion about the real world of motorcycle clubs that you won&#39;t see on TV. TIMESTAMPS00:01:12 How is it that you got started with the club?00:02:44 Fact or Fiction00:03:06 Harley Davidson is the one and only choice for real motorcycle club members.00:04:12 What does the CC mean?00:05:07 Motorcycle clubs are only for people who don&#39;t fit mainstream society, like ex-convicts, rebels, or troublemakers.00:06:03 Motorcycle club members are all heavy drinkers and partiers, and that clubs are shown hosting wild parties fueled by booze, drugs, and chaos.00:07:23 Motorcycle club members are always heavily tattooed, always wear leather jackets and vests and have to look tough.00:08:52 Motorcycle clubs frequently feud with rival clubs and club wars and turf battles are a constant reality, leading to shootouts and revenge plots.00:11:47 Motorcycle clubs control small towns and communities, and that motorcycle clubs exert influence over local businesses, law enforcement, and politics as seen on all of these TV shows.00:14:54 Motorcycle clubs have strict hierarchies and roles.00:17:07 What makes a motorcycle unsafe?00:17:36 Women are not allowed to be full-fledged members and that women are depicted as property or mere accessories to male motorcycle club members.00:21:28 A club patch or colors are considered untouchable and disrespecting them leads to serious consequences.00:24:32 Timeline of being accepted into a club00:25:15 History of motorcycle clubs, specifically in Detroit.00:30:59 Regarding being in the club, how important is observation and attention to detail?00:33:43 What challenges occur when maintaining a peaceful environment at the clubhouse and what happens when you host other clubs?00:35:04 How often does your club host other clubs at the clubhouse?00:35:45 Are there acronyms or code words that you&#39;ll see used in other motorcycle clubs or amongst yourselves to communicate?00:36:32 Resources for writers00:37:54 Philanthropy with the clubs (and not so much with the government)00:40:40 Lawyers for the club00:41:12 Like jewelers have dirty and burned hands, like farmers get wicked tans. Would anything on your body give away that you are in a motorcycle club?00:42:52 What does this brotherhood mean to you?00:43:50 In a lot of media, there&#39;s shows like Sons of Anarchy that really get into the motorcycle clubs. What about these shows do they get right, and what about these shows do they get wrong?00:45:14 Could you describe a visually memorable experience that has stuck with you through your years in the motorcycle clubs?00:47:38 Sounds of being a club member 00:52:50 What music genres do you think most of the club listens to?00:54:00 Do bikes automatically have a stereo outfitted, or is that like an extra accessory that people bring?00:54:47 If you&#39;re just driving in your hearse and you hear a bike going down the road and you hear something from that bike, what would you hear where it&#39;s like, man needs to get that checked out?00:55:51 What extra precautions do motorcyclists have to take while on the road with other vehicles?00:57:34 How do these club nicknames come to fruition?01:01:02 What sort of protective gear does one wear while riding?01:01:56 What sort of accessories do you see people outfitting their motorcycles with?01:02:27 Do people most often only have one bike or is it like, once you have one, you get 12?01:03:18 And when people do the outfits with aftermarket stuff, are there certain websites that folk go to, or is it just whatever you find? ﻿WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Todd who has been part of a motorcycle club for so long and performed so many ranks that he’s become a lifer in the club. This is part one of a two part series. Let&#39;s hang!

Motorcycle Clubs - Part One

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/11/1/16/b4e60124-c5f5-4c97-83da-f7676e774f8e_coffee_and_coffee_shops_part_two.mp3

In Part Two of this two-part series, Alex, the experienced coffee shop manager, continues sharing insights into the coffee world. From dealing with customers and navigating the unique culture of a coffee shop to tips for aspiring baristas, Alex dives deep into the nitty-gritty of barista life. He touches on everything from sensory environments and managing chaos, to building relationships with regulars and dealing with tough shifts. If you’ve ever wondered about the day-to-day operations of a coffee shop, the skills you need to thrive as a barista, or what goes into making a perfect latte, this episode is full of rich, aromatic content to satisfy your curiosity. TIMESTAMPS00:00:48 What movies or TV shows or songs or other media get what you do correct?00:02:16 Do you agree with a lot of stereotypes?00:07:23 Overhearing a lot of hot goss in the shop00:08:05 Is your team pretty gossipy?00:08:32 Does the soundscape of your work environment influence your productivity or creativity?00:08:38 If it&#39;s really noisy, are you able to make coffee no problem?00:09:51 How do you curate a playlist for the shop?00:12:34 How important is verbal communication with guests and also with your team?00:14:03 What&#39;s the difference between a cappuccino and a latte?00:15:39 Do you have an acute sense of hearing for certain problems?00:17:30 What&#39;s the typical dress code?00:18:51 Do you have a love-hate relationship with any of the appliances?00:20:56 What&#39;s the science with tamping?00:22:42 Do coffee beans or grounds have a distinct feeling or tactile characteristic that you look for?00:23:36 Is it true that if you roast it longer, there&#39;s less caffeine?00:24:50 What makes a good pour over?00:26:53 Do you have anything that you reach for comfort at the coffee shop?00:28:00 In an increasingly digital world, how do you balance the virtual and physical realms of your work?00:30:48 Do you have any immediate thoughts on tipping?00:34:42 Let&#39;s talk about some coffee temperatures.00:35:12 If something, like if an espresso shot was pulled poorly, like it&#39;s too sour or something, is there any saving that with the other ingredients with the drinks that you put in?00:37:07 What gets you excited about working at the shop?00:37:21 What about it drains your energy?00:38:54 What&#39;s in the refrigerator of a coffee barista?00:40:34 Let&#39;s talk about dairy and dairy alternatives.00:42:52 Do any scents or flavors when you&#39;re outside of the shop trigger you into feeling like you&#39;re back in the shop?00:45:57 Is there something where like this box of X, Y, Z has been here for like way too long because you never use it?00:46:20 When you make your syrups, what&#39;s the process with that?00:47:32 The term third place originates from a 1989 book called The Great Good Place by sociologist Ray Oldenburg…Are there challenges or considerations that you make related to maintaining a balanced sensory environment?00:50:10 What sort of work do you see people doing there?00:51:05 If you were to make a candle representing your coffee shop, what fragrances would it have?00:52:59 Murphy&#39;s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. What is something that perhaps is often overlooked or forgotten when it comes to operating a coffee shop?00:53:54 Is there less coffee drinking in the summer versus the winter?00:54:40 Is it safe to assume that in the summer and the hot months, more ice drinks are going to be made, and then in the winter, in the colder months, more hot drinks are going to be made?00:56:15 Do you notice perhaps the younger demographic getting more sweet drinks compared to the older demographic getting more robust drinks?00:56:59 How has your intuition evolved or grown as you&#39;ve gained experience with the shop?00:58:12 What is something that you had to learn on the job?00:58:41 Did you have advice from people or is that learning on the job?00:59:09 What&#39;s a sign that a day is going to go well?00:59:26 What&#39;s a sign that the day is going to go badly?00:59:43 Shift Change and Schedules 01:02:02 Do you have any advice for individuals who are aspiring to be a barista entering the world of coffee shops?01:03:41 Where can one find more information about baristas and or coffee shops?01:05:08 Do you notice that Detroit does their coffee a certain way?01:05:55 How important is networking or building professional relationships within the industry?01:07:02 What strategies have you found effective for nurturing these connections?01:08:42 How many times does one visit a coffee shop before they become a regular?01:09:13 So what is something that you think most people working in coffee shops might like changed about the industry?01:11:19 What did it take 10,000 hours for you to learn about coffee or coffee shops?01:11:58 If there was a latte art specifically for your shop, what do you think that it would look like?01:12:59 Was latte art always a thing or has this like started within the last few years?01:14:01 When reading books and journals from 30 years ago, even like 10 years ago, there&#39;s bound to be out of date tools or terminology…Regarding baristas, coffee, coffee shops, the whole gamut…Have you seen much change in what&#39;s happened?01:14:44 Going off the question regarding things going out of date, what is something that is probably future proof?01:16:03 Do you have any [espresso machine] brands in mind that you might recommend?01:16:24 If you read (blank) in a book about coffee, baristas, coffee shop, whatever, if you read blank, you would know that the author did their research.01:17:11 If somebody wasn&#39;t in this field, they would never believe what? WEBSITE<a href="https://takesonetowriteone.com/" rel="nofollow">https://takesonetowriteone.com/</a>OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Alex, who has several years of experience in the coffee industry and is operating manager of my local shop. This is part two of a two part series. Let&#39;s hang!

Coffee and Baristas - Part Two

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2024/11/1/16/2854242d-3d10-4162-bec5-42ca3d184634_coffee_and_coffee_shops_part_one.mp3

In Part One of this warm and frothy two-part series, Katherine cozies up with Alex, the operating manager of her favorite local coffee shop. Alex brings several years of experience in the coffee world to the table—along with a few unforgettable stories. From deciphering complicated espresso orders to watching romances (and breakups) unfold over cappuccinos, this episode captures the full flavor of life behind the bar. They talk third wave coffee, customer quirks, latte art, and what it really means to build a community over caffeine.If you’re a writer curious about people-watching in cafes or someone who just loves the hum of espresso machines and the ritual of a good brew, this episode is your next great listen. TIMESTAMPS00:01:21 But when and how did you get involved in this field?00:02:08 Third wave, what does that mean?00:02:38 So did you ever see yourself doing this beforehand, like getting into the coffee?00:04:10 Intro of “Fact or Fiction”00:04:30 Is it common for you to have regulars who come in daily and spend hours at the shop?00:06:41 As the proverbial Gunther, the owner of Central Park, what sort of relationships do you get to foster with the regulars?00:08:22 Do customers claim specific tables or spots in the shop that are their own or are there like regulars that only sit in like the corner spot that you know, you got to have that table ready?00:10:22 Does weather affect the shop?00:13:03 Have you ever had customers request to perform or sing or bring something out of the Ordinary to the shop?00:13:58 What are the hours of your shop?00:15:20 Have you witnessed romantic encounters in your cafe, and are there any first dates, proposals, or awkward breakups that just really stick out?00:18:59 How long do customers usually hang out there, and what&#39;s the longest anybody has ever stayed?00:22:22 Karens00:24:41 Do you ever have customers that come in without ordering things?00:26:46 Has there ever been a situation where a regular customer ended up working at the cafe or helping out behind the counter?00:30:01 Do people ever use your shop to celebrate parties or anything?00:31:02 Have you or any of your coworkers ever had a crush on a regular customer or noticed customers crushing on each other?00:33:06 What is the most complex or strange coffee order you have ever had to make?00:37:00 Do you know [people] by, like, their coffee order?00:37:26 What&#39;s “single origin”?00:38:25 Have there been any memorable accidents, spills, or other incidents in your cafe that felt like something out of a sitcom?00:42:26 Have you had any local town celebrities or influencers come in?00:46:32 Do you ever give away free drinks to regulars or under special circumstances?00:48:26 Do you ever have to cut people off from coffee?00:51:29 When you said for a certain amount of time for the espresso pulls, what is that?00:52:13 What does it mean to adjust the grind?00:55:28 Would anything on your body give away that you work at a coffee shop?00:56:48 Latte Art 00:58:23 What does a rosetta look like, and what does a stack look like?00:59:10 Are there elements that are in, like, a certain coffee drink where you know that a rosetta or a stack is just not going to turn up?01:00:24 Are there people that take drinks that aren&#39;t theirs?01:02:10 Is there a preferred order or way in which you would appreciate the order being asked for?01:07:05 And are the codes that you use, are they pretty standard?01:08:47 I went out of my way to see what the most complicated order at Starbucks could be. WEBSITEhttps://takesonetowriteone.com/OTHER LINKSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-SpotifyYouTube Music: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-YouTubeMusicPinterest: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-PinterestInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/T1tW1-Instagram

Katherine sits down with Alex, who has several years of experience in the coffee industry and is operating manager of my local shop. This is part one of a two part series. Let&#39;s hang!

Coffee and Baristas - Part One

Real Stories for Writing Authentic Characters

Hello, and welcome to Takes One to Write One.

I'm Katherine Arkady and I’m a writer. However, my characters are everything but. While research gives me information about their jobs and lifestyles, it doesn’t give me the first-hand experience needed to write a well-rounded character. So I created this podcast where I invite people on to talk about their jobs, their hobbies, or their beliefs, because it Takes One to Write One.