25 Comments
User's avatar
Michelle's avatar

We really enjoy reading and discussing your newsletters at dinner. Not sure we would have the time to follow another podcast. We also think maybe Spotify might have more influence on what you can and cannot record and limit your freedom of speech. Just be cautious.

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Carl B's avatar

I enjoy your newsletter very much. I am a recent patient. From the few times I have met with you, it seems to me you really enjoy your job of helping people. For selfish reasons, I would like you to continue the newsletter. Unless you think the podcast would bring more joy and fulfillment to your life.

Hopefully this is an April Fools and you will not have to make a decision.

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Carolyn's avatar

For me personally, I'd prefer your continuing the newsletter format. I don't have the time nor the inclination to follow another "podcast" / social media outlet. Could have something to do with my age bracket 🙄 - but I am of the belief that LESS is MORE at times. Thank you for all you do Doc. Greatly appreciated.

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Tom Jones's avatar

I’ve been hoping you would start a podcast. It would be enjoyable to listen to during the April exercise challenge. Especially since you would be able to break through the boundaries of written word and take your sarcasm to a whole new level.

I’d be skeptical of the Spotify deal. Contracts can really limit free speech. You could just as easily start a podcast using Substack or SoundCloud or Squarespace and have the podcast automatically upload to all major platforms.

I believe what Spotify does is similar to what record labels used to do with musicians: sign on as many people as possible to either hope that they grow with them or at least keep them from growing with a competitor all while limiting what they artist could and couldn’t do.

There’s real value in having options and being uncaged - plus the Value for Value model of funding podcasts is becoming more popular (the No Agenda podcast is a good example of this). With the advent of Podcasting 2.0 new podcast apps have been developed that allow listeners to send donations directly to the podcast host through the app.

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Michael Rosenblatt's avatar

You should be very happy that you have been discovered. I think you can use Spotify when you want to slow down from IMW. Just continue to grow your readership.

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Richard Bakley's avatar

Dr. Horvitz, please stick with what you are doing. I enjoy your newsletters just the way you do them now. I do not have time to watch too many podcasts or videos but an occasional brief video can be helpful.

Hope you do not sign on with Spottiffy because, like I said, I enjoy Common Sense Health & Wellness. I also believe the independence of what you express is much too risky in the current environment.

Dick

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Rick Fagnani's avatar

Assuming the practice is unaffected by your decision, I think the answer is “it depends” (I. E., on the goal of a podcast….increased personal satisfaction? Greater reach? Growth of practice, etc.). Best wishes on whatever path seems best for you!

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Steven  Zalkind's avatar

Do what you love and pass on the podcast. Now I realize this is another one of your April Fools game and I fell for it again

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Rosemary Lerario's avatar

Assuming this isn’t an April Fools prank, I’d say stick with this newsletter. If someone pays you for content it’s generally not long before they tell you how to shape that content.

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The Real Dr. Steven Horvitz's avatar

That’s a thought to consider.

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Bill Stevens's avatar

Not gonna get me this year.

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patannobetz@gmail.com's avatar

Putting aside today's date...every time you post something not only has it pertained to myself but I have sent friends and family all over the country a news letter if it is on a topic/food/healthy snacks/opinions you have discussed.

Always receiving thanks.

Your family, friends and patients are your greatest advocates!

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Dellie's avatar

Methinks you've answered your own questions ... assuming you are not pranking us*, haha, the fact that Spotify approached you speaks volumes & indicates that you are doing just fine spreading the word on your own. As Rebecca said below, don't break what ain't broken! After all, it is still the WORLD WIDE Web!

*Your reputation precedes you!

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Lisa's avatar

Good luck with whatever you choose. I do not watch podcasts so I would miss your newsletters.

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MamaMacC's avatar

As others have said, this reeks of April Fools. However, if serious, I would appreciate you sticking to CS. It has grown past your own practice and more people join in as it gets shared. We love what you’re doing here. I also don’t trust Spotify.

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Judy Brown's avatar

I am always skeptical of any if your comments on April 1!!!! You’ve gotten me on a few of them (remember opening a restaurant & being the chef???).

If not an April 1 question, I agree with the last comment that you stay with what you love & enjoy. You’ve worked too hard to put that in jeopardy. Stay with what has & is working so well.

Happy April 1!

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Rebecca Fergosi's avatar

IF April Fools…good one!!!

If not then I vote to continue as you have been doing. Don’t break what ain’t broken!!!

You have had a vision and you should continue down that original path, not turning to the right or to the left.

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