#11: 'I Was the Kid Reading a Book at Recess'

What does a childhood in Colorado, a stack of freshly printed high school newspapers, a dream of becoming a war correspondent, a life rooted in faith, and a small Missouri farm have to teach us about memory, meaning, family, courage, and calling?

In this episode, the tables are turned. My friend Kevin Payne interviews me — Nate Birt — about the story behind my own life, work, family, and the beginnings of Perennial Pen.

Kevin and I first met years ago through the agriculture and ag tech world, later reconnected through a book-editing project, and have stayed in touch as friends and collaborators. Along the way, Kevin realized there were parts of my story he had only heard in pieces. So he offered to interview me for this episode.

We talk about my growing-up years in Longmont, Colorado, where I was the bookish kid with neatly parted hair, knee socks, a love for R.L. Stine's Goosebumps books, and an early fascination with newspapers. I share how my dad's Sunday newspaper reading helped shape my curiosity, how my high school newspaper gave me a sense of purpose, and why journalism originally felt like a doorway into the wider world.

We also explore my years at the University of Missouri, my early dream of becoming a war correspondent, and the unexpected path that led me instead into community journalism, rural America, agriculture, nonprofit communications, and eventually Silver Maple Strategies and Perennial Pen.

At the heart of the conversation is a deeper theme: none of us becomes who we are alone. I reflect on the parents, teachers, mentors, church families, friends, clients, and loved ones who helped shape my life. I also talk about meeting my wife, Julie, the family we've built together, our life on a small farm, and how faith continues to guide the way I think about work, service, curiosity, and care for other people.

And yes, we also talk about saxophone, marching band, horror movies, meatloaf, introversion, and the joy of sitting on the couch with a good book.

In this episode, we explore:

• How childhood interests can quietly point us toward lifelong callings
• Why mentors and small words of encouragement can change the course of a life
• The difference between youthful ambition and a more grounded sense of purpose
• How journalism, editing, and storytelling shaped my work
• Why faith, family, and community remain central to how I understand meaning
• The unexpected path from Colorado suburbia to rural Missouri
• How Perennial Pen grew out of a desire to preserve stories for future generations
• Why reconnecting with childhood joy can help us remember what matters most

Sincere thanks to Lee Williams for his fantastic production of this and every episode of Perennial Pen.

Reflection Question

What is something you loved in childhood that you would love to do again — and what might happen if you made space for it this week?

More About Nate

Nate Birt is the host of Perennial Pen: What Matters Most and co-founder of Perennial Pen with his wife, Dr. Julie Birt. Through Perennial Pen, Nate and Julie help families preserve the stories, memories, and histories of loved ones in beautiful printed legacy books.

Nate is also an author, journalist, editor, speaker, and founder of Silver Maple Strategies. His work has spanned community journalism, agriculture, nonprofit communications, book editing, professional development, and storytelling for families and organizations.

He lives in Missouri with Julie and their four children.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen, email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com. I respond to every message personally!

Chronicle Your Loved One's Stories or Your Organization's Anniversary/Milestone

Would you like help preserving your loved one's amazing life stories? Is your business or nonprofit looking for a way to celebrate an important anniversary or milestone? My wife, Julie, and I can help you do that.

Learn more about our 90-day Perennial Pen engagement: https://www.silvermaplestrategies.com/perennial-pen-family-legacy-book