Great ideas often start in the simplest ways, and for Northbrook resident Vinita Patel, and her colleagues Kay McBrearty and Ruth Hays, this great idea started over lunch. As professionals in the separate but related fields of school psychology, career consulting, and academic tutoring, the three had been referring clients to one another for years, but as they gathered for regular lunch meetups, they began to brainstorm ways they could share their conversations with others. So they decided to create a podcast offering advice and strategies for parents, professionals, and young people navigating school and career challenges, called The N.E.T. (Navigating Everything Together) Collective Podcast.
“Once we decided to launch a podcast,” said Kay McBrearty, a North Shore career consultant, “we needed a quiet place and the equipment to record both audio and video.” The group faced the typical challenges of all new podcasters, including a lack of equipment, a lack of quiet space, and the need for basic technical assistance. They explored renting commercial spaces and buying expensive gear, but the logistics were daunting. That is, until Vinita Patel, a school psychologist in private practice and executive functioning coach, used her knowledge of Northbrook Public Library’s resources and introduced the group to the Peltz Digital Media Lab in the Collaboratory.
The Digital Media Lab offered audio equipment and a “cozy atmosphere” that allowed them to record the podcast without the overhead costs of a private studio. “If we hadn’t learned about the library’s Peltz Digital Media Lab, we might not have found the right space for us,” the group agrees. But the podcasters say the real heroes were the Collaboratory staff, who helped them learn to navigate the new medium.
“The staff has been an incredible help,” said the team. “From making our appointments to helping us to set up our audio properly, they’ve all been patient, knowledgeable, and helpful.” Settled into the “chill vibe” of the Peltz Digital Media Lab, the trio has been able to produce a library of episodes they are incredibly proud of. They have tackled complex topics like a series of Executive Functioning episodes, and also recorded episodes on the writing process and crafting the perfect elevator pitch to share your story, whether for a job interview or sorority rush.
The journey from a simple idea to a published series has been transformative for the hosts. Ruth says it has helped her feel more deeply plugged into the North Shore community. Vinita says it has made her trust the power of thoughtful, honest conversations. And for Kay, it has proven that they are better, stronger, and more effective together.
Want to listen? You can find the N.E.T. Collective Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
