Your Creative Midlife

“I was actually just a storyteller my whole career”: Live from Graham Broyd’s Book Launch for Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard at Scarsdale Golf Club

Betsy Bush

We've been following the journey that my guest, Graham Broyd, has taken as a first time author from developing a personal story into a manuscript that was published by Forbes imprint Advantage Press. In August, I was honored to be asked by Graham to help him launch Backpack, Jacket, Surfboard on its publication. Here we are at the Scarsdale Golf Club talking to a packed house about his journey as an author and as the book subject, a 20-year-old student from England, hitchhiking across America.

Covered in the podcast:

  • The Formative Power of Youth: Broyd repeatedly returned to the idea that his seven-week journey at age 20 was the crucible in which his adult character was forged
  • The Value of "Unplugged" Experience: The interview highlighted a journey undertaken without the safety nets of modern technology, revealing a trend of looking back at such experiences as authentic builders of self-reliance and resourcefulness
  • The Evolution of Business Publishing: The story of how Forbes, a business publisher, embraced his personal memoir suggested a trend in publishing where "life learning" narratives from business leaders are seen as valuable, moving beyond traditional how-to business guides

Interviewee Background:

Graham Broyd is a recently retired former CEO and banker. As a 20-year-old student from England, he won a scholarship to study at the Library of Congress. Instead of focusing solely on his studies, he embarked on a seven-week, largely unplanned hitchhiking trip across the United States. This journey formed the basis of his debut book, which has been published by Forbes imprint, Advantage Press.

This conversation was recorded by George Gerbacia at The Scarsdale Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, on August 14th. 

Resources:

  • Read Graham's book here: https://advantagebooks.com/books/backpack-jacket-surfboard/ 


Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts. And see more about Betsy Bush and her guests at www.yourcreativemidlife.com. Are you on your own artistic or creative journey? We want to know about you! Please contact us through the website. Dare to follow your muse!