Once a year my brothers, sister, father, and I bring as many of our extended family together as possible to give thanks, celebrate, and re-establish relationships. This tradition has occurred 40 times over the last 42 years. It is like a mini-diaspora that has spread across the US returning to trade stories and to break bread together. The years have spawned many stories, most of which are of celebration and thanks. The annual Thanksgiving holiday in the US was a few days ago providing space to reflect and give thanks to everyone involved in the 16-plus years history of the Software Process and Measurement Cast blog and podcast. There is a lot to be thankful and grateful for. In no particular order…

Over the past 16 years, a lot of people have agreed to be interviewed for the podcast. Every interview has enriched my life. The yardstick I use for judging interviews includes such attributes as ah-ha moments and laughter. A few interviews have radically changed the trajectory of my career. I heard the same story from many listeners – interestingly everyone has a different interview they point to as being important to them. I am constantly reminded that everyone finds their own path.

Listeners and readers are the heart and soul of the SPaMCAST and blog. Both the podcast and blog have spawned a wide range of introductions that have and continue to turn into relationships. I enjoy every interaction with every reader and listener. As an update to one listener’s comment – Keith, I am still working on identifying a new piece of podsafe music for the podcast. Recently, the four current columnists have been answering questions from listeners. More interactions is always better!  

The columnists (Jon M Quigley is on the cast this week) have enriched the podcast and blog. The four current contributors are Jon M Quigley, Susan Parente, Tony Timbol, Jeremy Willets, and Jeremy Berriault. As many of you know, each of the columnists and I record 2 -3 columns in a sitting. Those hours are delights even when we record at 7 AM. As I thought about writing this column I listened to quite a few of our conversions over a wide arc of years past and present. Every one of us has evolved our ideas and approaches to delivering value. Our interactions drive my thought process, and I hope our conversations have influenced them. 

I may be the voice of the Software Process and Measurement Cast, but I am not the only person that is directly involved in delivering the podcast and blog. One or more of Meghan Cagley Matt Williams, and Barb Cagley touch every cast and blog. Without their help, everything would suffer immeasurably. 
I am thankful for the listeners and readers, the interviewees, the columnists, and everyone involved in delivering the cast and blogs. You have enriched my life, I hope you have gotten even more value than I have.  Want to be more involved?  Leave a voicemail at 01.440.668.5717 or email tcagley@tomcagley.com.