A Journalist's Journey: Bud Herron's Insights on Connection and Culture (Part 1)

In this captivating episode of "To Be And Do," host Phil Amerson sits down with the seasoned journalist Bud Herron, whose career has spanned various facets of the newspaper industry. From his early days in Hope, Indiana, to becoming a significant figure in journalism, Bud shares personal stories and insights that not only highlight his professional journey but also the lessons learned along the way.

Bud’s love for writing began in his youth, manifesting as early experiences contributing to the local newspaper, the Hope Star Journal Weekly, at just 14. His rebellious spirit shone through in high school, particularly when he started an underground newspaper, "The Protester," after facing opposition from a teacher. This tenacity set the stage for a career marked by boldness and an unyielding quest for truth and storytelling.

Although Bud faced academic challenges at Indiana University, he leveraged hands-on experiences to hone his craft, working summers at professional newspapers and even writing for the Indiana Daily Student. His non-traditional education journey underscores a critical takeaway: formal education isn't the only path to success—practical experience is equally invaluable.

Bud's stint in Sierra Leone with the United Methodist Church’s mission board added another layer to his life’s tapestry, reinforcing the importance of interdependence in a global context. His time there was cut short due to his son’s health issues, but the experience taught him, and listeners, about humility and the necessity of listening and understanding in building connections—a crucial aspect of belonging.

Here are the key takeaways from the episode:

1. Pursue Passion With Boldness: Bud’s early challenges and rebellious streak show how staying true to one's passion can carve a unique path, even in the face of setbacks.
2. Education Comes in Many Forms: Bud’s story highlights that valuable learning often comes from real-world experiences rather than traditional educational environments.
3. Listening as a Bridge to Belonging: His international experiences taught Bud the importance of listening as a foundation for respectful and meaningful community interactions.
4. Challenge Authority Thoughtfully: Encouraged by his father, Bud embraced questioning authority—a mindset that fueled his investigative spirit and contributed to personal growth.
5. Navigate Life’s Unpredictability: The unexpected move from Sierra Leone underscores life's unpredictability and the resilience needed to adapt to new situations.

Join Phil and Bud for more enlightening stories in the next episode of "To Be And Do," where storytelling meets the human experience. For more, check out belongingexchange.org.