From Principal to Podcaster: Matt Ellis Shares His Inspiring Journey on Bucket List Careers Podcast with Christa Lauri

Join host Christa Lauri for an inspiring episode of Bucket List Careers, where she sits down with Cricket Library Podcast’s very own Matt Ellis. In this podcast series, Christa delves into the world of unique and fascinating professions, uncovering the stories behind the career pivots and the secrets to success in pursuing one’s passion. With a background as a New York-based news anchor and reporter, Christa brings a wealth of experience to the table, guiding listeners through the journey of identifying purpose, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately launching their own bucket list careers. And now, she welcomes Matt Ellis to share his insights and experiences from the world of cricket and podcasting, promising an episode brimming with inspiration and practical advice.

In this episode of Bucket List Careers, listeners are in for a treat as they join host Christa Lauri in conversation with Matt Ellis, the dynamic host behind the Cricket Library Podcast. Matt’s journey is a testament to the pursuit of passion and the courage to pivot towards one’s true calling. Initially embarking on a career as a school principal in Australia, Matt found fulfillment in his work but couldn’t ignore the persistent call of his lifelong passion for cricket.

Launching the Cricket Library Podcast in 2012, Matt carved out a niche as a pioneer in cricket podcasting in Australia. In this episode, Matt shares the intricacies of his journey, offering valuable insights into the art of pivoting towards one’s passion and the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Listeners tuning in to Bucket List Careers will gain invaluable insights from Matt’s experience, particularly in the realm of podcasting. Matt’s story is a goldmine of inspiration and practical wisdom. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast, an aspiring podcaster, or simply someone seeking motivation to pursue your passion, this episode promises to ignite your drive and fuel your ambition.

Don’t miss out on this captivating conversation – search for Bucket List Careers wherever you get your podcasts or simply click the link in the bio to listen in and embark on a journey of inspiration and discovery with Matt Ellis and host Christa Lauri!

Alan Curr – Adventures In Japan & Beyond

Alan Curr has an adventurous spirit that has taken him to all corners of the globe. In this edition of the Cricket Library Podcast, he shares the origins of his passions for the game, organising a game of cricket on Mt Everest, landing a job with Japan cricket & the emergence of cricket in Japan.

The conversation would not be complete without Alan telling us who he would invite to his dream cricket net session.

Make sure you are following Japan Cricket on all of their social media platforms and read the full story of the cricket games on Mt Everest by getting yourself a copy of the book.

Surbhi Vaid – Star on the Rise The Cricket Library

Surbhi Vaid is a young broadcaster on the rise, having worked as an on-air talent in the IPL and WPL. She sits down with Matt Ellis to share the origins of her passion for cricket, embracing the nerves that come with being on camera, working with Aussie legend Brett Lee, the positive impact of the WPL and of course Surbhi will reveal the three people that she would invite to a dream Cricket Net session. Please remember to subscribe to the Cricket Library Podcast on your favourite podcast provider and leave a positive review to help us to continue sharing stories that inspire a love of cricket.  
  1. Surbhi Vaid – Star on the Rise
  2. Tatenda Taibu – Keeping The Faith
  3. Alan Curr – Adventures In Japan & Beyond
  4. David Hussey – A Life In Cricket
  5. Jimmy Adams – Grateful

The Best of Bevan

MG Bevan was a prolific batsman who became known for his skills in finishing off an innings and providing handy variety with his left arm wrist spinners. His record in ODI cricket with the bat was outstanding scoring just under 7000 runs and averaging over 50. He churned out the runs with regular monotony in First Class and Domestic One Day cricket scoring 68 First Class hundreds and averaging over 57.

For students of the game, The best of Bevan provides a window into the processes behind the success of MG Bevan as he recalls a selection of 30 games that shaped his career. Contained is wisdom gleaned from playing all around the world and being presented with many challenges to overcome.

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The highlight for most readers would be his account of the famous last ball victory in the ODI played on January 1, 1996 at the SCG between Australia and the West Indies. This was a game where Bevan’s ability to execute his skills in a high pressure situation were on display for all to see.

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Students of domestic cricket will appreciate references to the Nat West Trophy Quarter Final between Yorkshire and Lancashire in 1995 as well as recounts of Sheffield Shield games and the Mercantile Mutual Cup Final played between NSW and WA at the WACA in 2001.

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Another thing we love about The best of Bevan is the fact it is not your classic autobiography. It is a book that you could pick up and read any chapter in any order at any time. It confronts the challenges as well as the highlights of MG Bevan’s career and provides helpful insights on the art of batting.

For those looking to include reading into your busy schedule, The best of Bevan is one to add to your reading list for 2019.

Have You Heard About Audio Books?

Cricket librarians all around the world would agree that a high quality audio visual section will enhance the library experience for librarians and borrowers alike. In years past, access to VHS tapes, DVDs, Compact Discs and Cassettes were sufficient to meet the basic requirements of an audio visual section. These days however with technology moving at a rapid rate, the influx of audio books has opened a whole new world for those wishing to expand their horizons.

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Modern technology has enabled librarians and private citizens alike the opportunity to listen to a wealth of cricket related material through devices such as MP3 players, mobile telephones, tablets and computers. This creates endless possibilities for those who are looking to expand their libraries but do not have the budget to undertake extensions. Adding electronic files to your favourite device ensures you can essentially listen to your favourite cricket book anywhere at any time.

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Some people may feel that embracing audio books may come at the expense of reading the printed material that we have all loved for so long. However, we prefer to see audio books as a welcome addition to expand your capacity to consume cricketing material. Some astute librarians will listen to the audio version whilst following on in a hard copy of the text.

In addition, for the safety conscious, reading and walking has traditionally been off limits, now this can be done with consummate ease and increased safety which would be music to the ears of those WH&S representatives reading this.

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There are certainly many more benefits to audio books that have not been included in this article that you are sure to discover for yourselves as you expose yourself to emerging technologies like this.

We would encourage you to incorporate listening to audio books in your daily routine in addition to the regular reading of cricket books as we are convinced you will not be disappointed!

5 Helpful Ways To Include Reading In Your Busy Schedule

In the rapidly changing world we live in and the increasingly demanding schedules that people have, it can be a challenge ensuring there is space in our day for reading cricket books.

As cricket librarians, we are in the privileged position of having access to a plethora of reading material at our finger tips. Prioritising time to read though is paramount in ensuring we can provide timely and relevant advice to our community of readers.

With this in mind here are some proven strategies for ensuring you find time to read.

HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

Having someone in your life that you can trust with the responsibility of asking you about what you have been reading is a helpful motivator for some readers. Give people permission to ask you on a daily basis what you have been reading and how it has inspired you. You will find that once you have formed the habit of reading, the frequency of having others ask you about your reading can be reduced dramatically.

POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media and screen time in general is often detrimental to time management and overall productivity. However, if there is one positive we have found with social media it is the social capital that can be derived from posting highly engaging content with your networks. When you commit to reading and sharing what you have been reading on the various social platforms, people will start to perceive you as someone who is refined, disciplined and resourceful. It will also have the two fold effect of encouraging others to put their device down and dedicate some time to reading.

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 LEAVE BOOKS AROUND THE HOUSE

Having cricket books in strategic locations around the house can provide helpful visual reminders that reading is a priority. We have heard unconfirmed reports that some people have been known to keep books in the refrigerator to help stimulate a hunger for reading cricket literature. This is one of the coolest suggestions we have heard and would love to hear from anyone who has found this method beneficial.

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COMBINE READING WITH EXERCISE

Riding a stationary exercise bike is a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy. When you next go to your local gym, instead of watching the cricket highlights while you exercise, we would recommend that you mix things up by bringing some reading material with you. This does not always need to be a cricket book as we have previously advocated reading cricket magazines is also OK. Combining exercise and reading is a helpful way to ensure your physical fitness is not neglected and your mind is stimulated.

READ OUTSIDE

Alfresco reading is a very popular phenomenon amongst our community of readers. There is something refreshing for the soul when you sit in a quiet spot outside and turn the pages of your favourite cricket book. Obviously, if you do decide to read alfresco, ensuring you are hydrated and have the appropriate sun protection will ensure the quality of the experience will be maximised.

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We trust this non exhaustive list of suggestions will provide you with a starting point to reinvigorate your passion for reading and inspire others to do the same.