The Secret Podcast Livestream Archive: “The Nudge” Roundtable Discussion 01/10/22

🎯 The “Nudge” Event Sparks New Energy
The video opens with a “Sunday Funday” roundtable focused on the mysterious “nudge” in The Secret treasure hunt community. Participants describe how this unexpected clue reignited collaboration, sparking excitement after a period of stagnation post-Boston discovery in 2020.

🌍 Community Introductions and Connections
Multiple treasure hunters, including Grayden, Natalie, Cameron, Rob, and Ben Asen, introduce themselves and share how they became involved in the hunt. There's a diverse range of backgrounds—from Canada to Virginia—with unique entry points via media like podcasts or TV shows.

🤝 Celebrating Community and Collaboration
The event was originally envisioned by “Sunday,” a key community member currently on a break due to a family emergency. Graden honors her vision, emphasizing new ideas for community collaboration, such as themed small groups, podcast panels, and informal discussion formats.

🔍 Insights into Byron Preiss and Project Legacy
Photographer Ben Asen shares rich backstory and personal anecdotes about his time working with Byron Preiss, the creator of The Secret. He discusses Byron’s creative methods, his focus on educating through fun, and details from photo shoots—including one at the Statue of Liberty.

📸 Revisiting Original Artwork and Photography
Ben describes rediscovering 61 rolls of negatives and rare images used in the book, which he now makes available online. There's a special interest in seeing sculptures and images in both black-and-white and color to appreciate JoEllen Trilling’s detailed work.

📚 Byron’s Passion for Literacy and Children’s Education
The discussion concludes by highlighting Byron’s longstanding dedication to children’s literature, especially in underserved communities. Proceeds from the Secret art prints support his educational charity.

Insights Based on Numbers

🧭 900 miles from theorized cask city: Kramer lives in Manitoba, about 900 miles away from the nearest theorized treasure location, highlighting the dedication of remote hunters.

🖼 61 rolls of film preserved: Ben Asen meticulously preserved his original negatives, including iconic imagery used in The Secret.

📚 Books reduced from 800 to ~275 pages: Byron’s collaboration with Howard Zinn made complex U.S. history more accessible for children—an example of purposeful educational design.