The 5 Stages of a Career in Media
And Why We’re Starting at the End
Ethel Barrett used to joke about the “5 Stages” of a media personality’s career, a concept she repurposed from Paul Harvey. She would use her own name to illustrate the cycle:
1. Who’s Ethel Barrett?
2. Get us Ethel Barrett!
3. Get us someone just like Ethel Barrett!
4. We need a younger version of Ethel Barrett!
5. Who’s Ethel Barrett?
By the standards of the modern media industry, we are currently in Stage 5.
But here is the catch: While the industry moves on, the demand for her wisdom has not. To this day, I’m often struck by how frequently modern storytellers—from secular writers to ministry leaders—still point back to her. It’s not uncommon to see her name recommended alongside greats like C.S. Lewis.
The Mission: Stewardship Over Success
My goal for this Substack isn’t to chase fame or vanity. It is to ensure that her craft remains accessible in the digital age.
Some of her work has stood the test of time and remains in print today—like her epic retelling of John Bunyan’s Holy War (now titled The War for Mansoul). But while the book is available, the performances are at risk. I have in my possession live recordings of Ethel telling these stories, captured on analog tapes that are slowly decaying.
Why This Space Exists
Reading Ethel is one thing; hearing her is another entirely. This Substack will be the home for:
• Digital Restorations: Breathing new life into aging audio tapes and out-of-print masterclasses like Storytelling, It’s Easy.
• The “Live” Archive: Sharing the rare performances that made her a household name.
• The Craft: Digging into the “how” behind her storytelling genius.
I am here to keep the stories alive and the wisdom available. The voices are too good to stay in the attic.
A Note on the Archive & Rights
As the caretaker of Ethel Barrett’s intellectual property, my priority is the integrity and availability of her work. I am currently in the process of auditing and clearing publishing rights for her extensive catalog.
My plan is to use this forum to republish her books and recordings as they are cleared and digitized. If you see something here, it is because it has been officially restored and authorized for a new generation of listeners and readers.