Hey friends, Carl here. This week on the Pixel Retentive Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Danielle LeCourt. She's the founder of De LeCourt, a voice-first content studio that helps experts turn conversations into strategy. Danielle's journey started as a professional volleyball player, then shifted to writing and ultimately found its home in audio. She's worked with institutions like Harvard, NASA, and Roche, all through the lens of voice as an art form. If you've ever felt that great conversations can shape the world, this one's for you.

• How Danielle transitioned from professional athlete to voice-first strategist

• Why conversations, not content, are at the heart of powerful storytelling

• The importance of staying open and curious during interviews

• How "attention as art" can change the way you approach your craft and life

• Why audio reaches people when and where other mediums can't

• Danielle's unique take on voice as a medium for human connection

• The value of following creativity through uncertainty

• The difference between structuring a conversation and letting one unfold

• How archiving voices and stories creates a deeper legacy

"If we treated our attention as art… what universe comes out of that moment that you might miss if you were just trying to get the information that you need?"" — Danielle LeCourt

This quote stuck with me. Danielle's perspective shifts the way we think about presence. Rather than treating interactions as checklists or transactions, she invites us to slow down and actually see and hear what's right in front of us. That kind of openness is where the real magic lives, not just in creativity but in how we relate to people, solve problems, and build trust. It's a mindset shift that creatives especially can appreciate, because we know inspiration doesn't follow a script.

In this episode…

This episode was a reminder of why I started the podcast in the first place. Danielle's story is a mix of creative pivots, personal passion, and a deep respect for the human voice. We explored what it means to hold space for others, to show up with curiosity instead of assumptions, and to let conversations shape themselves instead of trying to force a narrative. I also got to share a bit about my own creative journey, including the legacy of my dad and how art helped me process grief. Danielle and I connected on a deep level around creativity, healing, and embracing the unknown. I think you'll walk away from this one feeling inspired to listen a little differently.

Until next time,

Carl Cleanthes