Ep 6 - Season One: That’s a Wrap

TLDR;

Reflecting on launching Dam Kind Conversations last year, I've wrapped up Season One, embracing both the challenges and joys of creative growth. Excited for what's next, stay tuned for a special interview and more updates on this journey.

It’s January. One of the darkest months of the year yet things feel kinda bright and somewhat optimistic (let’s not get carried away here).

Last summer I was feeling rather malnourished mentally, spiritually, creatively and so with some healthy encouragement from my people, I stepped out into the light with an idea for a podcast (it’s more than a podcast btw). So far I’ve interviewed 5 wonderful human beings - which in itself is a massive achievement.

But it’s so much more than that - please allow me to indulge myself for one moment with the achievement.

• Putting yourself out there full stop is a daunting task in 2023. There is a lot of apprehension around whether I have the right to do so, and if I do, what judgement will I be subjected to. The reality is, most, if not all judgement - comes from within.
• Let’s list the executional stuff: there’s building a brand concept, lamenting word choices that no one will remember, building a website that you actually like, figuring out how to ship podcast episodes to all of the major players, guest outreach and recruitment, research and interview prep, conducting interviews on your bestest and most worst of mental days - rain or shine, it’s show time! - editing interviews, production, promotion - oh my god so much!  Let’s be clear - I’m not making money here, nor do I value this project on those terms - although I do have ambitions for this to be sustainable.

So… Season One has wrapped. It took me a few weeks to realise this - mainly through down time with family, eating far too much, and probably thinking too much about the future. Somatically speaking. I was thinking about doing more interviews (in the current format) and I noted a compression in the chest. Although I’ve enjoyed these interviews, the thought of doing more feels repetitive and so I’m becoming conscious of a need to make a change. As one of my coach / mentors said to me [thank you Marco] “this project is your project, you get to do whatever you want. If it gets boring, get creative”.

I’ve also learned a few other things, mainly that I’m not in this to execute on growth mechanics. Organic, authentic, and sustainable growth are a priority for me. This Christmas I refused to do any of that “end of a year wrapped” performance because honestly, didn’t have it in me.  Also, I hate feeling rushed. I didn’t know what I wanted to say. My best thoughts, ideas, reflections, heart-felt thingy-ma-bobs come from taking as much time as I need.

Also, I want you to know that when I share something, I’m sharing it because it feels important - not because it’s Tuesday and it’s optimal. If I ever may be so self-congratulating, please know that moving foward, you’ll only see me in your feed when I’m really asking for your attention. I’ll respect your bandwidth as well as my own, and ask you to show up present and curious.

So what to expect in the coming months:

• I’m going to spend some quality time with these existing interviews to reflect on what I’ve truly learned.
• I do have a special interview planned for the end of the month that will sit as an intermission between season one and two.
• I have an idea for the topic of season two, but I’m going to save that for another day.

In the meantime, please take some time to revisit old interviews if you missed them and keep a look out for more updates in the coming weeks.

Thank you

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