FOUND Bites - Rep Radio - 4/21

Today marks the beginning of the 12th season of Rep Radio. In 2009, I only knew that this would be an offering I would present to the world. I had no idea how long it would last. I did not know how many episodes would make a season. I had no idea how a community would welcome such an offering. I was pleasantly surprised.

Looking back on the years of producing these episodes, I have had many great conversations but, I did not think my voice would take center stage at first. I recruited many voices in the beginning and I produced the episodes. Later, I would become the sole voice of Rep Radio and I would continue to use the platform to give artists an opportunity to tell us why the work they were producing mattered and why we should experience that work. 

I have learned so much from these conversations but, the main thing I learned was, this offering would find those who needed it. It is my curiosity that has led to so many moments. I would step out into the world and engage with people who would tell me that they listened to the episodes and I would still feel like, wow, someone is actually listening! I produce Rep Radio in a bubble. I often ignore other press about the artists and their productions and my approach has always been from a position of complete discovery. 

When I stop recording, I often say to myself, this, this is why I do this. The way I feel after these conversations makes me hungry for the next conversation. This is a place where not only do the artists get to express themselves but, so do I . I am on record on my own platform. I share this platform with the community. 

This past year has been trying for all of us. I had goals for growth that were put on hold just like many of you can relate to. But, I cannot stop. I will not stop. There are so many platforms to extend into but, my comfort zone is here. And, you know what, just because those other platforms exist, that does not mean you have to find a space there as well. 

They say, “go where the people are”. I am one of those people. I am not on every platform and if I have created an account, not much has come from it if I am not engaged by it. So, I stick to the ones that bring me the most joy. I listen to podcasts all day so, of course, I produce podcasts. If I watched Tik Tok videos all day, I would see a reason to exist there. But, I don’t. Good on those you have found their place in the world, wherever they are. 

It is like buying a house, just because a new house pops up, does not mean you have to pack up and move. This one is so comfortable. It is worn in, made just for you. So, every year, I take stock and wonder whether this is the last year for Rep Radio, and then, I schedule another interview, and edit another episode, and post that episode and promote that episode. Repeat. 

This platform has brought many other ideas to the table and I use this foundation to bring them to life. When you find your resources, the process becomes more commonplace. 

I went from producing Rep Radio, to hosting Rep Radio and now, I am here in this space. It is new but, it feels so worn in. And, I have Rep Radio to thank for this.  So, here’s to another season of great conversations with talented people who inspire me more than they could possibly know. 

If you are listening to this, I hope you have found something here that inspires you too. So, as I grab my favorite blue Rep Radio t-shirt from the drawer, I wear it with pride. I built this. I continue to help it grow. We all should find something to be so passionate about, to call your own. Take pride in your ability and see how far it takes you. 

What’s next for me, well, as I always say…Stay Tuned!