Awkwardly Awesome w/ Jason Freeman

“I think for so many people guilt is a paralyzing thing which gives them blinders.  At the bottom of it all we are one humanity, all with dignity.”  ~ Sarah Meagher

Sarah Meagher was 18 years old when she first came face to face with mass scale poverty. She was on a youth group service trip to Mexico, and for Sarah the experience was not only overwhelming, it brought about deep feelings of guilt and shame for...

We all have challenges, which is why we need people like Tom Clute to remind us that we matter greatly.  That what we are doing is worth the effort.  That we’re free to choose challenges, to struggle, to be resilient and to try and try again.

Tom Clute walks his talk.  He’s an honorably discharged, disabled US Air Force Veteran, he has a Master of Social Work (MSW), is an advocate and resource in the men...

“I want middle school, high school and college students to feel loved and cared for.  That they are more than just the talent they bring to the stage.  I want them to feel that they are worth knowing and treasuring.” ~ Emily Magera

Emily Magera caught her first big break in third grade.  She was cast in “Honk!”, a popular, Olivier Award-winning musical that retells Hans Christian Andersen&rsq...

Whether you are graduating from high school, college or just another day of work, congratulations on being you and navigating this unpredictable and crazy life.  

Wherever you happen to be, I have a question for you about questions.  Specifically, are the questions you find yourself repeatedly asking empowering you to grow or are they keeping you struggling and miserable?

I ask because I’ve found the question...

“The number one mission for Parks and Recreation should be building community, but, the unfortunate reality is that engagement is often treated as an afterthought.”  ~ Joe Batcheller

Have you ever stopped to think about all the boxes that need to be checked in order for a town, city, or county to be appealing?  There is so much that needs to be planned, from housing, to transportation, to land use and zoning,...

“I believe that on a very fundamental level humans are meant to find purpose in doing challenging things.  I believe that AI can enhance what we do, but we must start with a baseline of willingness to learn and think.  I believe starting with a high baseline is very important.  Use AI to push you and give you feedback that challenges you to be your very best.”

~ Luke Cumbee

When I think about AI, I get a...

“Sometimes you have to let go of what you thought life would be like and learn to find joy in the story you are living.” ~ Flo Mina

I met Flo Mina through my late friend Bob Donnell.  Bob had been elated to introduce us because after a life filled with tremendous loss, he’d finally met the love of his life and had rediscovered the joy of happiness. 

Bob and Flo’s happiness together was somewhat ir...

Jason sits down with photographer Serge Van Neck to trace his journey from Amsterdam to Phoenix and the Rosebud Reservation.  Together they explore how he discovered and refined his craft—from mastering exposure and lenses to embracing film and long exposures.

Serge shares how his Baha'i belief in unity and diversity informs his work, and he reflects on timing, composition, and doing one’s imperfect best as an arti...

“Art has the power to tell stories, change perspectives, and help unite communities on various causes and issues. I use art to engage people in dialogue on current events, advocacy issues, disability rights issues and much more.” ~ Alicia Hopkins, from her artist statement

It’s far too tempting to fall into the trap of thinking that true creativity talent is reserved for the lucky few with astounding abilities.&n...

“I’m not Taylor Swift or an opera singer but I can still go out there and sing.  The invitation is to walk through the ring of fire that our fears have lit.”  ~ Sandi Kimmel

Sandi Kimmel makes her third appearance on Awkwardly Awesome Podcast as her story and creative genius keep expanding.  

Growing up in Sandi’s family, being academic was the prize.  As a creative person, she knew...

“There is something in many ancient practices, be it acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, that works or helps, but none of them are a one-stop-shop.  None of them can cure everything all the time.”  ~ Mike Huber

In college, Mike Huber decided on an accounting degree for a very logical reason:  He  knew having a definitive skill would make for a lasting career.  Then he joined the military in order ...

“Going through a tough time definitely makes you a sharper person.  I think back to being in the hospital because I had a grapefruit-sized tumor in my head.  I kept waiting and waiting.  My surgery was delayed three times.  During that time, so much of my emotional well-being depended on my inner circle.  For example, my best friend Jake texted everyday.  Being alone was and still is one of my gr...

“Just as I was about to reach the top of the mountain I’d been climbing for years, I caught a glimpse of the view—and realized I was on the wrong mountain. So I jumped.”  ~ Paul Abel

This week, we’re joined by Paul Abel, Ph.D., who takes us on a deep dive into the high-stakes world of academia and the "awkward" courage it takes to pivot once you’re about to reach the summit of everything yo...

In this Fan Favorite episode, Tiffani Brooke Fest shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse and hardship to finding sanctuary in theater, success as an actress, and healing through Buddhism. She explains how her pain became the fuel for her craft and the catalyst of her compassion.

Over time, Tiffani has turned her personal suffering into service—supporting survivors and volunteering at children’s hospitals in...

“There’s often a misconception about confidence.  It’s not that I don’t feel scared, it’s that I do it anyway.” ~ Chandler Price

The parents of Chandler Price knew she was meant for the arts after seeing her dance around on the soccer field instead of helping her teammates win the game one too many times.  So, they decided to enroll her in dancing, acting, and singing classes instead a...

When I, Jason Freeman, host of Awkwardly Awesome Podcast, began talking about the power of doing my Imperfect Best in 2015, I somehow assumed I was the expert on it thanks to the adversity my speech impediment and coordination issues caused me.  But, the more I spoke and wrote about it, the more I found that far from being an expert on Imperfect Best, I was very much still an eager student learning more about the concept every...

QUESTION: What do you do when the sofa in your home becomes way too comfortable?

ANSWER: You rent out your home for half a year and become a part-time nomad.

This is precisely the type of change Breezy is continually innovating her life with.

When I met Breezy, her name was Briana.  She came into my life as a mentor when I was relatively new to San Diego and needed some kind, insightful guidance.  Fortunately for me, aft...

“To me money isn’t a big deal.  I was a pastor.  I was a teacher.  I’ve worked with the homeless.  My wife is an artist.  We get by on less.  My house tilts to the east, but it’s classy.” ~ Steve Boint

If you’ve listened to this podcast long enough, you know how much I love a good tale.  Fortunately for all of us, Steve Boint, has had a life chock full of great...

“Pop culture isn’t just a source of entertainment; it’s a powerful force in society. It influences our beliefs, it affects our personality, and it often reflects the importance of our lives.”

~ Aiza Shahid as published on Medium

Between kindergarten and 12th grade, Chris Taylor moved five times, attended four different elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, across four states spread a...