Welcome to the Pursuing Uncomfortable Podcast, a show dedicated to encouraging listeners to lean into the uncomfortable aspects of life. In this episode titled "Pursuing What's Next with Melissa and Gretchen," host Melissa Ebken and transcriber Gretchen Cromwell discuss their journey of creating and producing over 100 episodes of the podcast. They reflect on some of their favorite guests, moments of vulnerability, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
1. Embracing the Uncomfortable:
Melissa and Gretchen emphasize the importance of facing uncomfortable situations head-on. They discuss how pursuing discomfort allows individuals to grow, learn, and ultimately create a life they love. By showcasing stories of individuals overcoming adversity, the Pursuing Uncomfortable Podcast offers inspiration and encouragement to listeners facing their own challenges.
2. Behind the Scenes:
Melissa reveals the essential role Gretchen plays as the podcast's transcriber, emphasizing the significance of transcripts for optimizing the podcast's searchability and success. Gretchen shares her experience of listening to episodes multiple times to accurately transcribe content, highlighting the nuances of different accents and vernacular. Melissa discusses her editing process and the importance of maintaining a conversational tone in the podcast.
3. Profound Guest Stories:
Melissa and Gretchen dive into some of their most memorable episodes and guests. They discuss Jan Stewart, a mother who advocates for children with multiple mental disorders, sharing her journey of navigating parenthood and supporting her children. The hosts also touch upon the impact of guests like Johnny McCoy and Perry Power, who bravely shared their stories of abuse and addiction, inspiring others to share theirs.
4. Lessons from Unexpected Sources:
The hosts discuss the unexpected sources of inspiration found in guests such as Judy Foreman, a journalist and author, whose remarkable achievements left a lasting impact. They also mention Geta, a guest who spoke about gut health and her journey of self-advocacy after being adopted. Melissa and Gretchen emphasize the importance of learning from diverse perspectives and how every guest offers valuable lessons.
5. Overcoming Personal Challenges:
Melissa and Gretchen open up about their own personal challenges, emphasizing the need to trust the timing of one's life. They reflect on the struggles of fertility and the emotional rollercoaster experienced when trying to conceive. Both hosts provide insight and advice for individuals in similar situations, encouraging them to find happiness and blessings in other aspects of life.
6. Future Aspirations:
Looking ahead, the hosts express their excitement for future episodes. They discuss their desire to feature farmers, caregivers for aging parents, and individuals who have taken over family businesses. Melissa encourages audience members to share their suggestions for future episodes, ensuring that the podcast continues to provide listeners with stories that resonate and inspire.
Conclusion:
As the Pursuing Uncomfortable Podcast celebrates over 100 episodes, Melissa and Gretchen express gratitude for their listeners and the opportunity to share inspiring stories of resilience and triumph. They encourage individuals to embrace discomfort, face their challenges head-on, and find strength and inspiration from the stories of others. By pursuing the uncomfortable, listeners can transform their lives and become a source of encouragement for others. Stay tuned for future episodes and remember to embrace the uncomfortable in pursuit of a life you love.
