Grief & Pizza

Reimagining Being Human with Megan J. Robinson

In this episode, we chat with Megan J. Robinson, a guide and leader who helps people and organizations rediscover how humans actually work so they can live and lead with purpose. We explore themes like the impact of AI on identity and purpose, the role model crisis, and the need for authenticity and vulnerability. We also dig into the significance of community feedback and sustainable systems in navigating life's complexities. Megan also shares her perspectives on the evolving nature of work and creativity, advocating for a more fluid approach to goals and purpose. Links - R21.5 x Megan J. Robinson [https://www.r215coaching.com] - YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@r21.5xmeganj.robinson2] Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Megan J. Robinson [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/megan-j-robinson] - Guest

Building Beautiful Communities with Alex Hillman

In this conversation, Alex Hillman shares his journey from web developer to co-founder of Indy Hall, one of the first co-working spaces in the United States, exploring how community building, meaningful relationships, and iterative learning have shaped his entrepreneurial path. Links * Indy Hall [https://indyhall.org/] * 10k Independents [https://10k.city/] Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Alex Hillman [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/alex-hillman] - Guest

Enabling Autonomous Creatives with Jessica Abel

Jessica Abel shares her extensive journey as a creative, starting as a cartoonist and evolving into a business coach for creatives. She discusses her experiences in the comics industry, the challenges of making a living as an artist, and the importance of teaching business fundamentals to aspiring artists. The conversation highlights the need for creatives to adapt their business models and find ways to support their artistic practices while navigating the complexities of the art market. Links * Website [https://jessicaabel.com/] * Autonomous Creative Conference [https://www.autonomouscreative.com/] Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Jessica Abel [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/jessica-abel] - Guest

Manifesting a More Beautiful Internet with Rob Hardy

In this episode, we dive deep with Rob Hardy, a writer whose "devotional pursuit of a more beautiful internet" has led him to craft powerful manifestos that challenge the status quo. Rob shares his journey from filmmaker to manifesto writer, including the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship and his transformative experience writing "The Source" [https://ungated.life/p/the-source], an article on perfectionism that resonated deeply with Ben and Marie. Links * Ungated Life [https://ungated.life/] * Ungated Media [https://forest.quest/] * Manifestory [https://manifestory.co/] Takeaways * Metrics and views destroy what makes the internet meaningful—connecting with our unique people * Manifestos contain three elements: articulating what's wrong, envisioning what's possible, and building a bridge between them * Perfectionism oscillates between shame and grandiosity, while healing happens in the uncomfortable valley between * Community support systems show us our struggles aren't unique and we don't need to face them alone * Sustainable businesses start from safety, not scarcity, which leads to chasing metrics and "best practices" * Writing a manifesto transforms the creator by forcing confrontation with deeper values and identity * Manifestos help startups clarify values, improve decisions, guide hiring, and attract aligned customers * Creating from conversation rather than control allows for genuine connections and surprising insights Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Rob Hardy [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/rob-hardy] - Guest

Navigating the Product Journey with Andrew Askins

In this episode, we're talking to founder Andrew Askins about his experience growing an agency, getting acqui-hired, and then getting fired. We talk about company culture, the unique challenges of being a founder, and what it's like to bootstrap a software business.   Links * AndrewAskins.com [https://AndrewAskins.com] * MetaMonster.ai [https://metamonster.ai/] Takeaways * Selling a business creates unexpected emotional challenges, particularly around maintaining team culture and transparency during transition * The shift from founder to employee requires significant identity adjustment and emotional processing * Mindfulness practices and somatic therapy provide practical tools for managing entrepreneurial stress and anxiety * Successful entrepreneurship requires balancing optimistic vision with realistic anxiety management * Strong partnerships can provide essential emotional and strategic balance in business leadership * Teaching and public speaking effectiveness comes from authentic storytelling rather than technical perfection * Fear of judgment often blocks creative potential more than actual skill limitations * Building genuine community and psychological safety unlocks both team and individual growth Creators & Guests * Marie Poulin [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/marie-poulin] - Host * Benjamin Borowski [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/benjamin-borowski] - Host * Andrew Askins [https://podcast.weareokidoki.com/people/andrew-askins] - Guest