The beginning of a passion project feels exciting. The ending feels worth it. But the middle? The middle is messy.

In this episode, I’m talking about the messy middle, that uncomfortable season where the excitement fades, the work feels heavy, and comparison creeps in. Inspired by a candid post from Monica Packer reflecting on nine years of podcasting, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what meaningful creative work really looks like.

I share honestly about moments in my own writing, speaking, and podcasting journey when I felt misunderstood, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or ready to quit—and why those moments didn’t mean I was failing, but creating.

We explore how comparison turns the reality of doing the work into a false story of failure, and why the messy middle is where so many people give up—not because they aren’t capable, but because they didn’t expect this part.

To help navigate this season, I introduce AIR—Appreciation, Inspiration, and Recognition—as a practical mindset to keep going when doubt shows up. From the power of one kind message to recognizing progress you can’t yet see, this episode is a reminder that your work matters.