Redefining Success and Embracing Deviation
Introducing the Uneducate Me Podcast - Where we dive into stories of breaking the mold of traditionally defined success and celebrate those who dare deviate and forge their own unique path.
Breaking Barriers of Traditionally Defined Success
Far too often, people are given parameters in which success is defined. And even further, they are given advice on how to achieve this so-called “success”. So many of us have gotten wrapped up in what society tells us is the traditional path that we lose sight of achieving in a way that is authentic to ourselves. It takes a lot to unlearn these societal and cultural definitions and I felt called to share the stories of those optimizing on bravery and circumstance to say “fuck the traditional path, I’m doing things my way” - thus, Uneducate Me was born.
1. Why now?
First and foremost, I love storytelling, just ask my close family and friends ;) The idea for this came to me recently a few weeks into my maternity leave. Maternity leave is quite the interesting time - you are tired, busy, emotionally and mentally drained, but yet can still find yourself bored. Not being the type of person who copes well with boredom, I started thinking about how to fill my time. I started thinking about how much I enjoy hosting Ashby’s Offer Accepted podcast and immediately sparks began flying in my mind about where I could channel the skills, interest, and enjoyment I gained from a work project and apply them to a personal effort.
As a person with A LOT of ideas, it can sometimes be difficult for me to differentiate ones derived from my ADHD mania, where I feel like I could and should do absolutely anything and everything, and actionable ideas with longevity. After much contemplation on which side the thought of starting a personal podcast fell on, I floated Uneducate Me to a few close friends and family (thanks squad) and decided to jump in headfirst.
Admittedly, some of my intentions for launching this podcast were selfish - but selfishness isn’t always bad. Sometimes, it can lead to better wellbeing and engaging in things you enjoy is the best self-care. I have taken great pride over the years in my professional accomplishments, but am branching out to create something that is truly and fully my own.
2. Building a community of Deviators
There tends to be negative associations with being a Deviator and it’s about time for a rebrand. Breaking the mold can be challenging and scary - it takes a substantial amount of bravery to even consider deviating from a traditional path, let alone actually breaking from it. The ultimate goal with Unedcuate Me is to tell the story of those who have said to hell with the traditional path, I am reclaiming how my success is defined and will achieve it in my own way in my own time. I am committed to highlighting stories of Deviators to empower others to embrace deviation.
3. What to expect when you’re expecting… a podcast
For me, creating external accountability is helpful, so with that I am putting out into the universe some milestones/cadence. I plan to launch the inaugural episode late October/Early November with episodes coming every 2 weeks subsequently. That said, plans sometimes change and with being a full time worker with three kids (two toddlers and a newborn) running around in the background, flexibility on Uneducate Me is key to keep it filling my cup instead of draining it.
4. Thanks for being along for the ride
To say I am stoked to amplify incredible stories of those who have paved their own nontraditional path to success is an understatement. If you are excited too, hit the subscribe button below!
Serving my community of Deviators in the way they want to be served is mission critical for me. I want to hear who YOU want to hear from - if you have recommendations on guests for the show, always feel free to give me a shout! Let’s redefine success together.
Signed from your fellow Deviator,
Shannon Ogborn