I used to be friends with a local band, and I really enjoyed their music. They had some recognition, but I felt they deserved more. I supported them whenever I could, and they even had well-known fans. However, they couldn’t sustain their success and eventually went their separate ways, not because of creative differences, but because they needed to find jobs and live their lives. Unfortunately, the lead singer passed away a couple of years ago, and while I don’t know the details, I believe it’s important to ensure that good art doesn’t go unnoticed or forgotten. I want to encourage people to pursue their creative dreams and not give up on their big work, as it often feels like their efforts go unheard or unappreciated.
This is why I created this podcast. It’s just the beginning of the work I want to do. I don’t have any specific plans or programs to sell or promote. But I know there is something I want to accomplish, and it starts and ends with this podcast and the people who join me on this journey.
The narrative style I just used is called public narrative, developed by Harvard professor Marshall Ganz. It’s often used in leadership circles but applies to creative work as well.
Throughout this month, we will be discussing the theme of connection. One powerful way to connect with people is by sharing your origin story, explaining why they should care, and inviting them to take action. I understand if this all sounds a bit lofty, especially if you’re a Twitch streamer or in a similar field. But let me introduce you to Stuart Goldsmith, a stand-up comedian and host of the Comedian’s Comedian podcast. He now labels himself as a climate comedian, using his comedy to address the climate crisis and getting paid to perform by organizations focused on saving the world. This shows that even art forms that might seem frivolous can have a bigger purpose.
Think about your vision of the world as you want it to be. Is there something fundamental that bothers you, something you wish could change or improve? This could be the driving force behind your art. It could be related to a personal experience or someone you know. If you haven’t found it yet, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you and how it can influence your work.
Twitch streaming is just one example, but you can easily create a socially conscious stream. You can play games and discuss issues like the gender pay gap or do makeup tutorials while talking about navigating the job market as a neurodiverse individual. By connecting your art to your vision of a better world, even in small ways, there are no limits to what you can achieve.
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