As podcasters, our first instinct is to say yes to every request for host/guest that comes along. Sometimes life happens and we need to reschedule for a better day. Originally, I joined Podmatch a few years back under a different podcast and then revamped under the current podcast, Humanity 2.0 Podcast. In doing so, I felt like I needed to accept every guest and when life got hard, I sometimes sacrificed my needs before the next podcast appointment, to ensure I was present at all times. In the last few years, I've learned that the words "rescheduling" and "no" are not bad words. Life happens to all of us and it's ok to connect with your fellow podcaster, and ask for another date so long as the communication is strong; it's ok. When it comes to the word "no", sometimes there are guests that you may not jive or as the kids say "vibe" with - and that's ok. Staying true to your show's mission and not just saying yes to add to your episode count..is so important; downright integral :) Today, I'm very mindful of who I agree to host or where I guest, I refer podcasters to others that may be a better match if necessary, and I also take time for myself to review the calendar, making sure that I don't overload my plate with recording sessions. I feel it's important for all of us to be mindful, allow ourselves some grace, and also make sure you get your hydration and snacks in. (I can go into podmode, editmode, marketingmode and stay at the desk for hours lol) Feel free to let me know if you disagree. Would love to hear thoughts on what you've observed during your podcast journey such as things you've learned about yourself or observed recently. Cheers fellow pod people!

There’s a special kind of rush that nothing in my using days ever touched: doing something for another person in recovery when they don’t expect it at all. - Slipping a $20 gas card into a jacket pocket - DMing a guy at 2 a.m. who posted “I don’t think I can do this” with nothing more than “You already are. I’m up if you need me.” - Dropping groceries on a single mom’s porch who’s white-knuckling her first week, no note, just gone before she opens the door. No applause, no credit, no “look at Massimo the saint.” Just the act. Every single time I do it, something inside me levels up. I don't have cravings any longer yet my problems shrink, and my sobriety feels even more bulletproof. It’s like topping off my own tank by giving someone else gas. Science calls it “helper’s high.” I call it free, renewable rocket fuel for long-term recovery. The Stoics called it living according to Justice and human connection. Whatever the label, it works. You don’t need money or grand gestures. A ride to someone without a car, a “you’ve got this” voice memo, paying for the coffee of the person behind you in line who looks like they’re on day three; tiny, anonymous, pure. Try one this week. No announcement, no tag, no story. Just do it and feel what happens on the inside when nobody’s watching. Then come back and tell us (without naming names) how it felt. I guarantee your sobriety will feel a little taller. Who’s in for one random act of SOBER Method kindness this week?

Sometimes we find ourselves in boxes or seen as just one particular type of person. When we look at each other, it's easy to see the person we've already decided you/I are. We should practice the habit of seeing more than what meets the eye or what we've decided to see.. Humans are simple and complicated, beautiful messes and pristine, and sometimes downright stubborn in our ways. Ah humanity, what a ride, yes?

@Arnold Beekes Arnold get excited! Your episode with Humanity 2.0 podcast premieres on Monday morning :D Will be emailing you a guest package when it's all ready to go :)

Even when you feel like quitting in the famous words of Dory "just keep.swimming"