I recently announced to my wife that I was going to overtly work on being more outgoing.

I write and perform comedy and theater, I produce shows that involve a lot of talking to others, and I make a podcast wherein I go and interview strangers about their personal lives and yet I’m fairly shy and nervous amongst humans.

But I’m happy when I can communicate and I actually really enjoy connecting with people. I think a lot of shyness is based in fear and fear isn’t something I think I’ll ever get rid of but I only want it to make me do things I’m proud of, so I try to walk towards creative fears while taking serious practical fears, like not letting my kid get hit by a car.


I already have the skills to be social so I think being more outgoing is a matter of intention and practice. If I try harder and take more chances socially I’ll eventually get better at just chatting with people and reaching out to them.

So let this be a warning to all of you, I’m coming at you with a hug, a handshake, or a high-five and then we’re going to become best friends.

Friday Fear: Boring

I’m afraid that I’m being boring

When in conversation one on one or in small groups of people I’m afraid I’m boring. Usually I end up just working too hard to be funny and just in general talk to much. Which then makes me clam up entirely or just altogether avoid social engagement.


I can’t let this fear keep me locked at home or I can do something positive. So, what am I going to do about it?

I’m going to seek out conversations with a goal of asking more questions and listening more. Because the reality is I’m very curious about what other people do and think but I can’t find any of that out if I’m so worried about what they think about me.

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What are you afraid of? And what are you doing about it?

P.O.S | Pratfalls of Parenting podcast

I recently got to chat with one of my favorite rappers and musicians, Stef Alexander, better know as P.O.S.

The first half of our conversation was about making music and the business he’s in and the second half was more focused on fatherhood and social change. The whole thing was awesome.

Give it a listen - http://pratfallsofparenting.com/pos-ep-52