25 Things I’ve Learned After 25 Podcast Episodes
Reflections from a mic, a mess, and a whole lot of grace
When I launched Diamonds in Dumpster Fires, I knew it would be honest. I knew it would be vulnerable. What I didn’t know was how much it would change me. Podcasting isn’t just hitting record—it’s showing up when your voice shakes, your laundry isn’t folded, and your heart is still healing.
Whether you’ve got a podcast, a platform, or just a big messy story you're still learning to love, here are 25 things I’ve learned from 25 episodes:
1. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start.
You just need the guts to show up.
2. Healing is not linear, but it makes for a powerful story.
Turns out, spirals make good stories.
3. People crave honesty more than polish.
Give them your real, not your rehearsed.
4. Your voice matters—even if it trembles.
Especially then.
5. God doesn’t need a stage to move.
He’ll meet someone right through their earbuds and your honesty.
6. Deadlines can be holy ground.
Structure helps creativity (even if you’re dragging your feet and crying into coffee).
7. The “one person” rule is real.
If one person needed to hear it, it was worth it.
8. Not every episode will be your favorite—and that’s okay.
Growth happens in the “meh,” not just the magic.
9. Editing is an act of love.
For your listener. And your future self.
10. Imposter syndrome is persistent, but so are you.
And one of you gets to have the mic.
11. Your story doesn’t have to be tied up in a bow to be shared.
Sometimes it’s better with frayed edges.
12. Faith and neuroscience go together like grace and grit.
You can believe in both brain chemistry and miracles.
13. Silence isn’t failure—it’s space.
God speaks there too.
14. Community starts with courage.
Vulnerability invites connection. Always.
15. You can laugh and cry in the same episode—and so can your listeners.
Permission granted.
16. There will always be someone doing it “better.”
But no one else can tell your story.
17. Taking breaks isn’t quitting.
It’s resisting burnout like a boss.
18. Sometimes the episode you almost didn’t post is the one people needed most.
Trust that nudge.
19. You grow in public—but that doesn’t mean you owe everyone everything.
Keep sacred what needs to be sacred.
20. Your “dumpster fire” might be someone else’s flashlight.
Tell the truth…it lights the way.
21. Weird is welcome.
Turns out quirks are what people connect to.
22. Not everyone will get it.
That’s fine. You’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Be their double shot of espresso instead.
23. Done is better than perfect.
Especially when perfect never hits “publish.”
24. Joy doesn’t mean pretending it’s all okay.
It means choosing to hope anyway.
25. There’s beauty in the broken places—and wisdom in the wounds.
Keep digging. There are still diamonds to find.
Whether you’re behind a mic, behind a journal, or just behind on laundry (hi, it’s me), I hope this reminds you: your voice is needed. Your story is holy. And you’re braver than you think.