The Childlike Sense of Joy that Podcasting Gave Me
Writer: Hannah Larrew
Something often happens to us as we get older. We get jobs, start families, build routines – and many of us forget to have fun. I’ve always been almost annoyingly cognizant of my inability to feel the childlike sense of joy that came with certain things when I was a child. I’m not sure if it’s just the mundane-ness of day-to-day tasks, or if I actually just forgot how to have fun; how to play. What I do know is, I miss feeling like a little kid. The good parts, not the scared and confused acne-ridden teenage years, but the curiosity, the exploring, the doing without worrying so much.
When Landis asked me to join Charlotte Readers Podcast as a co-host, I didn’t even think about my answer because I knew it would be a loud YES. I knew because as soon as he asked, a shimmer of childlike wonder danced across my chest; which was a feeling I realized I’d been chasing for a long time. It was how I felt when I was a little girl performing at my dance recital, or giving a talk in front of an auditorium of people at college (after I got past the feeling of throwing up). I was always a performer, but more than that, a storyteller. I felt most myself when I was front and center, talking (which I’m sure surprises NO ONE). But somehow as I moved forward in my career, I’d gotten comfortable as the person behind the curtain.
Maybe joining Landis and Sarah would help me find my way back on stage. I admired both of their work, and personalities, so much. Sometimes we just need Our People to help us return to ourselves.
Plus, this is what I’d been looking for, right? Something that made me feel like a kid again? Something that would be fun. But I was nervous. Because even when you want to do something, you never quite know if you can do something. And if you can, can you do it well?
I learned quickly that no, I wouldn’t do it well at the start. I had a lot to learn. I needed to practice patience, not talk over my co-hosts and guests, manage my time wisely while interviewing authors on air, and above all else – I needed to give myself space to try. That was something my parents instilled in me while I was growing up. To try my best and to be myself. These were two things I thought about a lot during the podcast’s run.
Podcasting was a whole new ballgame for me. I’d never done it before, and I forgot what it felt like to have so much to learn. But that was just something else that made me feel like a little kid again – wanting to learn. Feeling curious and determined to get better at something.
Even though I can think of like, one hundred and twelve awkward things I said on air, I could still feel myself getting more comfortable behind the mic with every recording. I experienced so much growth while recording the show. But, the most rewarding part doing this podcast with Landis and Sarah has been growing together through asking important questions (of both one another and the authors we’ve had on the show) and absorbing meaningful answers. In the end, I think that’s what storytelling does for people. It shows us who we are and how we grow; it helps us feel seen.
I’m grateful for all of the authors who offered their time to talk about their stories with me. I’ve talked with New York Times bestselling authors, debut writers, publicity experts, and even a vampire slayer…! I feel like through my conversations with both Landis and Sarah, and the guests I’ve interviewed on air, I’ve grown up again. I’ve learned about so many more aspects of life through the books and authors we’ve featured, and through the books and ideas written/shared by my co-hosts.
Storytelling is magic. Podcasting is magic. Childhood is magic. Growing is magic.
About the Writer
Hannah Larrew is a Publicist and Digital Marketer for artists across the creative spectrum including award-winning authors, musicians, fine artists, and independent filmmakers. She has served as an editor, public relations specialist, and marketer for both editorial firms and media outlets, including Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, The Post & Courier. After working first-hand in several different facets of the publishing and media industries, Hannah brought her experience to launch her own boutique marketing and public relations firm, Spellbound PR. Hannah is a co-host on Charlotte Readers Podcast, in addition to serving as a contributor to several digital publications. She currently lives in Indianapolis, IN with her husband, daughter, and goldendoodles.
Website: spellboundpublicrelations.com