Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with dancer and cancer survivor Angela Trimbur

Summary

A Bit of Optimism: Live Like You Have 2 Years Left with Angela Trimbur

Host: Simon Sinek
Guest: Angela Trimbur
Release Date: July 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this inspiring episode of A Bit of Optimism, Simon Sinek welcomes Angela Trimbur, a dancer and cancer survivor whose transformative journey redefines how we approach life and passion. Angela shares her profound experiences battling breast cancer and how it reshaped her career and personal outlook, ultimately leading her to create unique, accessible dance classes that foster joy and community.

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Angela's Transformation: From Control to Joy [00:24 - 01:58]

Angela begins by reflecting on a hypothetical scenario: "If I had two years left, would I want to say I stayed in my rent control department and I continued holding onto this great space that I have? No. I'd want to let it all go" ([00:24]). This thought experiment became a reality when Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer, prompting her to reevaluate her life's priorities. Instead of chasing perfection and control, she chose to pursue what truly brought her joy—dance.

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Living with Urgency: The Two-Year Mindset [04:20 - 20:06]

Simon's exploration of what it means to live as if you have two years left highlights Angela's unique perspective. Angela explains, "If I only had two years left, I don’t want to hold onto everything I own. I want to move to Manhattan and be a dance teacher" ([00:24]). This middle ground, neither too rushed like a six-month ultimatum nor too complacent like a five-year plan, allows for intentional and meaningful actions. Angela adopted this mindset after her 2018 cancer diagnosis, which taught her to let go of control and embrace life's unpredictability.

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Creating Accessible Art: Slightly Guided Dance Parties [04:35 - 22:53]

Angela's passion for making art accessible is a recurring theme. She criticizes the exclusivity often found in the arts, stating, "The arts tend to be very exclusive and also make people feel inaccessible" ([03:00]). To counter this, Angela pioneered "slightly guided dance parties," where structure is minimal, and participation is encouraged without the pressure of expertise. These pop-up classes, announced spontaneously on social media, foster a welcoming environment where everyone can express themselves freely.

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The Power of Vulnerability and Authenticity [09:41 - 16:25]

Delving deeper, Angela shares her initial fears and vulnerabilities. "I wasn't a trained ballerina and I was really nervous doing it" ([09:41]). Her authenticity—dancing in public purely for personal healing rather than external validation—resonated with millions when her video went viral. This authenticity became the foundation of her teaching philosophy: art should be an authentic expression of self, free from elitism and judgment.

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Building Community Through Dance [17:22 - 36:43]

Angela emphasizes the importance of community in healing and personal growth. By creating a space where people can let loose and connect, her dance classes serve as a bridge between individuals seeking joy and meaningful relationships. She explains, "Through dance camp, there's new friendships that form... there's something so satisfying about seeing people coming out of their shell" ([41:03]). Her approach fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support, essential for collective and individual healing.

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Philosophical Insights: Letting Go and Prioritizing [10:21 - 21:56]

Angela discusses practical strategies for letting go of control and prioritizing personal well-being. "Learning how to prioritize your needs was something I never really did. It was just acting out of fear" ([15:29]). She advocates for saying no without guilt and trusting the universe to unfold as it should. Simon adds his perspective on embracing the "joy of missing out," highlighting the shift from FOMO to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) as a crucial aspect of maintaining this balanced mindset.

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Art as a Tool for Personal and Collective Healing [37:05 - 51:48]

The conversation delves into how Angela uses storytelling and dance to facilitate healing. Her classes are not just about movement but about embodying narratives that resonate with participants' personal journeys. For instance, one of her routines tells the story of a "widowed spider" who creates beautiful webs, symbolizing resilience and creativity. "It's about the journey, opening paths for people," Angela states ([36:36]). This narrative-driven approach allows participants to explore and express their emotions in a supportive environment.

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Reflections on Personal Growth and Resilience [48:09 - 53:05]

Angela openly reflects on the lasting impact of her cancer journey. While she acknowledges the physical and emotional challenges, she emphasizes the inner growth and resilience she gained. "From an emotional standpoint, I definitely like my personality better" ([49:12]). This introspection underscores the episode's central theme: embracing life's uncertainties can lead to profound personal transformation and a deeper appreciation for the present moment.

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Conclusion: Embracing Optimism and Community [52:05 - 53:05]

As the episode wraps up, Simon lauds Angela as a "path illuminator" and a "door opener," recognizing her ability to guide others towards joy and self-discovery. Their conversation highlights the symbiotic relationship between Anderson's healing and her community's growth, embodying the essence of living optimistically even in the face of adversity. "What would you do if you only had two years left and live like that every single day?" Simon asks, encapsulating the episode's powerful message.

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Key Takeaways

• Embrace Uncertainty: Living with the awareness of limited time fosters intentional and meaningful actions.
• Authentic Expression: Art should be a genuine expression of self, free from the pressures of perfection and exclusivity.
• Community Healing: Building supportive communities through shared experiences can facilitate personal and collective healing.
• Prioritizing Well-being: Learning to say no and prioritize personal needs is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health.
• Storytelling in Art: Utilizing narratives in creative expressions can help individuals process and articulate their emotions.

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Angela Trimbur's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. By choosing joy over control and community over isolation, she not only healed herself but also illuminated paths for others to find their own spark of optimism.

Transcript

[Simon Sinek]

This episode is brought to you by True Classic. I love their T shirts. I've been wearing them for a long time before they became a sponsor. I personally like the V necks and all of the basic colors. I like earth tones. I could get dressed with my eyes closed. It's pretty good. But I love their stuff, and I'm really proud to have them as a sponsor. You survived cancer.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes.

[Simon Sinek]

What kind of person were you before, and who are you now?

[Angela Trimber]

If I had two years left, would I want to say I stayed in my rent control department and I continued holding onto this great space that I have? No. I'd want to let it all go. I'd want to let everything go that I own. I want to move to Manhattan and be a dance teacher. And so I'm like, okay, I sold everything and I moved with, like, $3,000 to New York City.

[Simon Sinek]

What if you found out that you only had six months left to live? You'd probably start knocking things off your bucket list. Empty your bank account and try and live life to the fullest. But what if you were told you had five years left to live? You might put some of those bucket list things off for a while. But what if you only had two years left to live? It's a strange middle ground. Not enough time to waste, but enough time to do things with more patience or intention. Well, that's exactly where Angela Trimber found herself after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The result profoundly changed how she spends her time, the path her career took, and the person she became. Angela replaced her chase for perfection and her need to control everything with a pursuit of joy. And now, through what she calls sentimental, weird dance classes, she helps other people tap into something they didn't even know they were missing. Angela has learned to live a life worth living, and she's teaching others how to do the same. This is a bit of optimism. You are one of my favorite artists, and I'll tell you why.

[Angela Trimber]

Okay.

[Simon Sinek]

And I'll tell you why. I love art. I love all of the arts. I love dance. I love good theater, painting. I like photography. I like the arts. I like things that. That excite my senses. But the thing that I hate about the arts is the arts tend to be very exclusive and also make people feel like. And inaccessible is the word I'm looking for. In fact, you talk to symphonies or opera companies or even some dance companies, ballet companies, and all they do is complain about how they can't get new people to come. And yet they're arrogant and distant, and museums the same I've always said to friends, the only reason you need to say why you like a piece of art is, I don't know, I just like it. That's just where it starts. And one of the reasons you're my favorite art, one of my favorite artists, is because you have made a career out of making art accessible. It is the least elite thing that you do and the most welcoming thing that you do.

[Angela Trimber]

Thank you. Yeah, it's really like to make something that I would want to be a part of is where that comes from. And I used to feel so, like I want to spend time with artists and I'd go to a dinner party with them and for some reason I still felt like. Like, why am I. Why is there a disconnect? And it's. Big words are floating around and I'm like, I don't. I don't know that reference. You know, just these things that made me feel smaller and smaller. I respect these people. But there's something that just felt. Yeah. It feels like I drive home and I'm like, wow, I should have said this. I should have said this. But just. So creating a world where that feeling doesn't come up for anyone is just what motivates me to.

[Simon Sinek]

In your training, you don't, like, you don't. You're not a trained ballerina. No, no.

[Angela Trimber]

I mean, my mom owned an. A dance studio when I was little, so I grew up in a dance studio, but now I haven't trained since.

[Simon Sinek]

I was 12, which makes it even better.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

You know what you do?

[Angela Trimber]

I know sometimes I'm. I like, don't want to. I want to study other choreographers work and things like that. But then I'm like, ooh. But I don't want to start getting in my head and I don't want to learn counts. Like, I don't do counts in class. I like. I think that's left side of the brain and. Yeah. Because it really is.

[Simon Sinek]

So how did you start your. Because you do, basically. I mean, I guess it's best described as like, pop up classes.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes.

[Simon Sinek]

They're like, it's very gorilla.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. You know, wherever I can get a space.

[Simon Sinek]

Wherever you can get a space, you'll make an announcement on social media saying, having a class, whoever wants to come, come. And that's the class. Then that's when it is, and that's where it is. There's very little, as you said, there's very little structure to it.

[Angela Trimber]

Right.

[Simon Sinek]

How did that all start? Because I know your stuff. Because I know, I just know it from social media. But I actually don't know your story, if I'm honest.

[Angela Trimber]

Well, I think kind of like my first break into dance, so to speak, was back in 2012. I went back when YouTube kind of viral was a new word floating around. I had a dance video that went viral, and it was called Dance like nobody's watching. And it was just that I had some. Something due for this brand, hello Giggles. And it was like I was staring at like a blinking cursor. I wasn't inspired. I didn't know what to do. And I'm like getting over a breakup. And I was sad about it, and I wanted to try to find some energy to push through because that was why I was depressed and not writing. And so I thought, oh, why don't I. I'm gonna go to the laundromat where we had a breakup, and I'm gonna dance and I'm gonna put headphones in. And so I just went and I put headphones in and I filmed myself dancing. And nobody looked at me or anything. Nobody even acknowledged me. And it turned into like, okay, dance like nobody's watching because nobody was. And I just shot it once, and that was it. And I handed that in as what instead of the writing piece. And then they put it up and it was like millions of views. It was on the news. Like it was just this really crazy thing. And then it started. Other people wanted to do dance like nobody's watching. And so people are starting to like, dance in public places and calling it the same thing. And I did a few other ones. And so I. Then that's when casting directors would see me because I was acting at the time and casting directors were curious about me and bringing me in. But as a dancer, just as this optimistic, let it all go dancer. So that kind of put me on the map in that way. And then I started a dance squad. We did community women's community basketball game, halftime dance shows, which was kind of like a really more performance art irreverent because we weren't. I don't know, there's just something really cool about.

[Simon Sinek]

You're not cheerleaders.

[Angela Trimber]

We're not cheerleaders. But you have a minute and a half to infect joy and keep the energy going. So the concept of like a halftime dance. I love you can't go wrong. And so I did that for six years. And then I started as a job.

[Simon Sinek]

No, Just for fun.

[Angela Trimber]

Just for fun.

[Simon Sinek]

With a bunch of friends.

[Angela Trimber]

With a bunch of friends. It was an audition process. It was. It was like a strict. Like, you had to be there every. You know, like, it was a. That was structured. Yeah. And through that, then I also started doing these things called slightly guided dance parties. And that was like. Because I went to a house party and I was seeing people in the living room just bopping. They're just going like this. And I was. Was just, like, watching. I'm like, why is every. Like, no one goes for it. There's always one person that, like, goes for it. And they're like, the drunk one or like the. The attention seeker. But I'm like, no, they're actually the only ones really dancing here. And then that song came on that was like, throw all your hands in the air. Wave em. Like you just don't care. And everyone seemed relieved to know what they should be doing. And I was like, oh, that's what. They just need to be slightly guided.

[Simon Sinek]

So the song gave them the guidance.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes. And I saw the relief. And I'm like, oh, people just don't know what to do. So they're trying to exist without taking up space and dance. And so. So then I thought, what if I just made a slightly guided dance party? And it would be me up there on stage, like, slightly guiding people through a dance party. So it's like 60% guided. And then I'd, like, leave you off. And then you have three songs you could do on your own. But it really worked, and it was silly. And I would give a little speech before to just kind of get everyone out of their shell. Like, don't try to be cool. There's no tunnel vision here. Like, make eye contact with people. It would be. I'd call it, like, awkward prom. And we'd start off with awkward prom. And I'm like, you hold the other person this far away.

[Simon Sinek]

Frankensteining.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, exactly. You Frankenstein dance. And then I say switch. And then you find somebody else, and it's to, like, you know. All My Life by Casey and Jojo. And so you're meeting, like, 17 new people, and you're starting all these conversations. And so, like, that's the icebreaker. And then there's. I'd put on, like, juvenile, like, slow motion. And then everyone's like. I was like, you have to dance in slow motion the whole song. And, like, people would do that. And then we were gonna dance three songs on their own, but just because they had some guidance. It really kind of started that.

[Simon Sinek]

And then broke the ice.

[Angela Trimber]

Broke the ice.

[Simon Sinek]

So what I love about this is there's this magical creativity in it, which is. First of all, everybody has. Well, everybody. It's amazing how many people have the bumper sticker or the fridge magnet that says dance like no one's watching. But it's an idea. Nobody actually does it. And I love that you actually did it. Were you always that way? Or you sort of don't mind making a fool of yourself in public? Is that part of who you are? Did that show up? I'm curious why it showed up when it showed up. Is it just something? It's like, oh, it's Angela doing her thing again, or was that sort of out of character?

[Angela Trimber]

It was out of character. I was really nervous doing it. It was just this thing where I'm like, I'm so depressed. How do I get undepressed? How do I get myself through this? And then I'm like, what's scary? What's scary? Dancing in public is so scary. So then that's when I. I don't know what the light bulb was that made me want to do it at the Laundromat. But, no, I wasn't.

[Simon Sinek]

So it wasn't like a creative idea? It wasn't like a creative idea to get your assignment done?

[Angela Trimber]

No. No, it hadn't. That was what I was gonna do to break myself up so that I could go back to writing and then just decided, like, well, just hand this in instead. But no, I was really nervous. This was before TikTok, obviously, and before dancing in public became such a.

[Simon Sinek]

This is now a thing.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, it's now a thing. So setting up a camera and then dancing. No, it was really nervous. I didn't do things like that before. You know, like, it was just for me. I wasn't even gonna do what I was gonna do with. Yeah. Cause I wasn't even posting things like that on Social at the time. It was just for me. And I think that that's kind of like keeping things feeling authentic. Like, if you're just doing it for you or if you're making something. Cause it doesn't exist, and you want it to exist. Like, those have a purity to them.

[Simon Sinek]

So we have to go down this path, which is. You survived cancer.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes.

[Simon Sinek]

How did it change you? How did it change who you are? Like, what kind of person were you before, and who are you now?

[Angela Trimber]

Hmm.

[Simon Sinek]

Well, how long ago did you have it?

[Angela Trimber]

I was diagnosed in 2018 and surprised. I don't know when I'm going to cry when I talk about things like that, but just your question posed that feeling. I Would say before, I was very controlling. I was really codependent, even with the. The dance squad that I had because I was diagnosed. When I was running the dance squad, like, it was really like, we're family. We're all together. Like, we meet this time. This is it. No, you can't. You're gonna come late. No, you can't come late. Like, I was, like, this, like, dance captain energy that was, like, kind of a character, but not really, because I really had these feelings, like, with. In relationships. I was really like, who are you texting? You know, there was just this, like, grasp that I had on things, and that's just from, like, not being close with my family. And when my family didn't really show up when I went through cancer, like, you know, my sister. We're close, but not super. We weren't super close at the time. And my dad and mom not showing up, it reminded me, like, wow, Chosen family is, like, all I have. And this is probably why I'm, like, clingy like this to people.

[Simon Sinek]

More of afraid of losing them.

[Angela Trimber]

More of afraid of losing them. Yeah. And so holding on so tight. And then cancer just kind of taught me how to not overthink. I had this therapist that. So I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and learned that I had the BRCA gene, which is like a family. You know, you have to reach out to your family. And so that was when I had to, like, finally reach out to my mom. I haven't talked to her in so long, so it kind of, like, forced these dominoes to fall that I was kind of blocking and letting go of. You saying goodbye to, like, your breasts that you've. That are. That represent motherhood, that are very sexual. Like, I loved my breasts. Like, I thought they were perfect, and they were like my. They were like my calling card. Like, sexually, I, like, couldn't wait to undo my shirt and, like, reveal them in their glory. And so to have that be like, now you're not gonna have sensation there, and they're taken away, and they're not going to be as attractive anymore, and you don't have that anymore. And. And I can't breastfeed. And, like, so just all these things that I had as things I never thought I wouldn't. So you're kind of, like, stripped away from a lot of things that connected you to yourself and the future. And so there was a therapist that kind of came along with, like, Cedars has a. Not a lot of people know this. Like, in the breast cancer community, you have access to a therapist that's meant just for that. You have to kind of, like, know to ask for it. But I. I started working with one, and she taught me about how the main goal is to keep your stress levels low and so in life, but especially now. And so I'd ask her things, and she'd be like, whatever makes you the least amount of stress, that's the decision that you make. And so I started kind of like, anything that made me feel tense. I learned how to kind of let go. And I would say, in a nutshell, I just really learned about myself and how to be gentle on myself and how to let life unfold as it will, that you can't control things. You have to trust the universe, and you kind of have to trust, fall backwards and be like, I don't know what the plan is. I don't know what the lesson is, but I'm sure it's gonna make sense soon. And, like, when I was first diagnosed, all these survivors can't, you know that I don't know. And they were like, trust me, you're gonna love who you become after, and you're not gonna regret it. You wouldn't take it back. And at first I'm like, yeah, right. This is going to be awful. But in retrospect, I really like who I became. I say that I had an edge to myself. Like, I was doing comedy. I was, like, making sketches and being funny. And, like, always on and going through cancer really made me relax, and I feel softer. I'm a little bit more of an observer. Sometimes feel more wallflowery, and sometimes I miss the zing zang girl, but I just feel I like the softer side.

[Simon Sinek]

How did you learn to settle the mind? Because it's easier said than done, right? Oh, just make the. Don't stress yourself and don't overthink things. Like, every overthinker overthinks about overthinking. You know, it's like, stop overthinking. Stop overthinking. You're always overthinking. Like, what did you have to go to to actually settle the mind?

[Angela Trimber]

Learning how to say no to things that don't sound like. I think the pandemic kind of taught a lot of people that. But I went through this before the pandemic, and I just learned how to. You have. You. You don't want to do something that you have plans with, like, it's okay to cancel, like, because you're sick. So you. You kind of have an excuse. Well, it was an excuse. But your energy levels, you're tired. Like, I had this respect from other people. Like, okay, she's literally, you know, in chemo, so if she wants to cancel plans, she can. But you don't have to be going through anything to do that. Like, you don't have to have an excuse. It's just whatever you need to get through. And I think I was always a FOMO person. I want to miss out. I can't let this person down. I'm going to go, I'm going to do this. I got to do that even if I don't want to. I don't know. There's just something that. Learning how to prioritize your needs was something I never really did. It was just acting out of fear.

[Simon Sinek]

During the pandemic, a lot of us learned that lesson. And then the pandemic ended and the lessons faded away and we went back to the people we didn't want to be, you know, productivity obsessed, you know, et cetera. I don't think as many of us have kept the lifestyle or the lessons that we imagined that we would now that. It sort of seems so far away now. Right. But you have kept it. You made it through the cancer, you made it through the chemo, and you didn't become controlling again. You are a You, your words, a different, better version of yourself. What have you done to not go backwards? Like, again, I understand it in it, but after it, you've maintained it. What's the mentality, what's the practice that you've been able to maintain the calmness, maintain the. And I have to believe that the dancing, like, no one will see you. When was that?

[Angela Trimber]

That was like 2012.

[Simon Sinek]

So that was pretty early.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, that. And that's also related to cancer. So my. So I went through. Because I was public with what I went through, I had a lot of people that came up to me that would see me in public, like, thank you so much for sharing. And my mom went through this and. And then I'd say, oh, good, how are they now? And they're like, well, it came back two years later. And I kept hearing two. I kept hearing recurrence after two years. And I was like, what is this two? What's the two message? Is it going to come back for me? And so I started thinking, if I only operate, as if I had two years left. And it sounds like it's a dark thought, but it's actually not, because the timeline makes sense for anybody. You don't stay stagnant. You don't have six months. You're not bucket listing. You're not blowing money. You're also not like five year plan where you're like, I have some time to get there. Like two years. If I only had two years left. And so I asked myself when I was living in la, if I had two years left, would I want to say I stayed in my rent control department and I continued holding onto this great space that I have and just kind of. It's like, what would I want to do? No, I'd want to let it all go. I'd want to let everything go that I own. I want to move to Manhattan and be a dance teacher. I want to say that I was a dance teacher in Manhattan. And so I'm like, okay, I'm doing it. I worked on this show called Search Party and I lived in Brooklyn for the first time for three months. It was like a whole summer of filming. And as soon as I went there, I'm like, this is another sign. So I sold everything and I moved with like $3,000 to New York City. And I don't know how I did it, but I got an apartment and I started. I was like, I just have to start teaching. And through the dance following that I kind of built from all the other things I'd mentioned because I started doing these dance parties at like the MOCA in LA and I had. There were like 300 people coming, so I.

[Simon Sinek]

Museum of Contemporary Art.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, yeah. So I had kind of like a following and then the classes. Somebody from the Times took the class and been unstable to me and asked to do like a feature on me when I was. And so after living in New York for two months, I had a Times article about my unique dance class approach. And then the classes ever since then were sold out. And now I'm.

[Simon Sinek]

So this. First of all, it's worth underscoring because it is such a profound thought, which is to live life as if you only have two years left. And as you. You said it, which is if it's a six month sentence, you start bucket listing, you start emptying your bank account. Like, but if you said, if you have, oh, I've got five years, then you keep putting it off. And two years is sort of kind of a sweet spot of like it adds some urgency, but not a crazy urgency and not a bucket list response, but rather, I've always wanted to do this thing that is an investment rather than an event.

[Angela Trimber]

What about you? What would you do to your.

[Simon Sinek]

That's a great question. What Would I?

[Angela Trimber]

Do you kind of live like this already?

[Simon Sinek]

I think I kind of do. I kind of do. I sounded like Christopher Walken there. I kind of do. I kind of do for different reasons. There's one thing that you said that I learned only pretty recently, which is I'm better at saying no. But the more important part is I don't owe anybody an explanation. And that's been very powerful for me because I think very often, look, I don't want to lie, but when people say, can you do something for me? And you come up with, well, I'm so busy. But at the end of the day, if I really wanted to do it, I'd find the time. Or canceling plans because I either just change my mind, you know, I canceled going to a wedding, you know, RSVP yes. No, it's not like the day before, but like three months, four months before the wedding. I just decided I didn't want to travel, and I just didn't want to go. You know, in that case, I probably owed an explanation.

[Angela Trimber]

But.

[Simon Sinek]

But. But I found that, like, I just say, thanks so much for inviting me, but I'm going to pass. Or, I'm so sorry to do this, but I. I'm going to cancel. And I don't have to, like, text or say, like, all of this stuff to justify my canceling or justify saying no and tie myself into that. The an want to do it, and that's. That's it. And people are fine with it. I found nobody. Nobody slams their hand on the table and says, give me the reason. I'm like, nobody actually cares.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

And that's the other thing I've learned is nobody actually gives a about me at all.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. People are on their own journey. They're always thinking their own thing, and.

[Simon Sinek]

The only reason they get upset is because that somehow upsets their dinner table.

[Angela Trimber]

Right, Right.

[Simon Sinek]

I had it planned for an even number, and now it's an odd number. It's like, it's still nothing to do with me. It's their table, not mine, you know.

[Angela Trimber]

Sure, sure, sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

So that's been a real. And that's a very new lesson for me.

[Angela Trimber]

It's powerful, too.

[Simon Sinek]

It's not just the saying, the. No, it's that I don't actually owe an explanation.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Because so many times you're like, oh, I gotta go to this thing. It's like, why? Why do you have to go?

[Simon Sinek]

Do you have Jomo now? Do you have the joy of missing out? Is your fomo? You still got it in there?

[Angela Trimber]

No, I would say there's a joy of missing out, for sure. There's just like.

[Simon Sinek]

Like, everybody's at the party and you're looking at it on Instagram and you're just at home in your jammies with a tub of ice cream, watching tv. You know, it's like, have fun.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Yeah. Ex. Exactly. There's no. There's always going to be another party. There's always going to be. It's not a one in once in a lifetime chance. Yeah. No one's thinking. Everyone's thinking about themselves. Everyone's on their own journey.

[Simon Sinek]

Let's go back to the dance classes, because we haven't really. Because we haven't really explained to anybody what they're like. It's whoever wants to come. As you said, there's no, like, 1 and 2, and there's no counting, no counts. There's no skill level. There's no skill level. Even the teacher has no formal training.

[Angela Trimber]

Right.

[Simon Sinek]

Only skill the teacher brings is a love of life and the ability to dance like nobody's watching, which is what you do in spades. And what is so magical about your class is people living out these sort of childhood fantasies of, I'm going to be a ballerina, and little kids dressing up to go to take their ballet class. And your people, your students, they're dressing in pink tights and leotards, and it's dance class as if we're little kids and kind of like little kids. Nobody really knows how to dance and none of it matters.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes. I teach a bunch of different kind of classes. Like, one is called 13. That's the first one. My pitch before I teach is like, imagine we're all 13 years old again, and we're in a backyard. And it's just my backyard because I have the corner house and it's the bigger backyard. But there's no hierarchy here. We're just all making up a dance, and we're gonna show our parents before dinner. And our parents would be like, okay, that was interesting. Go wash your hand. The stakes are so low. No one's better than anyone else. No one's cooler than anyone else here. We're all, like, the same. And so that's called 13. And then the exercises, like, for some reason, hearing that gets people. Okay. There's no Beyonce's backup dancer here. Like, working mentally, like, staying on top of choreo. Like, we're just telling a story, and the stakes are low.

[Simon Sinek]

It's making the show for the parents at dinner. I mean, we've all done that.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, exactly. You get it. Living room recital vibes.

[Simon Sinek]

Lipstick is makeup.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, sure. Yeah. And so those classes. And then I went to a ballet class in New York because I did want to start immersing myself in the dance community, and I took ballet when I was a kid. I'm like, you know, there's something beautiful and elegant about it. And I went and I found myself bored in the class. And no disrespect to ballerinas because they're athletes and what they do, they've dedicated their entire lives to it. But I'm in ballet class, and I have to do, like, little tiny things to graduate to. Like, you can't just jump in and, like, we're going to do some A piece from Swan Lake today. You know, you have to, like, graduate all these levels. And I'm like, I want to do this. I don't care about technique. I just want to wear the outfits and jump around and do arabesques and stuff. And so I thought, okay, why don't I just, like, create a beginner ballet class where we can pretend that we're professionals? And because all the, you know, Center Stage, Black Swan, all these ballet movies that were so, so obsessed with. It's because they're so unattainable. It's a world that you don't belong in because you had to have dedicated everything or you were rejected from it because you got boobs or you'd had a bad turnout. There's a lot, also a lot of ballet trauma, which I noticed. People that came to my 13 class afterwards, they thanked me, and they're like, I haven't been in a dance class since my ballet class when I was 7 or 12. So I realized that some of the dance blocks were from ballet trauma from people. And they have this profession, perfectionism, stuck where they'll. Now they really don't belong because it's been so long, and I can't. So that's when I started realizing, okay, that maybe there's a bridge here and I can start making this ballet core class. So ballet core, you know, is like this trend or core, cottage core. It's like, you dress as if you live in a cottage, you know, Fairycore. You dress.

[Simon Sinek]

I don't know this.

[Angela Trimber]

Oh, yeah, yeah. So balletcore became a fashion trend.

[Simon Sinek]

Qre or C, R, P, S, U, R, E. Okay.

[Angela Trimber]

And so I'm like, okay, I'll call it Balletcore, because that's sort of the same thing. We're dressing like we are Professional ballerinas. So that was the thing. And I'm like, oh, okay. And part of these movies are there's always, like, the mean teacher that comes in or, like, the strict mademoiselle. There's always that villain in ballet movies. And I'm like, that's kind of also part of it. So if there's a ballerina, like, people would be like, my teacher was. So, you know, whatever. I'm like, okay. Maybe in order for me to show how playful this is, I need to play a role too. So I'm gonna play the role of Ms. Angela. So I, like, walk into the studio, and I'm wearing, like, an all black 1940s outfit. And I have sunglasses and a fake cigarette because all ballerina's smoke. So we have these, like, fake cigarettes. And I come in, I slam the door. Everyone's like. Like, new people are like, what's happening? And all the other people that have been here before, like, they. Oh. And they get into this like, oh, shh, she's here, she's here. You know, And I'm like, bonjour, component. And, like, I, like, act like this, and I hand out fake cigarettes to the new people. And I'm like, your role is to play, like, the rebel ballerina. So we're like the Mila Kunis of Black Swan. We're the motorcycle in center stage. We're the rat kings of the Nutcracker. Like, we are the rebels. So I want you to feel like that. I want you to. When I pass, I want you to pretend that you fear me, but also roll your eyes when I walk by. Like, I want this to be a playful world that you can just be the lead in your own ballet movie. And so it really started working with people. They get it right away. We have, like, our little ballet bar warm up to, like, Unholy, which is like the vitamin strings quartet version of, like, this, like, sexy song. Part of it is like, gossiping at the bar, twerking, putting your ass crack on the edge of a ballet bar. Like, we are pretending, but there is no technique. And there's also. It's not like a fuck you to ballet. It's more of just like, the pain that it caused. The exclusivity that it hurt me. I'm able to dance in it.

[Simon Sinek]

Well, it's being a kid again, isn't it?

[Angela Trimber]

Yes, certainly.

[Simon Sinek]

Kids have no inhibitions. And they do things that are fun and playful.

[Angela Trimber]

Exactly.

[Simon Sinek]

They don't care what people think about them. And it's bringing that back to Adulthood. They can take off the masks and the edifice, and they can put it all back on when they have to go to go to work or do whatever it is they do for this brief moment, they can be kids again. And the way kids are dressing as a princess to go to school, go right ahead. Sure.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Because the illusion I found myself, I'm like, I want to buy leg warmers for this beginner class. And I wore them, and it's dark. Who's the new girl? I was like, I'm gonna take them off. I guess I don't deserve to wear them. There's just something where I'm like, no, dress the way we want to dress. Like this. We want to play like this.

[Simon Sinek]

But. But it took on a life of its own. Right, because now you do summer camp.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes. Well, also still with the ballet, by the way. Like, the choreography, it is not basic. It's not beginner choreo. It is like, people see it, and they're like, I'm not going to be able to do that. And I'm like, no, no, no, you will, because we're telling a story. So there's no lyrics to classical, and so I have to invent a story. And so the stories that evolved are really, like. One is like, you're a widowed spider, and you're alone, but you're not lonely, and you live in this forest, and you're a really good web maker. Like, you make beautiful webs all over the forest. Like, if you have ever seen those, like, ones in Australia, where there's, like, spiderwebs everywhere, I'm like, that's you. You make these spiders, like, spider webs, and they're so artistic and huge. You don't do it for the likes or the follows. You do it just because, you know it makes the forest beautif. So half the routine, we're weaving webs, and, like, you're confident, and there's, like, this, like, confidence that they have to go through, too. And this, like, a web gets stuck in your foot. Like, doesn't matter. You're gonna take it off and throw it away in the wind. And then all of a sudden, a bird flies over, and they're dropping a scroll, and you catch it, and you look, and lo and behold, it's the mayor of the forest who wants to give you an award for all the art you've dedicated to the community. And they want to thank you. And so you cry because you feel the scene without needing that recognition. But now you have it, and you get crowned like, there's like all these.

[Simon Sinek]

Like, instead of memorizing the numbers, instead of memorizing the beats and memorizing the moves, you play along with the story.

[Angela Trimber]

Exactly. So it's like all storytelling and there's all. And it's like. It's not like arabasque complete pirouette. Like, it's like grab the web and spin and it's spinning out of your butt, you know, like so. But there's also like a deepness to it. Like, sometimes when I do that routine, like, I'm actually crying because I feel like seen for the first time.

[Simon Sinek]

And that story is you in that story. I mean, I know you just made that story up, but that story is you. I mean, you did the thing not for the likes and not for the follows. You did the thing for yourself. You did the thing to get of your depression. You did the thing for the joy. It just so happened that it went viral on the Internet. It just so happened that there was a New York Times reporter in your class. It just so happened. It just so happened. It just so happened. You know, and the success you've had is the unintended byproduct of. Of doing something incredibly joyful for others.

[Angela Trimber]

Exactly. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So all of the routines have, like.

[Simon Sinek]

Storylines, semi autobiographical spiders.

[Angela Trimber]

They're all kind of like some semi autobiographical. Like, one of them is like the Coppelias. You're like, it's from me. When I was a kid, I worked at Macy's and I was 16 and I stole from Macy's. So now there's this witch named Macy and she punishes anyone that stole. And now you're a mannequin and it's the 80s and you're stuck there. But you realize you love living in a department store and, like, the community is amazing. And at night you all come alive and you just jump on the mattresses. Like, there's like, all weird.

[Simon Sinek]

Well, then you just stole the script from the movie Mannequin with Kim Cattrall.

[Angela Trimber]

Well, that's.

[Simon Sinek]

I'm old enough. I'm old enough to know.

[Angela Trimber]

I'm glad you know that.

[Simon Sinek]

I'm old enough to know that.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, that's the only, like, VHS tape I had growing up because that was homeschooled.

[Simon Sinek]

Right. So you stole from Macy's and you stole the story from mannequin from 80s from 80s movies.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, exactly.

[Simon Sinek]

This episode is brought to you by True Classic. And if you've ever wondered why our ads feel different, it's because they are. We don't Just read ad reel. We have real conversations with real people and make it into content that actually matters. Let's go back. So you're a musician. Did you want to be a professional musician?

[C]

I wanted to be a music producer.

[Simon Sinek]

Okay, so you want to be a music producer.

[C]

I played poker for a living. After I failed in music, I went to Vegas. And even though I was decent at poker, I realized very quickly that even though I was the best of my friends, I was the worst as a professional in the big leagues. If I were to go back and take one good thing that came out of poker, it was the ability to fail. Because, man, do you fail a lot in poker. Because even professionals that play for a living, they can go to streaks where they just lose for a month and a half, and they just cannot figure it out, but they have to pick themselves up and go back and lose again, get up the next day, go lose again, and you just really get numb. Because if you don't get numb to that feeling, you're never going to succeed in poker. It's just like something you got to get used to. It's a big part of really breaking through in that industry. So that was one of the positives that came out of it. I built really good entrepreneurial DNA, because, as you know, when you're an entrepreneur, it's all you do is fail, because it always leads you to the better answer. And we're always seeking the truth, and we're not afraid to be wrong. Ben and I will sit and argue for 30 minutes about something, and all we're after is the truth. You know, we don't care about our egos. That's what's really good. We're able to pivot on a dime if one of us brings up a good point. And I think if you instill that in the culture, it's really good for progress.

[Simon Sinek]

We don't have to go too deep into it. But I think it's these kernels of ideas that you have that blossom. I guess they're seeds, not kernels, but these seeds blossom that then you have summer camp. So now you're doing summer camp and bringing back all the silliness of going to summer camp when you're a kid and you do a recital, and it's called recital. Like, you take your ballet students and you book a venue. You have a real stage with real audience, and people buy real tickets, and people come, pay money to see, and it's usually family and friends, just like recital.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

And it's your students and you said they take it so seriously. And they practice and practice and practice, just like we did as little kids because we're on stage for our friends and family.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes. And it has nothing to do with your career and the more serious you.

[Simon Sinek]

And you've got doctors and lawyers and artists and everything. Everything in your. In your class.

[Angela Trimber]

Not performers at all, really. Like, some people haven't even taken the stage. I realized that that's, like, part of it. So, baller, if you're really a part of a ballet company that we claim to be, they're working towards something, so it gives us something to work towards. And there's this logic that I have from this too, where I'm like. Like, through dance camp, there's new friendships that form. Through the recital, I get to cast a routine. So we do auditions, and the auditions are everybody makes it. You just have to audition. That's how you sign up for the. The recital. And you have to wear a number. And it's. It's purposely scary, but it's really not because the stakes are you already know you got in. But they go through this thing together where they're like, oh, I'm so nervous. Like, why? You know, and they're wearing the numbers, and they also still have their fake cigarettes. And then they. They audition. And then I really spend, like, so much time really thinking, like, what routine for this person. I know this person. This person should have the spider storyline. I think that they could use that storyline as something they continue to work on. I think that they're a little too obsessed with this success thing. And, like, so that. Or this person needs to have some anger. They're a people pleaser in this narrative. She's really angry all the time in this story, so I'm gonna make her. Also, these two people would make friends if they were to be getting together twice a week. Like, I think that they'll become friends. So I'm casting cupiding.

[Simon Sinek]

You're not casting for ability. You're casting for what their emotional journey, what somebody needs in their life.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes.

[Simon Sinek]

Which, again, semi autobiographically. This was your healing, and you're now using your art to heal others.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Yeah. And it's so fun.

[Simon Sinek]

And it's the core of what good art should be. Right. Good art should be for others. If it starts being for yourself or for the glory or for the likes, for the followers, for the money, for the whatever. It kind of misses the point.

[Angela Trimber]

It dilutes things.

[Simon Sinek]

Art is for people, which is why I hate that it has become Elitist And I hate that it has become inaccessible because it has become a self licking ice cream. That it takes itself so seriously that it forgets that somebody else gets to come and stand in the museum and their experience is whatever they want it to be. And somebody gets to sit in the audience and their experience is whatever they want it to be, whether they're listening something or watching something. And it's not about how great you are based on your standards. It's our fun, it's our evening, and it's our money.

[Angela Trimber]

Right.

[Simon Sinek]

So why not make it for our joy or for our journey or for our. You can do complicated things. That's okay. You can do things that hurt or emotional or political. It's all fine. But I, I. This is what you. Your art is so pure, which is why I think it keeps growing and growing and growing and why people want to be around and want to be, Want to be a part of it.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

It's one of the reasons you're my, one of my favorite artists.

[Angela Trimber]

Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I feel really lucky. Like, I do think that I have a calling for bringing people together. And the fact that it's my job now is just like my two, you know, this whole two year thing, I'm like, what would I do now? I'm like, I can't leave now. I can't go somewhere else. I have this dance community in New York. I don't know what else. I'm posing my question, like, what would I want to do now if I had two years left?

[Simon Sinek]

But isn't, but hold on. I think this is the definition of wonderful life, which is, if I only had two years left, I would change nothing.

[Angela Trimber]

Mmm, mic drop. Yeah, you're right.

[Simon Sinek]

Right.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

If I only had two years left, I would change nothing.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

I want to be here. I want to be with these friends, I want to be with these, with this family. I want to do, Doing this thing. I might tweak a little bit here and there, say yes to a couple more things, say no to a couple more others. But yeah, fundamentally, I'm on the. I'm good.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Wow, you're right. Just relaxed a little bit more.

[Simon Sinek]

Tell me whether it's a specific class or a specific project, something you did over the course of these last few years that was beyond magical. You absolutely loved being a part of it. Doesn't mean it was easy. Doesn't mean it was commercially successful or successful at all, however you want to define it. But something that you were a part of that you absolutely Loved. And of everything you did for every project you did from this point on was like, that one thing, you'd be the happiest person alive.

[Angela Trimber]

Like the recital.

[Simon Sinek]

Anything.

[Angela Trimber]

You can pick whatever you want. I mean, that's the most recent thing that. So that's just top of my mind.

[Simon Sinek]

Is it this specific recital above all other past recitals that stood out more.

[Angela Trimber]

Well, because you've done a few of them. This is the second one. So the first one, I think we were all a little baby deer legged with it. And this year, the narratives got tighter or they got deeper. There's like OG students that kind of guide the new students, but the new students kind of remind the OG students what the excitement was and why we're doing it. I don't know, there's just some sort of specific energy with it. But it was really, really challenging too, because as a leader, people, they want to share everything that comes up. And you hold space and you listen. This year had a lot of that energy. People being nervous, people having to place people front line, back line. Like, that's really tough. That I almost, like, didn't want to do the recital for that part because I'm like, it's not a big deal. It's not about that. But this person does tell the story really well, and it makes everyone look really good because they're telling the story. And so that trickles to this person who maybe isn't as confident in facial telling stories yet. Like, there's popcorn reasons like, and I have to tell, it's not about the line placement, please. Like, it's not about that we're all together, but also, yes, you are there. You know, I don't know. There was just a lot that came up, even for me, like, having to ask myself and remind myself of, what am I standing for? Does it have to be this person's in the front and center?

[Simon Sinek]

So what was it about recital that if every project you do from this point on was like, recital, you'd be the happiest person alive?

[Angela Trimber]

I think it's because I got to see people change. Like when from the beginning of the process, even, like their first ballet core class to the recital. Like, they have so many friends now, their confidence levels are skyrocketing. They're dressing the way they've always wanted to dress. There's just something about it where I'm like, this is what it's about. Like, it's about the journey, opening paths for people. And like, when I watch when I cupid people and I see Their friends. I see them hanging out outside of class. I'm like, I knew that one was gonna. They were gonna be friends. There's just something so satisfying about seeing people coming out of their shell. And this specific year, it felt extra special with everything that's going on in the world. Like, feelings are so anxious and so giving people a space where it's like, okay, and while we're here, we're focusing on this spider story, or, you know, like, there's something to care about that can be towards a goal and working towards a team. We're all working as a team towards something. There's just all. It, like, checks all the boxes of things that feel.

[Simon Sinek]

Tell me an early childhood memory, something specific that I can relay with you.

[Angela Trimber]

Okay. Happy childhood memory for anything, I think. I mean, my mom pulled my sister and I out of school when we were. When I was in fifth grade. And so I was homeschooled. She became a Jehovah's Witness and kind of feel like we got, like, convinced to get homeschooled, even though, like, we were promised a lot of things. Like, you can graduate earlier. You can wear your pajamas, like, all day long. Like, I don't know, there were just things that were, oh, cool. But all of a sudden, like, no, you also have to be a Jehovah's Witness, and that's part of your schooling. Like, you have to go door to door. That's public speaking. You have to read the Bible. That's part history. So all of a sudden, we were kind of, like, living a very trapped life. But my sister and I, we're best friends. We weren't allowed to hang out with anybody else, really. We had only each other. And every day at 3:15, the bus stop was at the end of our driveway. And so we wanted to go back to school so bad. And so we would. Like, at. Every day at 3:15, we'd go and we'd watch the people get off the bus together. And I know it sounds like a sad memory, but that's just what popped up. Sitting with my sister, looking through the window at all the cool kids getting off the bus and wishing we could be a part of it. I don't know why that's a nice memory, but that's like a very vivid almost 3:15.

[Simon Sinek]

But that's something you did frequently.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

Is there a specific memory that I can relive with you?

[Angela Trimber]

Well, for some reason, this just popped up. Like, we didn't celebrate holidays or anything. And I remember being in my bedroom, like, so New Year's. I always had a fantasy about New Year's and I just put the clock radio under my pillow and like listened to the countdown alone, like through the clock radio and hearing like the neighbors celebrating. I don't know. Wow. These are a lot of memories of like fishbowl, like stuck inside of a thing, wishing you could be a part of something else. I don't know why they seem like sweet memories to me, but they're very like, I don't know, times where I remember the most were when I'm self soothing.

[Simon Sinek]

But there's very connected to the other memory, right. Which is to the other, to the recital experience, which is there is a fishbowl aspect to our lives and there is a wishing we could go do something or be someone or change our environment, change our surroundings and feeling like we're behind the window, pulling the curtain aside, looking out at everyone, thinking, oh, if only. And then what you have done is. And you, you use these words, which is you cleared a path, which is you gave people, you know, everything you say is helping people through. Out of over the fishbowl, you're slightly guided dance parties, which is, come, come, come, I'll show you. Yeah, you know, I'll show you the person you want to be that you can be. And it's not just a dance class for amateurs who aren't dancers. You play the mean teacher, you're in a movie because if you think about it, you know, we get our cues about the lives we want to live for better or for worse. Watching tv, watching movies, looking through the literal or proverbial, you know, window through the fishbowl and wishing our lives could be like that. And you create these fantasy worlds and you know, it is a perfect sitcom. It is a not sitcom, romantic comedy of boy meets girl. There's something that gets in the way and they always fall in love at the end. There's always a happy ending. And that's what you do, which is you give people this unbelievable hope that life is actually pretty good. And sure, it's got its grumbles and its ups and downs, but there is a happy ending. The way you describe your journey through cancer, you're giving people these paths to happy endings. It is very fairy tale. Even the yarns that you spin, they're fairy tales. But the difference is you let people actually go on the journey of finding themselves. And I find that that's perfect.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, I really think, I think that the community of it all too is really what is the most healing too, because to bring people together and to have a goal and to have a vision for it. People show up like trusting you. And most people are really down to. To show up and explore something new so you can like really have like a plan for people. And. And I don't know, this is just things that I'm learning like regarding bringing people together. It's. And it makes me excited about life because the possibilities are endless. It doesn't have to be a dinner or a party. Like you can make unique hangs. And the dance class is. Are different because everyone's showing up with an intention for themselves. So even an introvert is there. And maybe they're like, I'm shy, I don't know how to make friends. Or I'm not good at talking to people. But they are forced to do so. When we're doing the awkward prom and it is a nice moment because everyone is guided into it. And sometimes we do like pass that Dutch. Like that's like the Missy Elliott thing. And we're like, you're just like passing energy to people. There's like all these games that force you to connect with someone but in a way where you know that you're going to feel better and more open afterwards. So it's not just like a dance class. You go and there's all these exercises to get you out of your shell. And then. Yeah. The narratives of all the routines that I come up with are something that someone should be healing through.

[Simon Sinek]

What's the difference between the healing we do that is visible and the healing we do that is invisible?

[Angela Trimber]

Healing we do that is visible. What would be something in your mind that's a visible healing therapy? Huh? Okay.

[Simon Sinek]

Dance class.

[Angela Trimber]

I see. Okay, so I think invisible healing maybe are the life lessons. Like we don't get to see life lessons on somebody we don't get to see. Like, oh, now I see why I made that mistake. You know, I think the healing just comes in like the aftershock of a situation you were in. And we don't really see it, but you'll see it within yourself the next time something like that comes up and that you. Oh, it doesn't. That doesn't sting as much or. I didn't go back to that personality trait of this people pleasing thing. I don't know. It feels like you don't get to see the lessons on other people, which.

[Simon Sinek]

Is a reason why we should throw ourselves into things. Because sometimes the invisible things that we don't really know that are going to happen and we may not be aware of them until later. They may not become visible until you've gone through it. And so as you said, you never want to go through having cancer again, but you like what happened as a result.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah, I really do. I really, really do. I think all the time what. What it would be like. I mean, I'm. There's obviously things I wish. Like, I wish that I could have kids. I wish that sex wasn't painful. Like, there's like a lot of things where I'm like. It's not like I'm like, ooh, I'm in the. My best. Like. But from an emotional standpoint, I definitely like my personality better. But, yeah, there's a lot that I'm still like, ah, remember that. But, yeah, you are wonderful.

[Simon Sinek]

I'm so glad you came on. I think you're a path illuminator. I think you're a door opener. I think you're a. Let me pull the bushes aside and show you that there's a bit of a worn path that you can. You can also walk down. You're not the first one. You're not the trailblazer. I'll show you.

[Angela Trimber]

Slightly guider.

[Simon Sinek]

Slightly guider, Yeah. A guide. Slightlier. Kind of like you and your sister, little kids looking out the window. For other people, those would be traumatic memories. And for you, they're actually quite warm. And I think the reason they're warm is the sense of not alone. You know, you listening to other people, you're listening to the neighbor celebrate New Year's Eve. There's a vicariousness to it. Like, you can actually enjoy the joy of others. And. And with your sister, you know, this sort of, what should be depressing, watching other little kids get off the bus. But you had each other that you could.

[Angela Trimber]

There's like a bonding.

[Simon Sinek]

There's a bonding thing. And I think you talked about your cancer and it's the other cancer survivors who be like, you'll like yourself better. And the therapist who helped guide you. And these people keep showing up in your life that you now do for others as well. And there's this beautiful yin and yang. Like, I am the person that I'm looking for, you know, and you've been very blessed that people have been there for you in these times that should be really stressful and even are really stressful, but because someone else was there who's either gone through it or is going through it with you, and that's what you do. You said the OGs will help the newbies, you know, and there's this. And like.

[Angela Trimber]

And the newbies help the OGs, and.

[Simon Sinek]

The newbies help the OGs. And there's this beautiful. And you said it before, community, that we have a responsibility to our fellow human beings, both in short form and long form. You know, in. In the immediacy of the interaction. Like, ask the barista how they're doing and actually care about the answer. You know, smile, hold a door.

[Angela Trimber]

Yes.

[Simon Sinek]

Like, there's these. The lessons that you're teaching are. It's. You're not. You're not the only person in the world, even though you feel sometimes like your problems.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Take the tunnel vision away.

[Simon Sinek]

And that's. And I think that's one of the reasons you're dancing like nobody's watching is everyone was watching. And that's what was so inspiring about it. Literally everybody watched it. Millions and millions of people watched you dance like nobody was watching.

[Angela Trimber]

Yeah. Yeah. You know, very ironic. Yeah.

[Simon Sinek]

Yeah. You're beautiful. I think it's beautiful. I just think the whole thing's magic.

[Angela Trimber]

You gotta come to a class.

[Simon Sinek]

I know.

[Angela Trimber]

Gotta get you there.

[Simon Sinek]

I meant to go yesterday, but I screwed up my schedule. We have a mutual friends. We got to meet once before, but I've stumbled upon your work. I don't even know how. I think just the magic of Instagram just showed me something and I was like. And it was not what I expect. It was bumpy and messy and human and imperfect and silly. And the more I went down the Instagram rabbit hole of who you are and what you stand for and why you do it, it is art in its purest form. I think for me, the lesson is, what would you do if you only had two years left and live like that every single day? And thank you so much for sharing everything you've learned with us. It's good stuff.

[Angela Trimber]

Thank you for having me. This is an honor. For real. Thank you. This is lovely.

[Simon Sinek]

A bit of Optimism is brought to you by the Optimism Company and is lovingly produced by our team, Lindsey Garbinius, David Jha and Devin Johnson. If I was able to get. Give you any kind of insight or some inspiration or made you smile, please subscribe wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts for more. And if you're trying to get answers to a problem at work or want to advance a dream, maybe I can help. Simply go to SimonSinek.com until then, take care of yourself, take care of each other.