Digital Social Hour – Episode #889: "Why I Quit Podcasting: The Truth Behind My Decision" with Danny Miranda

Release Date: November 14, 2024

In this insightful episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly sits down with Danny Miranda, a former podcaster who has recently made the courageous decision to pause his podcasting endeavors. The conversation delves deep into Danny's motivations, personal growth, and his transition from podcasting to coaching. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their discussion, highlighting key topics, personal anecdotes, and profound insights.

1. The Decision to Pause Podcasting

Danny Miranda begins by explaining his choice to put his podcast on hold. He shares that his shift toward coaching felt more authentic and fulfilling compared to the performative aspects of podcasting.

[01:02] Danny: "I really started to coach people and do coaching, and I just saw how much more fulfilling that was to the truth of who I am."

Sean observes that podcasting casts a wide net, making the impact harder to measure compared to direct coaching interactions.

[01:23] Sean: "With podcasting is such a wide net. I'm sure we're influencing people with that, but they don't hit us up directly usually, so you can't really see the results."

2. Embracing Authenticity Over Performance

Danny discusses the inherent barriers of being on camera and how it limits genuine conversations about personal struggles.

[02:30] Danny: "When you ask somebody what are you struggling with? And they don't want to go to that place. And if they actually do go to that place, they can transform."

He contrasts this with coaching, where deeper, more authentic dialogues can occur without the performative layer of podcasting.

[02:52] Danny: "I started to see how much more fulfilling that was."

3. The Genesis of His Podcast

Danny recounts the spontaneous nature of starting his podcast, which began from a simple tweet inviting conversations.

[02:36] Sean: "You literally tweeted, who wants to just chop it up?"

[03:05] Danny: "I was calling people on the phone nonstop, and I was like, I should record these. And that turned into the podcast."

This organic start highlights his genuine passion for engaging with diverse individuals and sharing their stories.

4. Personal Growth and Spiritual Journey

The conversation shifts to Danny's personal transformation influenced by his podcasting experience. He shares how engaging with various guests led him to a deeper spiritual understanding.

[04:24] Sean: "I was atheist before my podcast started, actually."

[04:38] Danny: "What changed the podcast? Just had on certain guests, that opened my eyes."

Danny emphasizes that podcasting facilitated his exploration of purpose and significantly impacted his mental and spiritual well-being.

[04:10] Danny: "A podcast is a spiritual experience."

5. Overcoming Childhood Insecurities

Danny opens up about his childhood struggles with fitting in and how these experiences shaped his approach to life and his career.

[07:07] Danny: "What we lack the most as a child is actually our greatest gift. And what we're supposed to give people."

He connects this with his podcast's mission to make listeners feel a sense of belonging, turning past insecurities into a source of strength and purpose.

[07:54] Danny: "Whenever you are making someone feel like they belong, that's your purpose."

6. Confronting and Managing Anger

Delving into personal challenges, Danny shares a pivotal high school incident where false accusations led to physical confrontation. This experience drove him to channel his anger productively through weightlifting, fostering personal strength and resilience.

[09:55] Danny: "I started lifting weights. And when I started lifting weights, it channeled my anger."

He reflects on how transforming his anger into physical fitness instilled a sense of control and peace.

[10:58] Danny: "I really wanted to fight myself."

7. The Role of Meditation and Mindfulness

Meditation emerges as a cornerstone of Danny's mental health and coaching philosophy. He discusses how consistent meditation practice has empowered him to introspect and manage his attention amidst a distraction-filled world.

[17:36] Danny: "Meditation, sitting with the truth of who I am. I mean, you can't hide from yourself."

Sean shares his own journey from atheism to spirituality, attributing significant personal changes to his podcasting experience.

[04:20] Sean: "I'm no longer atheist now."

8. Navigating the Digital Age and Mental Health

The duo explores the impact of the internet and social media on mental health, discussing strategies to maintain mental well-being by curating one's digital consumption and fostering self-awareness.

[20:48] Danny: "I just check in with myself. Like, am I good? Do I scroll through Instagram enough today?"

They emphasize the importance of owning one's digital habits and not succumbing to societal pressures.

[20:13] Danny: "You have to own the truth of what you did."

9. Shifting Cultural Norms Towards Vulnerability

Danny advocates for a cultural shift where expressing emotions and seeking personal growth through practices like meditation becomes the norm, contrasting it with the traditionally celebrated stoicism and partying lifestyles.

[34:18] Danny: "To show your emotions is actually the strongest thing you can do."

He envisions a world where personal development is celebrated rather than ridiculed, fostering stronger and more authentic individuals.

10. Future Endeavors and Coaching Philosophy

Looking ahead, Danny outlines his coaching focus on mental performance, helping clients cultivate love and freedom in their lives. He draws parallels between coaching and fatherhood, highlighting the fulfillment that comes from guiding others towards self-acceptance and growth.

[16:24] Danny: "Mental performance coaching to help people feel more love and freedom in their own life."

His coaching approach centers on profound questioning and personalized guidance, aiming to uncover and resolve internal barriers to success and happiness.

[30:36] Danny: "I just focus on myself, and I just focus on how can I bring the most love and freedom to this person."

11. Advice for the Younger Generation

Danny offers heartfelt advice to young listeners struggling with insecurities and the pressures of fitting in. He emphasizes the transient nature of such challenges and the importance of maintaining perspective.

[38:44] Danny: "Have perspective of just because I'm insecure about this thing and I'm getting made fun of for this thing, that doesn't mean your world is ending."

He encourages self-acceptance and resilience, reminding them that their worth isn't tied to external validation.

12. Closing Thoughts and Future Possibilities

The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of podcasting and content creation. Danny expresses openness to returning to podcasting, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity over adherence to conventional formats.

[16:00] Sean: "You're fluid."

[28:34] Danny: "I feel if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna be more authentic to the truth of who I am."

Sean and Danny discuss innovative podcasting ideas, such as hosting episodes in unique environments like mountains, underscoring the importance of storytelling that resonates on a deeper level.

[29:21] Sean: "That's where I feel like you crushed it, because you were asking questions no one would ever think of."

Conclusion

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a profound exploration of personal authenticity, mental health, and the courage to pivot one's career towards more meaningful endeavors. Danny Miranda's journey from podcasting to coaching serves as an inspiring testament to the power of self-awareness and the pursuit of genuine connections. His insights provide valuable lessons for anyone seeking to navigate personal and professional growth in today's fast-paced, often superficial digital landscape.

Where to Find Danny Miranda:

• Twitter & Instagram: @heyDanyMiranda
• Danny Miranda Podcast: Available on all major podcast platforms.

*For more episodes filled with inspiring conversations and actionable insights, subscribe to Digital Social Hour wherever you listen to podcasts.