Podcast
Own Your Awkward: Conversations on Authenticity, Growth and the Power of Being Different
Hosted by Andy Vargo · EN
What if the thing you've been most embarrassed about is actually your superpower?
Own Your Awkward is a podcast about authenticity, growth, and the truth that what makes you different makes you valuable. Host Andy Vargo, keynote speaker, life coach, and proud awkward human, brings guests from every corner of life to explore what it means to stop fitting in and start standing out.
Real conversations. Honest stories. Practical insights you can actually use.
If you've ever felt like too much, not enough, or just a little off, you found your people. Hit follow and let's get awkward.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Awkward & Badass with Marie Sonneman
May 12, 202500:39:03Tap to summarizeReady to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses.👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.comIn this raw, real, and empowering conversation, Andy Vargo and Marie Sonneman dive deep into the challenges of building confidence, breaking free from self-comparison, and owning your unique identity—awkwardness and all. As business collaborators and accountability partners, they reflect on their growth, the power of support systems, and the real meaning of bravery. From personal stories to practical insights, this episode is packed with honest reflections, empowering tools, and encouragement for anyone ready to lead with authenticity and step into their badassery.🌟 Topics Covered:How accountability leads to real growthWhat it actually means to be fearlessEmbracing vulnerability in leadership and lifeReframing negative thoughts for confidenceAndy’s journey to self-acceptanceMarie’s “Proof of Badassery” mindset📍 Connect with Marie: https://ordinarytobadass.com/Use affiliate link to buy Marie's guided journal Proof of My Badassery: https://amzn.to/3YykILw📍 Connect with Andy: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/🗣 Want to bring Andy in to speak or coach your team? https://www.awkwardcareer.com/speaking/ | https://www.awkwardcareer.com/#OwnYourAwkward #OrdinaryToBadass #LeadershipConfidence #PodcastDrop #ConfidenceCoach #AuthenticLeadership #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #PublicSpeaking #MentalHealthMatters #badass
Transcribe →Awkward Psychological Safety with Melissa Hughes Ph.D.
Apr 28, 202500:41:21Tap to summarizeReady to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses.👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.com🎙️ Today’s Guest: Dr. Melissa HughesDr. Melissa Hughes returns to the show to dive deep into psychological safety, the power of vulnerability, and how to manage personal biases. Melissa blends neuroscience with practical strategies to help people and organizations create environments where authentic conversations thrive.✨ Support & Connect with Dr. Melissa Hughes:🌐 Website: melissahughes.rocks📘 Book: Store | Neuro Nugget📱 LinkedIn: @melissahughesphd📱 Instagram: @melissahughesphd✨ In This Episode You'll Learn:Why the illusion of psychological safety can be more harmful than obvious risksHow imposter syndrome and your inner critic feed self-doubtThe difference between true psychological safety vs. forced conformityThe science behind emotional contagion — and how kindness rewires the brainPractical steps to foster meaningful conversations across differences🔗 More Ways to Own Your Awkward:🛒 Grab merch, join a course, or book Andy to speak: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward#podcast #authenticity #psychologicalsafety #impostersyndrome #leadership #coaching #leadershipdevelopment #emotionalintelligence #authenticity #growthmindset
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Awkward Voice with Dave Campbell
Feb 3, 202500:45:56Tap to summarizeDave is from Ontario Canada. He has been chased by a Moose, been in 3 tornadoes, heard himself on the radio, Dave wonders why people love puzzles, and he can’t swim. Dave is fairly sarcastic and his wit makes him slightly dizzy at times. His wife does find Dave mildly entertaining (in small amounts and from a safe distance). Dave is the host of 8 different podcasts, and over the past 5 years Dave has created content, community and stories - speaking with guests from around the world - everyone has a story! Dave pursues curiosity and coffee in the search for creative people and stories. Dave is an empty nest Dad with 3 adult children. Dave loves his rescued animals, Dave has been an active musician for over 45 years and he has more stories than what can fit into a standard podcast recording. Dave operates True Media Solutions and supports podcasters by handling podcast editing, growth and promotion. Find his shows and support Dave Campbell online: https://truemediasolutions.ca/ Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #canada #podcast #howto #voice #music #musician
Transcribe →Awkward Brewing with Amanda & Andrew Poliak
Jan 27, 202500:47:46Tap to summarizeAmanda Poliak is a talented, award-winning brewer and the owner of Awkward Brewing, a brewery known for its unique flavors and bold brews. She first opened Awkward Brewing in Washington State in 2015 before relocating to the Atlanta metro area, where she re-established the brewery in 2021. While the brewery technically reopened in November of that year, Amanda proudly celebrates March 18th, "Awkward Moments Day," as her official opening day. With a passion for creating a diverse range of beers —from stouts and IPAs to lagers and sours—as well as an inclusive environment. Amanda’s brews have earned recognition, including a medal at the prestigious Great American Beer Festival. Her commitment to quality, creativity, and community has made Awkward Brewing into a family as well as a beloved staple in the craft beer scene. Please support Awkward Brewing online: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awkwardbrewing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awkwardbrewing/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@awkwardbrewing www.awkwardbrew.com Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out: https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #brewery #brewers #breweries #awkward #beer #fayetteville #georgia #atlanta #relocation #beerpodcast
Transcribe →Awkward or Not Awkward with Becca Boston
Aug 22, 2024Tap to summarizeBecca Boston is a successful bestselling author, renowned speaker, coach and the Ending the Silence Coordinator for NAMI Pierce County. Despite having a learning disability, she serves as an inspiring role model, proving that disabilities should not hinder one's pursuit of their dreams. Becca's unwavering dedication lies in her motto and brand "Stay Strong. Stay You.", as she strives to assist individuals in realizing their own strength by speaking up, giving their pain a voice and receiving the help that's needed while staying true to themselves. Over time, Becca's impact has extended globally, continuously inspiring people worldwide. Becca has been featured in LA Weekly as a Powerhouse Speaker Making a Positive Impact. Her transformative message "Stay Strong. Stay You." has reached an audience of 2 million, her "I Am Purpose" conference attracted participants from different countries, and her personal journey is documented in her book, "The Story Behind The Smile: Lessons Within My Life". Despite her wide-scale influence, Becca acknowledges that her primary focus is on connecting with each individual she speaks to, including you. Buy Becca's book with my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/46U5Biw Please support Becca Boston online: Tiktok: @beccaboston6 Instagram: @beccaboston26 Website: www.beccaboston.net For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authenticity #motivation #inspiration #coach #connection #energy #positive #education #tacoma #selfcare #selfharm #mentalhealth #support #staystrong
Transcribe →Awkward Truth with Sean Allison
Jan 11, 2024Tap to summarizeSean Allison is a Medical Intuitive Chaplain and Transition coach. FOR THOSE AT A BEGINNING, IN THE MIDDLE, OR AT THE END OF LIFE, READY TO FIND A NEW WAY... Sean teaches spiritual and personal development at Journey Within in Lakewood Colorado. As a Death Dula He assists Families in helping loved ones prepare for the afterlife. Check out Sean Allison online: whenyoursidewalkends.com compassionspeak.com Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authentiicity #motivation #inspiration #coach #tacoma #solopreneur #entrepreneur #growth #truth #death #christian #dula #transition
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Awkward Outsider with Martine Emmons
Nov 30, 2023Tap to summarizeMartine Emmons is a Certified Transformational Life Coach. Martine also hosts her own radio program as well as coaching 1:1 under two large platforms. Martine spent over 20 years in the corporate world as a Paralegal and Executive Assistant and still enjoys helping her fellow entrepreneurs run their businesses as an Executive Virtual Assistant; and this includes helping people get TEDx talks. She stays active in all areas of her life and finds travel, especially to ocean destinations, the best thing ever! She lives in Michigan with her husband, Eric, and is the proud momma of Sarah, Lindsay and Christopher. Connect with Martine Emmons online: https://martineemmons.com/ Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authentiicity #motivation #inspiration #coach #author #wellness #mind #mindset #outsider #transformation
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Awkwardly Awkward with Andy Vargo & Guest Host Marie Sonneman
Nov 25, 2023Tap to summarizeThis is episode 100! We have brought my good friend Marie Sonneman who hosts the Ordinary to Badass podcast to do a reverse interview. In today's episode she will ask me about my awkward, explore the roots of Own Your Awkward, and we will dig into the lessons learned along the way. I have spent years interviewing others to find out what their awkward thing is and explored how they have owned it in order to live an amazing life. Now the tables are turned and we will get to hear what it is like being on the other side. Check out Marie's episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast: https://youtu.be/zdxBTy-iE_k?si=5d9lBtv-NYU4ss6Y Buy her book at my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3GerrAI Check out the Ordinary to Badass site for the show and even more badassery: https://ordinarytobadass.com/ Also in this episode we mentioned Valerie Gordon's book, Fire Your Narrator, buy a copy here with my affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3uGjS32 Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/#badass #awkward #motivation #comingout #divorce #change #growth #journey #ownyourawkward
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Awkward Healing with Eileen Bild
Jul 28, 2023Tap to summarizeEileen is CEO of Ordinary to Extraordinary Life/OTELproductions, Co- Founder of OTEL Universe, Executive Producer/ROKU Channel Developer, Founder of The Core Thinking Blueprint Method, OTEL TALK show host, Breakthrough S.P.A.R.K. Coach, and Team Member at BIG Records. She is a published Author, and Internationally Syndicated Columnist. Support Eileen Bild online:www.oteluniverse.comwww.corethinkingblueprint.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EileenBild, https://www.youtube.com/@OrdinarytoExtraordinaryLifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/OTELLifeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileenbild/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eileen.bild/ Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authentiicity #motivation #inspiration #Tacoma #indiemusic #autoimmunedisease #autoimmunedisorder #recovery #healing #change #spider #intuitive
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Awkward Foreigner with Mark Reid
May 6, 2023Tap to summarizeJoin us for this episode as we talk to Mark Reid (professor, lawyer, and Japanese paper maker) On his show he dives deep with artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and other influential people. Mark hosts the podcast Zen Sammich, which is a podcast for the independent thinker and anyone who embraces life despite its absurdity. Follow Mark Reid online: zensammich.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zen-sammich/ Get merch, join a course and more! Check out all the ways you can support this show and host at: https://linktr.ee/OwnYourAwkward For more information on how you can Own Your Awkward with Andy Vargo, check out https://www.awkwardcareer.com/ #podcast #awkward #ownyourawkward #acceptance #authentiicity #motivation #inspiration #Tacoma #marketing #vulnerability #vulnerable #courage #brave #growth #travel #foreign #alabama #japan
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