I sit down with fellow podcaster Noah May for an honest look at what it really takes to build a podcast. Noah shares the story behind launching Lethal Venom, how authenticity became the core of his brand, and how podcasting unexpectedly evolved from a hobby into a full-time pursuit.

The episode moves beyond podcast mechanics and into deeply personal territory. Noah opens up about anxiety, depression, navigating masculinity without a traditional father figure, and the mental toll of COVID. For him, podcasting became more than content creation — it became a tool for healing and a space for vulnerability.

We also unpack the realities most listeners never see: cancellations, editing struggles, analytics pressure, time management, burnout, and being a one-person production team. Together, we reflect on how interviewing others forces self-awareness, sharpens empathy, and accelerates personal growth. With a little shout out to some of our guests who we are both grateful for, for showing up for us and giving us amazing conversations.

At its heart, this episode is about authenticity — and the courage to keep building something meaningful, even when the road is long and the validation is uncertain.

Please visit Noah May's site(s) at:

https://www.noahspodcasts.com/

https://linktr.ee/noahspodcast/

https://www.instagram.com/lethalvenompodcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-c-may/

https://youtube.com/@noahspodcasts?si=7aV-NoI5z3uH1JeP/

https://www.tiktok.com/@lethalvenompodcast?_t=ZT-8vyYuBqy0br&_r=1/

https://www.facebook.com/noahspodcasts/

New intro music since Episode 22 by Willy Benz; Following him at:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/69DOAIKSHlXXxAmEzRlNdq

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: FYIiAmDamaged

Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts: FYI - I Am Damaged

#Podcasting #Authenticity #Healing #Storytelling #PodcastGrowth #MentalHealth #PodcastingTips #GlobalAudience #ContentCreation #PersonalDevelopment #RiversideFM

Bron Watson shares her inspiring journey through one cancer fight well behind her and another cancer diagnosis she will always have to battle.

As well as her entrepreneurship, self-discovery, and an outlook on life that can make the most centered person envious. Bron discusses the importance of self-care, resilience, and the power of community and awareness in overcoming life's challenges.

Your healing isn’t linear, and control is a myth—what’s real is your power to respond with kindness to yourself. Give yourself grace, reliability, and patience. The next step? Always there, if you’re willing to listen and trust the process.

Please visit Bron Watson's site(s) at:

https://www.bronwatson.com.au/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwatson/

https://www.instagram.com/bron_watson/

https://www.youtube.com/@BronWatson/

https://www.facebook.com/bronwatsonme/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: FYIiAmDamaged

Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts: FYI - I Am Damaged

#SerenityInMotion #HealingJourney #SelfCareRevolution #MindfulLiving #Resilience #Cancer #Warrior

Tim Thomas discusses the importance of sleep, vulnerability, and personal growth. He shares insights from his experiences in the military and as a professional fighter, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and energy management.

The discussion highlights how burnout is a biological issue rather than just a motivational one, and the significance of investing in oneself for a fulfilling life. Tim also touches on the interconnectedness of life and the importance of appreciating the simple joys.

Tim also discusses the transformative power of breathwork, particularly in relation to sleep and mental health. He emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of breathwork techniques that can help individuals manage fatigue, loneliness, and pain.

Please visit Tim Thomas site(s) at:

https://breathworkinbed.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/breathworkinbed/

https://www.facebook.com/breathworkinbed/

https://www.tiktok.com/@breathworkinbed/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: FYIiAmDamaged

Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts: FYI - I Am Damaged

#sleep #vulnerability #healing #performance #burnout #energymanagement #selfreflection #personalgrowth #breathwork #sleep #mentalhealth #veterans #connection #loneliness #fatigue #wellness #mindfulness #personalgrowth

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Camino Al Exito, a grassroots nonprofit transforming lives through community engagement, authentic storytelling, and strategic partnerships.

Discover how their focus on healing, data-driven programs, and storytelling is breaking generational cycles and empowering local communities.

Please visit Camino Al Exito Project For All's site(s) at:

https://caminoalexitopfa.org/

https://www.instagram.com/caminoalexitopfa/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Caminoalexitopfa-100088253953195/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

⁠Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠FYIiAmDamaged⁠⁠

⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠/⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠/⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠: FYI - I Am Damaged

#CommunityLeadership #GrassrootsChange #NonprofitImpact #AuthenticStorytelling #DataDrivenPrograms #EmpowermentJourney #SocialChange #CommunityEngagement #HealingThroughService #StrategicPartnerships #mentalhealth #mentaltherapy #mentalstrength #resilience #podmatch

Jenny Chan, director of the Pacific Atrocities Education Center, shares her journey to uncover suppressed stories from World War II in Asia.

Her work emphasizes the importance of acknowledging painful histories for both remembrance and healing, illustrating how the past shapes current social and political tensions.

Pick up one of the many books, hers and others, from her website and learn about all these stories of an untold history.

Please visit Jenny Chan's site(s) at:

https://www.pacificatrocities.org/

https://www.pacificatrocities.org/books.html/

https://www.pacificatrocities.org/support-us.html/

https://www.instagram.com/pacificatrocitiesedu/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-chan-9aa70438a/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B086KQRJPQ?ccs_id=b629a6bf-1f9a-45d5-879e-5486fc034034/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: ⁠FYIiAmDamaged⁠

⁠Spotify⁠/⁠YouTube⁠/⁠Apple Podcasts⁠: FYI - I Am Damaged

#worldwartwo #asianhistory #pacificatrocitieseducation #comfortwomen #unit731 #nankingmassacre #historicalnarratives #geopoliticaltensions #warcrimes #survivors #historicalarchives #governmentcoverups #research #humanrights #accountability #historicaltruth #memorywork #digitalstorytelling #podmatch

Ryan T. Reichert shares his journey of healing and personal growth, discussing the importance of vulnerability, faith, and community.

He reflects on his experiences with addiction, recovery, and the lessons learned from overcoming adversity. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of turning pain into purpose and the significance of helping others along the way.

In this engaging conversation, Ryan T. Reichert shares his insights on embracing life's adventures, breaking free from self-imposed limitations, and the importance of finding passion at any age. He discusses the journey of healing and personal growth, emphasizing the power of connection and curiosity.

The dialogue also delves into spiritual warfare and how everyday choices shape our lives. Ultimately, Ryan encourages listeners to use their pain as fuel for growth and transformation, reminding them that they can start their journey of change today.

Please visit Ryan Reichert's site(s) at:

https://ourprotectordevelopment.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ryan.t.reichert/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanreichert78/

https://www.facebook.com/armyrt1978/

https://x.com/ryantreichert/

https://www.tiktok.com/armyrt1978/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: ⁠FYIiAmDamaged⁠

⁠Spotify⁠/⁠YouTube⁠/⁠Apple Podcasts⁠: FYI - I Am Damaged

#personalgrowth #recovery #vulnerability #faith #resilience #podcasting #healingjourney #overcomingadversity #militaryexperience #selfimprovement #lifeadventures #selfimposedlimitations #healingjourney #findingpassion #spiritualwarfare #personalgrowth #overcomingchallenges #connection #curiosity #transformation

In this engaging conversation, Antoinette Lee explores themes of resilience, personal growth, and the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare. Antoinette shares her journey from illness to becoming a health educator and adventure sports athlete, emphasizing the transformative power of nature and the necessity of a positive mindset.

Antoinette also discusses the societal expectations surrounding masculinity and femininity, the importance of self-belief, and how to navigate relationships in a changing world. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on how to embrace their own 'new normal' and thrive in life.

Please visit Antoinette's site(s) at:

https://nnbl.blog/new-normal-big-llfe-blog/

https://www.youtube.com/@NewNormalBigLife/

https://open.spotify.com/show/4M2W26JnjyV5D1SBXeBlzB/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-normal-big-life/id1820645689/

https://x.com/NNBLBlog/

https://www.instagram.com/nnblpodcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@newnormalbiglifep/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinetteleemba/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: FYIiAmDamaged

Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts: FYI - I Am Damaged

#resilience #personalgrowth #healthcare #advocacy #adventuresports #mentalhealth #selfimprovement #nature #therapy #relationships #mindset #transformation

Ty Gipson shares his journey of resilience and authenticity, emphasizing the importance of a 'no options' mindset.

He discusses the profound impact of family support during his health challenges, the significance of overcoming adversity, and the daily practices that help maintain a positive mindset.

Ty also highlights the importance of acknowledging others, the commitment required in business, and the power of storytelling in connecting with others. He advocates for organ donation and shares insights on finding one's passion through personal experiences.

* I Apologize for some audio drops at the end of the episode, thank you for sticking with this episode. *

Please visit Ty Gipson's site(s) at: http://tygipson.com/

https://open.spotify.com/show/0QaxAU6ug2Yn13tHOr4V1G/

https://tygipson.com/meet-ty-gipson/

https://www.instagram.com/tygipson1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-gipson-336b84b/

https://www.youtube.com/@TyGipson/

Adelante, Siempre, por tu Mente / Forward, Always, for your Mind

Love & Strength,

Oscar Luna, Creator/Host

FYI - I Am Damaged Podcast

Author of Logan: The Strong-Minded Little Elephant

Instagram: FYIiAmDamaged

Spotify/YouTube/Apple Podcasts: FYI - I Am Damaged

#authenticity #resilience #organdonation #mindset #family #adversity #commitment #storytelling #personal #growth #empowerment