Introducing Behind the Mic and The DBP Society

New year (almost), new name, new writing community, new boobs

Since the dawn of this newsletter in July 2023, I’ve written 40 posts about all kinds of topics:

• my desire for approval

• the art of making mistakes

• how I squashed my fear of spiders

• why falling leaves make me sad

• what I often forget about motherhood

• the God I’ve gotten to know

• a magical orange moth

• all the rules I broke with my book

• and soooo much more

I’ve changed the name a few times. (Hi, Moon Pollen! What’s up, Redefining Big?) I’ve pulled many hairs out, seen grey eyebrows come in, and had lotsa moments where I’ve wanted to QUIT.

I’ve also felt proud. I thought for sure I was gonna go viral a few times, and for the last hour, I’ve been reading those posts above — the ones that made me AGE — and loving them.

Through ALL the ups, downs, ins, outs, and various twists and turns, there have actually been two consistent goals with this newsletter:

1. Keep in the motion of writing and processing this wild life.

2. Help you feel less alone and more courageous.

Funny enough though, in my attempts to inspire you, I’ve still felt held back by perfection, fear of offending, and just overall confusion on what the fuck to write.

I mean, all those feelings are completely normal and inevitably human, but there is a certain threshold, and I’m about to bust it open — and not in a satisfying, glass-shattering “break room” sorta way. So, I want to change that. Or at least try. I want this to be a place where I have full freedom to ME. Or as my pal Jerry put it with the last one: “let my balls hang out.”

Soooooo…

After months of craving a rebrand but also worrying that I’d look flaky (even though ALL the most successful brands on this planet got there from pivoting!), I’ve decided to just do it — to change the name again.

With that, I’m not just lifting the curtain on another thing. This time, I’m tearing down the fancy backdrop, keeping one bright light on, and welcoming you to…

BEHIND THE MIC

Raw reflections from a writing coach, speaker, and event producer who believes EVERYONE has something worth sharing. A newsletter that puts courage and creativity at center stage.

In this new space, I’m comin’ home, taking my bra off, and softening ALL expectations.

Yes, my palms are still sweaty AF. Yes, my inner critic is flipping out. But there’s a louder voice now — a bigger part of me that’s done hiding and wanting the same hard-good, freeing stuff for you, too. Not because she knows better or has been here longer or whatever your own comparison devil has whispered to you, but because she’s IN IT WITH YOU. She’s learning as she goes just like she always has. (Just like we ALL do.)

For example, one of the things I’m super pumped to write about over the next three(ish) months is my experience with standup comedy class.

I can’t WAIT to write all about why I signed up (My main reason will surprise you!), how scared and excited I am, and all the intimidating, goal-blocking myths that I know will be debunked.

This is me in 2008 doing some sloppy open mic standup at the Squire Lounge in Denver. Two of my friends say it’s their funniest and most favorite memory of me, but as for me, well, I don’t remember it, and I’ve ALWAYS wanted to redeem myself. This time, I’mma do it sober.

Through my real-time recaps, my hope is that you (and I!) will see this terrifying, far-fetched thing in a new light. A light that either nudges you to sling your own jokes, return to your own dust-covered, life-giving hobby, or pursue that thing that you, too, thought was petty, selfish, or impossible.

Psst! If you’re interested in joining me, you actually have a few days to sign up.

This class kicks off January 6 and will be taught by Zoe Rogers. Not only did she perform at Moms on the Mic this year, but she’s also a regular headliner for the popular standup comedy troupe Moms Unhinged and also produces the widely acclaimed Boulder Comedy Festival.

Here’s the tea:

Find your funny and discover your comedic voice in a supportive, small-group setting! Classes are run like a writers room with positive feedback. They are 10 to 12 weeks with mics included to prep for performance. Classes meet on Zoom and in person on Monday nights from 6-8pm in Boulder and culminate with a grad show.

$650 for first-time class. Reach out to zoe@highroadcomedy.com for info.

Another thing I’m excited to share behind-the-scenes gems and eye-widening AHAs from is my new writing group!

Although I’ve coached and mentored thousands of people on their blogs and online content as well as led various online group journeys focused on self-care and goal-crushing, this type of community is a first and perhaps the most exciting one to create.

I’m thrilled to introduce you to…

THE DBP SOCIETY

Where Done is Better than Perfect and writers find clarity, community, and courage.

Starting something new, especially writing, can feel like a huge hurdle. It’s vulnerable to put your thoughts and feelings into words, but here’s the truth:

Your story matters, and it deserves to be shared.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to write, this is it. The DBP Society is a space where we embrace the messiness of the creative process, and we celebrate the courage it takes to show up.

Whether you’re just beginning your writing journey or have been dreaming of finishing your book for years, this community is here to help you take that first step — and keep moving forward. No more waiting for the “perfect” moment.

This is also about more than just writing. It’s about personal growth, connection, and accountability. With prompts, private group chats, virtual open mics, guest speakers, and coaching opportunities, you'll have everything you need to keep your momentum. The DBP Society is your space to be seen, heard, and supported as you share your story.

So…

Have you heard whispers that NOW is your time to write? Is 2025 the year you take the leap?

And here’s the main plan for the first three months…

January: Getting in Motion

We’ll start slow and easy. January will be all about getting comfortable with the DBP concept: Done is Better than Perfect. It will also be about getting genuinely connected with one another.

Every Tuesday — starting Jan. 7, I’ll send you a mini prompt that’ll take 10 minutes tops. Something that will help you build your writing muscles and, most of all, be okay with leaving it done.

While the goal is not to wallow or simmer too long over the nudge and to just get it OUT, you’ll have the whole week to share it with the group. (If you want to!)

We’ll see how private group chats and paywalled comments go on here for the community piece, but if it comes to it, I might start a Facebook group as well.

February and March: Stepping It Up

As we get into February and March, we’ll dig deeper. These months will focus on:

• Starting your own Substack (even if it’s just for yourself to start — no pressure to share it widely).

• Creating a rough outline to follow.

• Meeting bi-weekly writing deadlines to build consistency.

• Sharing progress and stories with the group for encouragement and accountability.

We’ll also have virtual open mics at the end of each month. (Should we call them Speakeasies?!?! Get it?!) Here, you can read what you’ve written if you’re ready, share any general wins or AHAs, and cheer others on. At the top of these calls, we’ll also have a guest author/creator share their own DBP moments or advice. (Erin Hunt, author of Lovely Disaster, is already on the docket!!)

WHAT YOU’LL WRITE

To start, if you’re here for total direction, you’ll write stories about yourself. Maybe you’ll keep these stories just for you, and by the end of 2025, you’ll have at least 20 of ‘em. Maybe they’ll grow into a Substack. Or perhaps they’ll spark something bigger, like a “how-to” book or the beginnings of a memoir.

For now, though, my goal is simple: get you into a rhythm of writing and get you connected with fellow writers. Let’s start by doing the work, building confidence, and linking arms with our new friends.

And guess what? You don’t have to join right now. There will always be a place for you in this community if/when you’re ready. You can ALSO try it out for a bit and if it’s not a fit, you can opt out at any time.

Anddd if you have ANY questions or hesitations, I’d love to help!

Well, in the meantime, I wish you an incredible close to 2024. Whatcha got planned?

We’ll be heading to The Keg, then hanging in our PJs, sippin’ on some Martinelli’s with JeeWoo, and trying to stay awake til the East Coast rings it in. (Oh, how things have changed. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.)

As always, thank you for being here with me.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR,

Psst! RE: new boobs. That was just a metaphor for coming home to bra-less boobs. Free boobs. Blowing-in-the-wind boobs. You know, the kind ‘o boobs that say what they want. Do what they want. Move how they want. It was just a little something that made me cackle whilst typing the subtitle. Plus, I just really wanted to leave you hanging. NO PUN INTENDED!!! HEYOOOOO!