anne mcginty - finding my voice. lessons from season 2 (so far).
When I started this podcast as a tribute to my late father, I never imagined it would become an integral part of my personal healing journey. The show - which recently won a 2025 Communicator Award of Excellence as an educational series - began with a focused lens on entrepreneurship and small business development, but has organically evolved into something much more profound and expansive.
Throughout Season One, I primarily explored the mechanics of business creation and growth. However, as Season Two progressed, I found myself increasingly drawn to the wisdom, perspectives, and life philosophies of my guests beyond their entrepreneurial journeys. This evolution mirrors something my father deeply believed in: the importance of continuous learning. As one listener beautifully articulated, the podcast has become a vessel for unearthing wisdom rather than just showcasing intelligence - a distinction that resonates deeply with me and apparently with many others as well.
What's been particularly transformative is how the podcast has contributed to my physical healing. For over thirteen years, I battled autoimmune conditions while being told by numerous specialists that my condition was essentially incurable. Yet through extensive research, self-experimentation, and listening to my body, I gradually found my way back to health without medication. This journey involved dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, appropriate exercise, quality sleep, herbal support, and practices to shift my nervous system from chronic fight-or-flight into a more balanced state. Unexpectedly, podcasting itself - the very act of using my voice authentically - became a crucial missing puzzle piece in this healing process.
As someone who grew up in Atlanta with ingrained Southern politeness and a tendency toward people-pleasing, I had spent years suppressing my true voice out of fear of appearing confrontational or inappropriate. The podcast has become a safe space to practice speaking my truth, choosing authenticity over approval, and connecting with others from a place of genuine alignment. The trembling voice and shaking hands that would have characterized me in an interview five years ago have given way to confidence and congruence. This transformation underscores something we don't discuss enough: how powerful alignment and joy can be for our physical health.
Moving forward into the second half of Season Two, I'm approaching the podcast with less rigidity and more flow. I've abandoned over-prepared question lists in favor of handwritten notes during conversations, allowing for deeper, more organic exchanges. I've discovered that building real heart connections with guests takes time - at least 45-60 minutes rather than rushed 30-minute segments. This pace feels right, allowing conversations to reach meaningful depths particularly toward the end of each episode. It's a mindset influenced by my time in New Zealand with my husband's family, who helped me recognize the distinctly American tendency to confuse "doing" with relaxing, and taught me the value of simply "being." As we continue this journey together, I'm embracing what feels aligned and joyful, with less pressure, less stress, and less rushing. Whether there will be a Season Three remains to be seen, but for now, I'm grateful for the unexpected healing and growth this podcast has facilitated.
