Who Tells Your Story?

I’ve had an earworm from Hamilton in my head while writing this.

Let me tell you what I wish I'd known / When I was young and dreamed of glory /

You have no control / Who lives, who dies, who tells your story

We tend to think history is shaped by singular figures, with books and movies written about them. But the people who shape our world? They’re often the hidden forces we never hear about.

This week on the podcast, I spoke with cyclist and author John Kennedy Howard about Marshall “Major” Taylor. Major Taylor was the first African American world champion in any sport. A cycling phenom at the turn of the 20th century, he was the fastest man alive, born 13 years after the end of the American Civil War. One of the highest-paid athletes of his time, he achieved international fame. And yet, how many people know his story?

Is he not the American dream?

And in a twist that gave me chills, John Kennedy Howard and Major Taylor were inducted into the U.S. Cycling Hall of Fame in the same year. John has spent years bringing that story back into the light.

Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?

In the infinity of the cosmos, on a planet 4.543 billion years old, it’s easy to wonder if our stories matter. Not everyone gets a book written about them. Not every story makes it into classrooms or museums.

Our legacy isn’t about being remembered; it’s about leaving the world better than how you entered it.

Through your choices. Through your values. Through the people you show up for, the kindness you extend, and the courage you model.

Your impact doesn’t need a headline. It just needs a ripple. And ripples multiply.

If you're open to it, ask yourself:

What kind of ripple am I creating?

Am I living in a way that reflects what I value?

How can I leave the world better, starting with where I am right now?

Because even if your name is never in the history books, your story still shapes the future, and that might just be the most powerful legacy of all.

A Note on One Year of the Podcast ♥️

In July, I celebrated the one-year anniversary of this podcast!I recently hosted an small gathering to mark the moment… and completely forgot to take pictures until almost everyone had left. (Which, honestly, feels like the best kind of party.)

I’ve always been candid with you, and I have to admit, I was nervous to throw that party. Probably for the same reason I was nervous to start the podcast in the first place.

I’m outgoing. I love meeting people and amplifying others' voices and creating community. We over me.

But creating something and putting it out into the world - being seen - is vulnerable on a different level for me. It asks you to believe in your dream. It asks you to keep showing up, even when you’re not sure anyone will listen.

And I’m so glad I did.

I joke that I started the podcast to figure out what my friends actually do at their jobs (still not clear on a lot of you…). I’ve had the opportunity to talk to people around the world, listen to what matters most to them, learn, reflect, and share those conversations with you.

We are universes unto ourselves.

Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just tuned in last week, thank you.

Thank you to every guest who’s shared their story. Thank you to every listener who’s subscribed, rated, reviewed, or sent me a message. You’ve made this space more meaningful than I ever could have imagined.

If you haven’t yet, I’d love for you to:

• Subscribe wherever you listen

• Share an episode with a friend

• Reply and tell me what’s resonating, what you want more of, or what isn’t working

And a special shoutout to my brother from another mother, sometimes co-host, and singing partner, Matt Jones. Thank you for jumping in and for being you.

Cheers to another year of curiosity, connection, and asking “wait - what do you do again?”!

xoxo,

Meghan