Open Doors Podcast Episode

We all have them, don’t we? Those big, audacious dreams we’ve held onto since childhood. For me, it was a dream of civic engagement, of being a voice for change. From a young age, I pictured myself in politics, influencing policy, and making a difference. That dream evolved into a very specific goal: to serve on a national advocacy board, to contribute at the highest level to the very movement that defines my life.

I poured my heart into the application process. I spent countless hours writing, refining, and preparing. I felt confident, invigorated by the thought of this “dream job.” When the rejection email landed in my inbox, it was a punch to the gut. The dream, the vision I had held for so long, seemed to evaporate. It was a stark reminder that even with passion and purpose, some doors just don’t open the way we expect.

But here’s where the story takes an unexpected turn, a turn that became the inspiration for my latest podcast episode. Just two hours after receiving that devastating “no,” my phone rang. It was an offer to serve on a different national board—an opportunity I hadn’t even considered, a door I didn’t even know existed.

This experience brought a profound realization: advocacy isn’t about the title, the recognition, or the specific platform. It’s about being a voice for the voiceless. It’s about “planting the seed for a tree that someone else will sit under.” It’s about the relentless pursuit of a more just and inclusive world, regardless of the path we take to get there.

This episode is a raw, honest look at the emotional rollercoaster of pursuing a dream, facing rejection, and finding unexpected redirection. It’s a vital reminder for all of us to be aware of the “windows and doors that are open,” even when they’re not the ones we initially envisioned. A “no” isn’t always a dead end; sometimes, it’s the universe nudging you toward an even better, more impactful journey.

So, if you’ve ever felt the sting of a dream deferred, if you’re wondering what your next step should be, or if you simply need a dose of inspiration to keep fighting for what you believe in, this episode is for you.

Are you ready to see how a “no” can lead to your next “yes”?

Episode Transcript

The Podcast

Published Books