I\u2019m deeply honored to share that my podcast, Make Your Own Map<\/a><\/strong>, was recognized by the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards (NAEJ)<\/a><\/strong> with First Place for Podcast Host<\/strong>, along with Second Place for my one-on-one interview<\/strong> with Tara Schuster, \u201c<\/em>Tara Schuster Isn\u2019t Afraid to Go There<\/a>\u2014And You\u2019ll Be Glad She Did.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The NAEJ Awards celebrate excellence in arts, culture, and entertainment journalism across radio, podcasts, television, and digital media. Being recognized by this organization\u2014alongside so many talented journalists, hosts, and storytellers\u2014means more to me than I can easily put into words.<\/p>\n These honors are not just acknowledgments of a single episode or performance. They represent the ongoing work of listening closely, asking thoughtful questions, and creating space for guests to share their stories with honesty, vulnerability, humor, and heart.<\/p>\n Tara\u2019s episode was exactly that\u2014real, generous, and brave. Our conversation explored creativity, mental health, boundaries, and what it means to show up fully in your own life. Being recognized for that interview reminds me why I started Make Your Own Map<\/strong> in the first place: to help people feel less alone, to encourage curiosity, and to remind listeners that it\u2019s okay to take the next step even when the path isn\u2019t clear.<\/p>\n The podcast was born during a moment of transition. I launched Make Your Own Map<\/em> in December 2022, right as I turned in the final manuscript for my memoir, Brave-ish<\/em>. It became a space where storytelling could continue\u2014through conversation\u2014bringing together artists, authors, adventurers, and changemakers from around the world. Today, the podcast is streamed in more than 60 countries across all seven continents<\/strong>, and hearing from listeners about how an episode resonated with them is the greatest reward.<\/p>\n Winning First Place for Podcast Host<\/strong> is especially meaningful because hosting is about presence. It\u2019s about listening more than talking, holding space, and guiding a conversation in a way that feels both intentional and human. I\u2019m grateful that the judges recognized that approach.<\/p>\n I\u2019m thankful to the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards<\/strong>, to the judges, and to everyone who makes this awards program possible. And most of all, I\u2019m grateful to my guests\u2014like Tara\u2014who trust me with their stories, and to listeners who tune in with open hearts.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/d2d45aw5ucb5xn.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/05181538\/NAEJ-2025-program-book-page.png\")
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