“It Doesn’t Always Work Out” is a call to not be discouraged. More pointedly, to not be ashamed of failure or to not living up to expectations. It began as a retort I’d use as a defense when people in conversation, with great positive intention, would comfort me with “It’ll all work out in the end,” or “Everything happens for a reason.” Now, I find a lot of truth in those sentiments, but they often have a way of silencing people who are struggling, or who are in despair and feel hopeless, or believe something is irrevocably wrong with them. So, I share stories of unresolved failure and shame from my past that I then go on to confront and hopefully to transform. 

I envision expanding past my own personal story to interviews with the public, a kind of ethnography that taps into our understanding of self-worth that is accessible and timely. These would be paired with additional interviews and research reports/narratives on shame, failure, self-possession, and self-worth.

I’m also developing ways to integrate podcast writing and producing into my teaching, so my students and I can learn together. Episodes would complement the foundational premise of the podcast, with content on personal narrative, self-development, and sociological reflections on shame and failure.

I expect the debut episode to air Winter 2025. Please sign up to my mailing list for more information!