Why bother? There's no money in it...

Social Fabric Podcast Live with Brian Pennie - Photo by Eoin O'Mahony

Over the past six years have been asked this question a number of times, or

a version of it - Do you make money out of it? Have you thought of monetise it?.

I have to admit the latter got me thinking a few times and even went down the road of researching options and possibilities to try and monetise what I have started not just as a hobby with a clear vision of "helping to rebuild the fabric of society one conversation at the time."

That was the start of my Social Fabric podcast.

Now, 176 episodes, 16 live shows, and an audio documentary later, I am still focused on that vision.

Why do I bother?

Because small and big things have happened out of the many conversations, things that guests and listeners have told me about, as well as - I hope - things that I don't know anything about.

Below is why I bother to do it even if there is no money in it.

It enriches me in ways that perhaps money wouldn't.

Thanks for listening. If you have a story to share, feel free to contact me.

I'd love to hear from you.

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Hi Andrea,

I wanted to say a big thank you for inviting me to share my story on the Social Fabric podcast. I've been a listener, and learned lots from all your guests, for many years. 

But sharing my own story has brought different types of opportunities and rewards. It has made so many people feel comfortable to share with me their own struggles with stress and anxiety. 

I met an old colleague last week who told me that this podcast episode might have saved his life! After a serious health scare our discussion made him realise he was experiencing some of the symptoms I shared and was the catalyst for him to make changes to his lifestyle. 

Six months on he has lost 10kg and regularly takes time out from his busy schedule to meditate and leverage his breath to downregulate.

These conversations have encouraged me to qualify as a coach and a breathwork instructor, in the hope of helping others manage chronic stress and achieve their goals.

Thank you!

Ciarán Avitabile