Own Your Awkward: Conversations on Authenticity, Growth and the Power of Being Different

What if the reason you're being overlooked has nothing to do with your performance? In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with leadership coach and Connection Counselor Joe Kwon to explore the concept of the Credibility Gap, the space between the value you create and the value decision makers perceive. Joe shares why hard work alone doesn't guarantee promoti...

After hosting more than 130 podcast episodes, Andy takes a step back to reflect on what he has learned about awkwardness, confidence, growth, and authentic conversations. In this first solo episode, he shares why the podcast format evolved, what surprised him most about repeat guests and recurring topics, and why awkwardness looks completely different from person to person. In this episode: • Less...

What if the thing you've been most embarrassed about is actually your superpower? This is Own Your Awkward, a podcast about authenticity, growth, and the uncomfortable truth that what makes you different makes you valuable. Host Andy Vargo, keynote speaker, life coach, and proud awkward human, gives you a quick look at what this show is, who it's for, and why your awkward thing might be th...

What if buying or selling a home didn’t feel like a competition? In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Sloan Hunter, author of Recoding The Real Estate Experience, to explore how real estate transactions can become more transparent, collaborative, and rewarding. With 36 years of experience in the industry, Sloan explains her Mindful Real Estate Approach, which...

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Gail, host of the Blind Spots podcast, to explore how curiosity, presence, and intentional listening transform awkward moments into powerful connection. They discuss:• Why trying to fix people often backfires• How curiosity builds trust and empathy• The common listening habits that block connection• Leading and coaching wit...

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy sits down with leadership coach Katie Tuite to talk about career pivots, authenticity, and the power of embracing an unconventional path. From graphic design and stay-at-home parenting to co-founding Harborbridge, Katie shares how curiosity and imperfect action led to meaningful leadership work. You’ll hear practical insights on authentic perso...

In this episode of Own Your Awkward, Andy sits down with creative powerhouse Angela DiMarco, author of The Ultimate DIY Brand Jedi Training Manual and Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing. Together they dive into what it really means to show up authentically in your life and business especially when self-doubt creeps in or you’ve spent years behind the curtain supporting others. Andy and An...

Ready to embrace your authentic self? Start by owning your awkward. Book Andy Vargo for coaching or speaking opportunities at https://www.awkwardcareer.com/In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, I sit down with Amber Bate, a storyteller, real estate expert, and modern-day muse. Together, we explore what it means to live authentically in a world full of expectations. From navigating famil...

In this heartfelt and energizing episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, I sit down with Emmy Award-winning photojournalist Michael Driver to talk about finding the beauty in everyday stories, embracing our quirks, and living a life full of purpose. Michael shares wisdom from his 20+ years in media, including lessons from his time on the reality TV show COPS, his award-winning work at Fox 13 Seat...

Ready to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses. 👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.comIn this insightful episode, Andy welcomes Coach Angie Jones of Ataruka Coaching to explore the intersection of leadership, gratitude, and mental clarity. Broadcasting from th...

Ready to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses. 👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.com In this raw, real, and empowering conversation, Andy Vargo and Marie Sonneman dive deep into the challenges of building confidence, breaking free from self-comparison, and o...

Ready to turn awkward into your advantage? Andy Vargo empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity through coaching, keynotes, and courses. 👉 Explore how you can Own Your Awkward: https://awkwardcareer.com 🎙️ Today’s Guest: Dr. Melissa Hughes Dr. Melissa Hughes returns to the show to dive deep into psychological safety, the power of vulnerability, and how to manage personal bi...

Dave is from Ontario Canada. He has been chased by a Moose, been in 3 tornadoes, heard himself on the radio, Dave wonders why people love puzzles, and he can’t swim. Dave is fairly sarcastic and his wit makes him slightly dizzy at times. His wife does find Dave mildly entertaining (in small amounts and from a safe distance). Dave is the host of 8 different podcasts, and over the past 5 years Dave...

Amanda Poliak is a talented, award-winning brewer and the owner of Awkward Brewing, a brewery known for its unique flavors and bold brews. She first opened Awkward Brewing in Washington State in 2015 before relocating to the Atlanta metro area, where she re-established the brewery in 2021. While the brewery technically reopened in November of that year, Amanda proudly celebrates March 18th, "...

Brian Kerr has consulted full-time for 19 years, working alongside clients in technology, finance, healthcare, the social sector, and local and state governments. 3 ways he helps clients get to quality + value: ① opening space for shared understanding, ② practicing continuous improvement, ③ landing change & adoption. Brian's goal → to reduce suffering and wasted effort in the workplace. He wri...

Brian Buck is the Chief Abundance Office of Abundance Worldwide, founder and head coach for Mighty Bold Life. He specializes in helping you implement peak-performance habits and systems so you can create exponential results in your life. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and has helped over 500 people and companies across industries. He is passionate about having fun all while bringing...

Lara is a holistic healing expert dedicated to empowering empaths to transform their lives. She artfully blends numerology, Reiki, tarot, and yoga, with modern techniques, guiding sensitive souls to harness their innate strengths. A nomadic sailor and homeschooling mother of two boys, Lara brings her diverse life experiences, including a background in nursing, to her transformative work. She's als...

Amanda, the Founder and Creator of Monarch Mental Health, has been a dedicated advocate for the mental health community, driven by her own lived experience with Bipolar 1. Diagnosed in 2010, her journey began with a journal, a lifeline during her first appointment with a pediatrician when she couldn't voice her suicidal thoughts. Referred to a psychiatrist, she embarked on an 11-year path of medic...

In this very special episode, we have our first returning guest to take a deeper dive into how they continue to own their awkward. Cheri Hardman captivates audiences with hilarious tales about being a plus size, menopausal babe. She won Tacoma Comedy Club's 'The Comedy Voice', was a finalist in Nate Jackson's Super Funny Comedy Club's Funniest MF Out Here and performed at Bumbe...

Becca Boston is a successful bestselling author, renowned speaker, coach and the Ending the Silence Coordinator for NAMI Pierce County. Despite having a learning disability, she serves as an inspiring role model, proving that disabilities should not hinder one's pursuit of their dreams. Becca's unwavering dedication lies in her motto and brand "Stay Strong. Stay You.", as she str...

Syed K Jamal is an International Ford Fellowship alumni. Before starting Collegey.com, he was with the US State Department's EducationUSA program. He has worked in media, non-profits, and academia. He lives in Tacoma, mentors students and startups at organizations like 76Forward, Rise, and Bridge for Billions. He is also on the board of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma. His cat, Laila and d...

Northwest Edutainer Rebecca P. Murray delivers high-energy virtual and live programs for those ready to become confident, creative, and compelling leaders and team players. She infuses humor, inspiring stories, and entertaining musical excerpts into content-rich programs. Audience members eagerly engage in her one-of-a-kind interactive experiences. She’s determined to help clients communicate with...

🏡 Ali Bozic | eXp Real Estate Agent | Founder of Infinterest Ali Bozic, is beyond excited for the opportunity to Own Her Awkward! Passionate about upgrading the home buying and selling experience, She is a dedicated eXp Real Estate Agent and the driving force behind Infinterest. With Infinterest, Ali is launching a groundbreaking approach to showcasing properties by connecting real estate agents...

Born and raised in the greater Tacoma, WA area, Sean has dedicated much of his adult life to building community and encouraging dads to embrace fatherhood. Growing up in a split family, Sean saw the need for involved and engaged dads who were willing to break the cycle of past generations' detachment and indifference. As a proud father of 4 “neuro-spicy” kids, he and his wife of 15 years have put...

A beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. With a passion for guiding people through the complexities of modern life, Ipek specializes in helping overwhelmed individuals harness a profo...