I realized something uncomfortable recently.
I was out of integrity.
For months, the queue for my podcast had been growing. New guests were being scheduled months out, and on the surface, it looked like a good problem to have. Momentum. Interest. A full pipeline.
But underneath, it exposed a pattern I’ve struggled with for years.
I was saying yes too often.
During discovery calls, I could usually tell within the first few minutes whether someone was a strong fit for the show. But instead of stopping there, I kept going. We would build rapport. The conversation would feel good. And I would convince myself to book the episode anyway.
I didn’t want to disappoint them.
So the queue kept growing. And growing.
Eventually, I had to face the truth:
Every time we say yes to avoid disappointing someone, we create a different problem.
We create resentment down the line.
I start resenting the work.
I start resenting the schedule.
And sometimes, I even start resenting the people I said yes to.
That’s when I made a decision to get back into integrity.
I cut the podcast queue.
Some guests were disappointed.
One conversation we had already recorded will never be released.
And here’s what surprised me:
Most people understood.
Several even wrote back to say they respected the decision.
Because integrity often earns more respect than trying to please everyone.
This episode of Life in Transition marks a new direction for the podcast. We’re now focused on midlife men who are searching for meaning — men who want more than comfort, routine, and quiet frustration. Men who want vitality, purpose, stronger relationships, better health, more adventure, and have the courage to step into the next phase of life with authenticity.
After this episode, this simple question that has become a gate in my life:
If I will feel resentment later, should I say yes now?
Usually, the answer becomes very clear. NO!
And going forward, every other episode will be a solo conversation where I share lessons from my own transitions and the work I’ve done with clients.
If you’re navigating your own transition right now, I think this conversation will challenge you in a good way.
I see you,
Art
