If you believe in divine timing and signs from the universe, this episode might not reinforce that—but the creation of it will.

I struggled to write and revise this episode over the last month. First, because I was enjoying summer and other distractions, and second because I was having a hard time getting into a creative space.

And last weekend before going to a concert to celebrate a friends birthday, I was feeling guilty that I hadn’t finished this script yet. I had written something of an outline but I was planning a solo episode because I couldn’t find any friends’ clips or interviews that really spoke to what I was trying to discuss here.

So when I decided to give up and get ready for the concert, I resolved that I wouldn’t stay out too late or drink too much so I could really focus on writing/recording the next day. And as it happened, I caught up with my friend yelling over a non-alcoholic beer & Peach Pit, and what I heard was the perfect mirror to the story I was trying to write.

My friends need to be thankful I don’t do this for a living, because eventually I’ll need to stop saying, “oh my god, would you record what you just said and send it to me?? That was brilliant.” Right now I’m capitalizing on novelty and their good will.

Regardless, I’m so grateful to share this parallel storytelling experiment. It’s my favourite so far, and it’s probably the most honest I’ve managed to get as well—which is great because for what I have planned in the upcoming episodes …I’m going to need the confidence 😬

Let me know what you think by replying to this email, finding me on Instagram @ rileyroth__ or leave a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify if you’re feel like making it official 😉

As a special treat for being a subscriber, here’s a visual that Does prove I was thinking about this person fondly at the time. This photo is from one of our dates. It’s been saved in my favourites album, and truly is one of the favourite photos I’ve taken out here…and also my favourite date…maybe ever*.

The moon, the mountains, and the man

*after the episode you may not trust me when I make an assertion about my favourite anything 😂 that’s okay. What matters is how I feel in the moment I suppose. And it’s all fondness.

Much love,

Riley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rileyroth.substack.com