Authbition

What if the most visible part of you held your most vulnerable story?

In this episode, I read an essay about the tattoo on the back of my hand—what it means, why it matters, and how it ties together love, loss, estrangement, and healing. It’s the story of a firebird, a ring, a block print my daughter made in middle school, and a man named Nick who turned a conversation into art.

This one goes deep. It's not just about ink. It's about memory, identity, and the way we carry the people we love—sometimes openly, sometimes with shame.

If you've ever wondered what it means to live with your truth visible, this is for you.

Read the original essay on Medium here:

https://medium.com/the-narrative-arc/my-most-vulnerable-story-is-on-the-back-of-my-hand-21fb35d2895c?sk=22a1063f36356948562cc332735fc080

For more essays, episodes, and ways to connect, check out the Authbition website here:

https://www.authbition.com/

In this episode, I read an essay about returning home—physically and emotionally—to help move my parents out of our childhood house after 47 years. It’s a story about clutter and memory, aging and grief, and the surprising spaciousness that can come from letting go.

It’s not just about a house—it’s about what remains after the walls are gone.

If you’ve ever faced the ache of clearing out a loved one’s home, or wrestled with what it means to outgrow your origin story, this one’s for you.

Read the original essay on Medium here:

https://medium.com/namaste-now/i-am-not-the-house-i-grew-up-in-1798f97192e9?sk=ffe66ecfdfbad44de6ffc395e7733c32

For more essays, episodes, and ways to connect, check out the Authbition website here:

https://www.authbition.com/

What if you could go back and tell your younger self that nothing is fixed—that it’s okay to start over, fail big, or follow the road with no map? This episode is for anyone who's ever felt stuck, boxed in, or unsure of what’s possible.

I start with some listener feedback—less screen, more presence—and clear up a small misunderstanding about where this podcast might be headed. (Spoiler: I’m still the one reading my essays.)

Then I read a story that traces the messy, meandering path from mechanical engineering dropout to would-be physics teacher to guy learning to fly planes after riding south with a redhead and a Harley in tow.

It’s about movement. Reinvention. And the moments when you realize you're finally becoming who you were always meant to be.

If you're navigating your own fork in the road—or just wondering what could’ve been—this one’s for you.

Read the original essay on Medium here:

https://medium.com/age-of-empathy/i-wish-high-school-me-knew-anything-was-possible-65e079b60e93?sk=9b83babb93043eff78b02d0180d108b2

For more essays, episodes, and ways to connect, check out the Authbition website here:

https://www.authbition.com/

In this very first episode of Authenticity & Ambition – A Podcast Journey Reading Essays, host Andrew DiMeo shares the personal story behind launching the podcast. What began as a conversation during a massage—about the vibrational energy of nature and the power of presence—evolved into a spark of encouragement to read his essays aloud and share them with the world.

This episode isn’t just an introduction to a show—it’s a window into a mindset. Andrew reflects on the harmony between being true to yourself and daring to dream big. He recounts lessons from teaching high school and university students, the philosophy behind the ampersand in the show’s title, and what it means to live without compromise.

Through thoughtful storytelling and a calm, reflective voice, Andrew lays the foundation for what this podcast will be: a space to read and reflect, to challenge assumptions, and to invite public dialogue through personal essays. Whether you’re washing dishes, walking the dog, or sitting still with a coffee, this episode is an invitation to tune in—to the words, to the moment, and maybe even to yourself.

Topics covered in this episode:– The inspiration behind starting the podcast– Vibrational energy and influence– Authenticity vs. ambition (and why it’s not “or”)– Mentorship, teaching, and intrinsic motivation– Reflections on aging, purpose, and possibility– Vision for the podcast and potential future guests

If you’re curious about how essays can spark honest conversation and self-discovery, this is the perfect place to start.

Read the original essay on Medium here:

https://medium.com/@andrewdimeo/introducing-authenticity-ambition-b42834a8f37a?sk=89b263ac21d4c6cf75a82afc3e946765

For more essays, episodes, and ways to connect, check out the Authbition website here:

https://www.authbition.com/