In the second episode of Between the Decades, Tuğba and Caoilainn dive into the topic of authenticity.

What does it really mean to be authentic—as a writer, an artist, or simply as a human being? It's not as straightforward as it sounds. We’re constantly navigating external expectations, internal doubts, and the ever-present influence of others. While we try to forge our own creative paths, it’s easy to blur the line between genuine self-expression and imitation.

True authenticity demands self-awareness, courage, and the willingness to be seen. If it doesn’t feel a little risky, are we really being authentic at all?

In this episode (the first of a two-part conversation!) we explore the many layers of authenticity—how it shows up in creative work, online identities and professional environments. We also reflect on how our understanding of authenticity has evolved over time.

In Part I, we cover:

* Writing on SubstackHow audience feedback and analytics can subtly (or not so subtly) influence your creative direction.

* Inspiration vs. imitationWhere do we draw the line between learning from others and losing our own voice?

* Lessons from other artistsFrom Ethel Cain to Queen, we look at musicians who’ve challenged expectations to stay true to their vision.

* Social media personasHow the curated nature of online life can distort—or dilute—our sense of self.

* The "work self"The pros and cons of adopting a different persona in professional settings.

* Authenticity vs. oversharingIs being real the same as being raw? And when does honesty start to feel like exposure?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, watch on YouTube, or tune in with YouTube Music (for Android users). Alternatively, if you'd like to add this Substack Podcast to your preferred podcast app, here’s how!

Where to find us:

* Tuğba on Substack

* Caoilainn on Substack

Referenced in this episode:

Thanks for listening to between the decades

Listen on Apple Podcasts, watch on YouTube, or tune in with YouTube Music (for Android users). Alternatively, if you'd like to add this Substack Podcast to your preferred podcast app, here’s how!

Disclaimer: Due to recent controversies, we have chosen not to upload our podcast on Spotify. We no longer wish to support them as a company.

Welcome to the very first episode of between the decades, a podcast where we dive into what it really feels like to step into the big 30s and 40s. We’re your hosts, Tuğba—a Turkish-Greek artist, writer, and success manager—and Caoilainn, an Irish writer and product marketing manager. With this podcast, we hope to break the silence around age-related anxiety and invite more open, honest chats about finding our way in life.

In this debut episode, we share personal stories about hitting these milestones, unpack the worries tied to labels like “midlife crisis,” and explore how social media and technology can both help and complicate the process of getting older. We also talk about the excitement and nerves of turning the page on a new decade, the ways our backgrounds shape our outlook, and why having a supportive community makes such a difference. We’ve designed our episodes to be short and sweet, so you can listen on your morning commute or coffee break. Listen in — we’d love to hear your take.

In our conversation, we discuss:

* Turning 30 vs. turning 40The mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with hitting milestone birthdays, and how society frames these experiences.

* The term “midlife”Why “midlife” is often paired with “crisis,” and how it could be reclaimed as something positive instead.

* Backgrounds & living abroadHow growing up in our cultures and moving to different countries shapes our perspectives on career, creativity, and life choices.

* Societal pressures & personal goalsBalancing the desire for change—like moving to a new city or pursuing creative interests—with the fear of leaving familiar communities.

* Information overload & technologyThe impact of constant online advice about health, wellness, and aging, and how it differs from previous generations who had fewer resources.

* Open, honest conversationsWhy it’s crucial to talk about aging openly, to ease the stigma and share mutual questions and discoveries without feeling isolated.

Where to find us

* Tuğba on Substack

* Caoilainn on Substack

Referenced in this episode