This week’s podcast highlights a Bellwether of Irish American origin. Patrick Flynn is playwright, actor, professor, host of the Original Cast Podcast and casual vexillologist (look it up), among many other things. 

What fascinates me, and what I love, about playwrights, actors and musicians is the fact that they all have one thing in common: they expend their energy creating something new that leaves them vulnerable enough to be destroyed by strangers. 

We all have a fear of rejection, of failure, of being disliked. And to follow a path of love to a place riddled with each is one journey that most people won’t dare to take. Those that do take the journey earn my legitimate and sincere respect. 

Patrick is brilliant, in the truest sense of the word. Not only does he create fantastic and entertaining work, he is also brilliant in the way that he communicates with the people around him. He is a light; I sincerely believe that it is impossible to not like Patrick. 

We all know at least one person like Patrick. Opinionated, but not obnoxious. Curious, but not overwhelming. Interesting, but not crazy. In essence - they are people you want around. 

And the reason you want them around isn’t just because they make you feel good, but because they have a perspective and experience that resonates with us and we can learn from. 

This episode is just the tip of the iceberg. He shares his thoughts on the line between confidence and arrogance, and how to deal with negative feedback. The dichotomy between “I’m not good enough” and “Yes, you should see my play.” It’s the push and pull that we all deal with in many walks of life. He even gave me what we call a “breakthrough moment” in my personal relationship with musicals.

Yes, we are all going to fail. Yes, it’s going to hurt. But that’s life and it’s part of the journey. And when you love what you do - the opinion of others becomes secondary. 

Fortunately for all of us, Patrick has found his spot on this planet. He’s doing great things, and I know you will enjoy him and his work. 

You can learn more about Patrick at www.unknownpenguin.com

The Original Cast Podcast is available wherever your lovely podcasts are obtained. You can follow on Twitter: @originalcastpod

Patrick can be found on a number of social media platforms: @unknownpenguin

The Unknown Penguin, aka Patrick Flynn