Hey Asterisks!

What do you think happens when there is a collision between mental health and creativity? In this episode of Ad Aster, your host Zara Siddiqui is joined by Aldrin Badiola, Aster’s newest associate editor and podcast team member, for an open-hearted conversation about writing, burnout, stigmatization in the literary community, and overall emotional honesty. 

Join us as we explore the boundaries of creativity and mental health and the point at which they merge together. Make sure to like, comment, and share with your fellow creatives!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Introductions

02:00 – Are Editors Even Real People?

05:00 – Editing with Emotion, Not Just Grammar

08:00 – Balancing Aster with School & Family Life

12:00 – Meeting Chaos: Food, Family & Final Drafts

16:00 – Passion vs. Productivity: Why We Volunteer

20:00 – Burnout, Boundaries & the Need for Rest

25:00 – The Fun (and Fury) of Literary Debates

30:00 – Learning Beyond School: Podcasts & Growth

35:00 – Real-Life Lessons Schools Never Teach

40:00 – Community, Appreciation & Being Seen

45:00 – Editing Pet Peeves & Punctuation Panic

50:00 – Final Reflections: Being Human, Doing Our Best

53:00 – Ending Notes

Quotes:

“You can't really tell people things are going to be okay if, in the moment, they're not, because right now things are not okay. And it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel if you're struggling to get out of the tunnel in the first place.”— Aldrin

“There does come a time in life when it becomes almost human for us to feel sadness and grief and anger. And I think all of those emotions are just as valid as us feeling positive feelings.” — Zara

Transcript