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🌟 This episode dives deep as Kevin Tumlinson takes you behind the scenes on what it means to face “toxic hope”—when you’re waiting on that big opportunity that never quite arrives—and the emotional toll it can take. From pandemic-triggered anxiety to the challenges of creative burnout, Kevin shares his personal struggles, revelations, and how he reframed hope as a powerful force (not a toxic one). Tune in for honest talk about mental health, storytelling, and how to keep your creative spark alive when life gets overwhelming.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

* What “toxic hope” really means—and why the term might be misleading

* Enduring deferred dreams, creative frustration, and the quest to stay motivated

* How the pandemic and world events triggered a spiral into burnout and depression

* Reflections on powerful storytelling (and what writers can learn from This Is Us)

* Tips for authentic connection in writing and podcasting

* The value of hope—even when things feel impossible

* Updates on Kevin’s latest writing projects with J.D. Barker

📎 Show Links:

* Author Anchor (authoranchor.com/promo) – Kevin’s sponsor! Get $50 off your first month of VA service—no contracts or obligations. Book your free discovery call now.

* WordSlingerPodcast.com – Find every episode, leave a comment, or connect directly with Kevin.

* Kevin’s Substack – Weekly posts & updates direct from Kevin.

* Dave Cullen Show – YouTube channel for movie & TV reviews mentioned in the episode.

🔥 Sponsor Spotlight:Author AnchorVirtual assistance for authors, tailored to your needs!👉 Visit authoranchor.com/promo for your free discovery call and $50 OFF your first month!

⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps:

* [00:00:00] – Exhausting weeks & podcast marathon recap

* [00:01:13] – Author Anchor plug & VA discovery call

* [00:03:17] – The pain of deferred hopes & “toxic hope” defined

* [00:07:12] – Hope and anxiety in today’s world

* [00:08:26] – Storytelling lessons from This Is Us

* [00:10:39] – Pandemic triggers, burnout, and lost hope

* [00:13:47] – Dealing with depression & creative paralysis

* [00:17:03] – Why podcasting and writing matter now more than ever

* [00:19:46] – Hope, stress, and late-night writing anxiety

* [00:22:46] – Updates on writing, Substack, and authentic connection

* [00:25:02] – Spontaneity vs. over-preparation in creative work

* [00:28:54] – Closing encouragement: why hope matters

Looking for vulnerable, real stories and actionable insights for creatives? Subscribe, like, and share! Want to connect? Leave a comment at wordslingerpodcast.com or reach out on Substack.

Hope isn’t toxic—sometimes, it’s just the spark you need.

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