Meet Emily Makinzie | Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Makinzie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how do you define success?
Ahhhh “success”… such a fickle word. You can have a mansion, a Lambo, a bulging bank account, a huge circle of people wanting to be around you… but are you really “successful’?
As someone who has been at the top, and faltered many times, my definition has changed over the years. To me, success is when you are authentic and present. Personally, when you can look at your small life, see a few loving people who will be there through all the seasons, know that your heart and character are strong and pure, and that you’re creating something to give back, to me, that is success.
And as for my creation, it is important for people to see me and my podcast as genuine, thoughtful, and hopeful… and if that message comes through, and if people come back for another episode, then I am succeeding.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have created my own podcast, Emily Problems. I was a local radio personality for over a decade in Denver, and then one day… I wasn’t. And adjusting to that loss is still something I struggle with.
It’s crazy how radio, or any career you’re passionate about, becomes your entire identity and spirit and reason for living. So when it gets taken from you, it sure does cause a complete breakdown of character and purpose. And what I learned after coming out of the dark, is that I gave so much power to the platforms I was on, and not enough power to my own passion. And to course-correct that, I created my own platform, my own podcast, something that nobody could take from me.
I once felt that my desire to connect with our community, and make other’s feel seen and heard, and be thoughtful and provoking, was only possible through these major platforms that I considered to be the fabric of my being… when really I was disposable.

With my own podcast, I can be authentic and achieve the connections I crave. And in making my own platform, I am proud to be able to create something that is more genuine. The only motivation is soul, and not money, which can color a message.
And it’s not easy to keep up! But every time I hit “publish” on my podcast website, it gives a little hug to the spirit I thought I lost along with my career. Creating something on your own, even if it isn’t as powerful or recognized, is incredibly powerful, and I highly recommend it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I mean. The first place I’d take anyone is a patio, and of course I’d bring my little doggo Walter. Anywhere with a view and drink special and a dog-friendly patio!
I’m a bit of a freak Colorado Girl, in that I love LOOKING at the mountains, but I don’t want to go hiking or skiing or fishing or climbing, or any other Colorado activity. So let’s take a drive to Cactus Jack’s in Evergreen and listen to some live music and chill, or let’s go bar-hopping down S Broadway, let’s check out Meow Wolf, or find a street fair. Wanna do a BnB in Manitou Springs? I love that town! (You can do the incline, I’ll meet you for mimosas after.) Or let’s go see the view from the top of Red Rocks, then do the Hungry Goat for lunch. I like to look a things and eat, that’s how I Colorado.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To all the people who held a light for me, while I was in the dark! Life can be an ass-kicker, and we can not do it alone. That maybe sounds a wee generic, but these past few years of struggle have made me incredibly empathetic to others who are in the fight for their lives. If you had a dream, and had to find a new dream, a new path, and a new way, I see you, and I thank you for seeing me.

Website: https://EmilyProblems.com

Instagram: @theemilyannn

Other: EmilyProblems is on all major podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify

Image Credits
Rebecca Slaughter Photography