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So much goes on behind the scenes of your favorite podcast. This episode gives you a little glimpse into the creation thought process, storytelling process, and even into the technical side.

Season 2 of the On Being Human podcast wraps up after running in parallel with natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and civil unrest. Host, Brandi Fleck, and Sound Engineer, Ryan Sauls reflect on the impact, the making of the music that underscored people's powerful stories, and how the voices were the most important part.

We reflect on the highlights of the season, shout out to all the amazing guests and assistance along the way, and describe the difference between pre-COVID-19 episodes and post-COVID-19 episodes.

About Brandi and Ryan

In 2018, On Being Human, which is now Human Amplified, was born.

Brandi was single-momming hard and had just bought her first home on her own after saving for two years. This was preceded by having gone back to a corporate job in 2015 right before a divorce. There’s a lot to unpack there, but…

At the same time, our society was in the midst of an opioid crisis, that took the likes of Tom Petty and Prince, no doubt, plus countless others. Mass shootings were rampant in schools and live events, like the concert in Vegas. And, we were all so busy in the grind that it was hard to find time to help.

People were saying we can’t just get by on thoughts and prayers. But, nothing was changing.

Brandi thought a lot about why.

You could say Brandi is a master soul searcher, always looking for answers, so this was par for the course. She came to the conclusion that the problem was so deep-rooted in our society, we’d have to go back to basics to unravel the massive problems facing us (and that still are but that now also include pandemics, more frequent and harsh natural disasters, and societal unrest).

Going back to basics means slowing down to get to know ourselves again - by asking, “what does being human mean to you?”

Among many other things, being human means being present, taking care of ourselves and each other, being kind, extending grace to fellow humans, and helping each other heal and feel loved. Those actions, which are really gifts, have a ripple effect. Over time, those ripples turn into waves to reach more and more humans.

So, Human Amplified was born out of Brandi’s desire to change our society for the better by amplifying your humanity.

Brandi is the founder, CEO, and host of the Human Amplified podcast. She contributes to and edits the blog and also makes a lot of art.

Ryan Sauls is our sound engineer. He and Brandi are married.

When he’s not editing podcast episodes or writing original music for the show, you can find Ryan playing the guitar or bass, sometimes on a stage in Nashville. If he’s not playing, he’s reading, developing software at his day job, drinking a craft IPA, or wishing he was at a music festival.

Highlighted Episodes

• EPISODE 042: Embracing the “Be” in Human Being

• EPISODE 043: Living with Rarely Uncommon Disease - Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) Spotlight

• EPISODE 039: Stepping into Your Own Power through Energy Healing

• EPISODE 036: SEASON 2 STARTS NOW - The World Needs Who You Are

• EPISODE 055: No Justice, No Peace!

• EPISODE 052: Exploring Faith, Part 2 - Let’s Be Fair, Suffering is Normal

• EPISODE 050: Escaping the Control of Spiritual Abuse

• EPISODE 049: Systemic Racism - Making Sense of Civil Unrest as an Ally and Taking Action

Credits

Music played between segments of this episode: Save Us Now by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com. All other music by Ryan Sauls.