#1 - Why I’m Back — And What’s Next

Summary:This episode marks the relaunch of Speak Easy — a space I’ve built for real, honest conversations with artists, creatives, and the people who shake things up. I talk about why I’m bringing the podcast back, what’s been happening behind the scenes, and what you can expect from the new season. If you’re here for stories, creativity, community, and a bit of soul, you’re in the right place.This Episode:This episode marks the return — or maybe the real beginning — of Speak Easy with Haroon. I’ve been trying to make this podcast happen since 2014, but life, fear, self-doubt, ADHD, and everything in between kept pulling me off track. I finally hit record in 2021, but even then, I struggled to share the work. I kept getting in my own way.This relaunch is me choosing to step forward with intention. To show up every week. To trust my voice, my curiosity, and the conversations I want to have.Speak Easy has always been about artists, creatives, and the troublemakers who reshape culture — the people who make things, break things, and tell the truth in a world that tries to flatten everything. I’m endlessly fascinated by their journeys: the mess, the magic, the doubt, the breakthroughs, and the quiet moments that shape who they are.In this episode, I talk honestly about why I’m bringing the podcast back and what I want it to stand for. I’m revisiting some earlier recordings too — episodes I never released — and adding new reflections and context to them. They still matter. They just needed space to breathe.Going forward, expect conversations that feel real, spacious, and unhurried. Guests you may know, guests you’ve never heard of, and voices that deserve to be part of the room. No performative “success talk.” Just stories, honesty, creativity, and craft.If you’re someone who loves art, ideas, soulful conversations, and the messy humanity inside the creative process, then welcome back — or welcome for the first time. This is Speak Easy. Let’s begin again.Takeaways: This episode marks the relaunch of my podcast, emphasizing a more intentional approach moving forward. I aim to provide weekly episodes featuring conversations with various artists and creatives. The podcast will include reissued old episodes with added introductions and new insights for listeners. I will explore the complexities of creativity and the journeys of diverse individuals during our discussions. Companies mentioned in this episode: James Altucher Tim Ferriss Chris Williamson Rich Roll Ricky Gervais Karl Pilkington London Real Spotify YouTube Apple Podcasts