Public Speaking, Stage Fright & Social Anxiety

Henrique Couto is preparing a last-minute talk about independent film distribution for a local organization that has rarely supported his work—and once called him Henry. Instead of settling the score, he plans to be the bigger person, fill thirty minutes with hard-won filmmaking experience and survive the question-and-answer session. The awkward invitation opens a candid conversation about ego, professional recognition and why public speaking can feel easier than ordinary socializing.Michelle says performing music helped her discover that she enjoys speaking to a crowd, even though she is quiet and sometimes shy. She remembers an overlong classroom talk about punk, a disastrous high-school battle of the bands and the first house show she played as Everyone Except Me. Henrique and Michelle compare open mics, street performance, live shows and the strange relief that arrives once there is no time left to panic.The harder part comes before and after the performance. Both hosts describe worrying about arrival times, late nights, small talk and whether other people think they are standoffish. Michelle recalls being singled out for acting awkward while touring, while Henrique remembers leaving early open mics to cry alone in his car during a period of depression. Their stories distinguish confidence onstage from the anxiety and loneliness that can return as soon as the set ends.They close with a lighter confession about Michelle's Spotify habits: she mostly uses it for anime opening and ending themes, including music connected to Hunter x Hunter. The conversation also wanders through a fictional metal-band shirt, washboard accompaniment and Henrique's Miley Cyrus parody. Contains anxiety, depression, crying, social isolation, profanity and repeated inserted social-casino advertisements.LinksEmail the hosts: [email protected]