Episode 43- My Pre-conversation with Antonio Michael Downing About Doing What You Love Vs What is Expected.

In this eposide, I had a pre-conversation with Antonio Michael Downing about doing what you love vs what is expected. He talked about what his grandma taught him through reading and music. How instead of him doing what is expected when it come working a regular 9-5 job to writing books, music, and broadcasting. How so many people are not doing what we love due to doing what is expected. We talked about going against the grain and walking to the beat of your own drum. Why do we allow ourselves to be identify based on what other people think about, vs how we see ourselves. How through his journey of self discovery he found who is is and his identity? How the healing and recovery will lead you to who you really are, you purpose, journey, and path that you are meant to be on. A little about Antonio, he is Downing is an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician. His memoir Saga Boy was praised by Kiese Laymon as "singularly dazzling" and received critical acclaim from publications like Essence Magazine. His novel Black Cherokee has been called "a triumph" by Giller Prize winner Ian  Williams. He has also won praise for his novella Molasses and children's bookStars in My Crown. His works have been nominated for several awards, including the Speaker's Book Prize and the Toronto Book Awards. He is also a broadcaster who is internationally recognized book show.The Next Chapter on CBC Radio, where he engages with celebrated authors, literary critics, and cultural figures about must-read books while elevating diverse voices in publishing. As a performer, he has released four albums as his alter ego John Orpheus. As a speaker, he is known for his breadth ofliterary knowledge, engaging storytelling, and entertaining approach to conversations about identity, creativity, and belonging. I really enjoyed the conversation, to the point where I had to let you guys hear our pre-conversation. I post conversation is coming soon. I hope that you enjoy the conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/african-melanin-queens--5161875/support.