How Did I Get Here?

Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of emceeing the inaugural Founders Awards for St. Francis Friends of the Poor. I was invited by Executive Director Christina Byrne, whom I first met through my podcast, No Wrong Choices. St. Francis does extraordinary work providing supportive housing and services that help New Yorkers living with serious mental illness build stable, independent lives.

As I've reflected on that evening, I've found myself returning to one simple question:

How did I get here?

I don't mean how I ended up behind that podium. I mean, how did a podcast conversation lead me to a room filled with people doing such extraordinary work?

As I considered that question, I realized it connected to another I've been asking myself for much of my life:

"What's next?"

The next idea. The next opportunity. The next adventure.

That mindset has served me well. But somewhere along the way, I became so focused on what was next that I stopped appreciating where I already was—and the journey that got me there. Which is more than a little ironic, considering I spend so much of my time asking other people to reflect on the journeys that shaped their lives.

No Wrong Choices began during the pandemic when Tushar Saxena, Larry Shea, and I reunited more than a decade after hosting a sports talk show together on SiriusXM. As we brainstormed ideas, we realized we'd changed. We no longer wanted to talk about sports. We wanted to understand the journeys that shape people's lives.

Over the past four years, people have trusted us with some of the most personal stories of their lives. They spoke openly about the moments that shaped who they are—not because they wanted to talk about themselves, but because they hoped their stories might help someone else.

Those conversations created friendships, opened doors, and occasionally made a genuine difference in someone's life. They also introduced me to remarkable people and organizations like St. Francis Friends of the Poor. What began as a fun project between friends has quietly become something much more meaningful.

I'm glad that evening gave me a reason to pause, reflect, and appreciate the chapter I'm living.

Looking back, I'm struck by how many people helped shape it. Larry and Tushar said yes to an idea. Guests trusted us with their stories. Friends made introductions. Listeners gave us their time, shared episodes, and encouraged us to keep going. One conversation led to another, and one relationship opened the door to the next.

If you've shared a story, made an introduction, listened to an episode, offered encouragement, opened a door, or believed in what we've been trying to build, thank you. You've shaped this journey more than you probably realize.

For more than four years, I've asked others:

"How did you get here?"

I'm glad I finally asked myself the same question.