Andy Vargo on Make Kind Loud: Turning Your “Awkward” Into Your Superpower

Andy Vargo joins Louisa Garrett on the Make Kind Loud podcast to share his journey of coming out at 40 and building his “Own Your Awkward” philosophy. The conversation explores authenticity, kindness, and how embracing life’s awkward moments can become a powerful tool for connection. Listeners walk away with practical insights on navigating difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and showing up more fully as themselves.

What Make Kind Loud Is All About

The Make Kind Loud podcast, hosted by Louisa Garrett, is centered around amplifying kindness in a world that often feels divided and noisy. The show creates space for meaningful conversations about empathy, connection, and the human experience.

In this episode, Andy Vargo brings a unique blend of humor, vulnerability, and lived experience to that mission. As a motivational speaker, life coach, and comedian, Andy’s message aligns naturally with the show’s purpose, but he takes it a step further by challenging listeners to rethink what they’ve been taught to hide.

From Hiding to Owning: Andy Vargo’s Journey

Andy’s story is not just about career change, it’s about identity.

After coming out at age 40, he realized that much of his life had been spent holding parts of himself back. That turning point became the foundation for his brand, Own Your Awkward, a philosophy rooted in the idea that the very things we try to hide are often the most powerful parts of who we are.

Instead of seeing awkwardness as something to overcome, Andy reframes it as something to embrace.

Turning “Awkward” Into a Superpower

Andy shares a powerful metaphor during the conversation: instead of limping through life with your challenges, decorate the cane.

That shift in perspective changes everything.

Your struggles, your quirks, your uncomfortable moments, those are not flaws to fix. They are the exact traits that make you human, relatable, and capable of deeper connection. When you own them, you remove the pressure to be perfect and replace it with permission to be real.

Why Comedy Became a Catalyst

One of the most surprising parts of Andy’s journey is his transition into stand-up comedy.

Not because it was easy, but because it wasn’t.

Comedy forced him into discomfort. It required him to learn structure, timing, and the discipline of crafting a message that lands. More importantly, it gave him a space to fail, recover, and try again.

The Power of the Rebound

Andy talks about the importance of scheduling your next opportunity before you’ve even processed your last performance.

Why?

Because growth doesn’t come from waiting until you feel ready. It comes from staying in motion.

That “rebound” mindset is something listeners can apply far beyond the stage. Whether it’s a tough conversation, a new opportunity, or a personal risk, the key is to keep going before doubt has time to take over.

Standing in the Gap: A Better Way to Connect

One of the most impactful ideas from the episode is Andy’s concept of “standing in the gap.”

In a world that often encourages people to pick sides, Andy suggests something different.

Move toward the middle.

Curiosity Over Conflict

Instead of drawing lines in the sand, Andy encourages listeners to ask better questions:

• What experiences led this person to believe what they believe?
• What do we actually have in common?
• Where can we meet, even if we don’t fully agree?

This approach doesn’t mean abandoning your values. It means creating space for understanding.

And in that space, real connection happens.

Boundaries Still Matter

Standing in the gap does not mean letting everyone into your life.

Andy introduces the idea of the “living room” as a metaphor for personal boundaries.

Not everyone gets a seat inside.

Some people you meet at the door. Some conversations stay outside. And sometimes, it’s okay to close the door entirely.

This balance between openness and protection is what allows you to stay grounded while still being empathetic.

The “Depression Calendar” and Planning for Hard Days

One of the most practical tools Andy shares is what he calls his “depression calendar.”

Instead of being caught off guard by difficult days, anniversaries, holidays, or emotionally heavy moments, he plans for them in advance.

He schedules activities, connection points, or distractions so he’s not left alone with overwhelming thoughts.

Proactive, Not Reactive

This approach is simple, but powerful.

It acknowledges that hard days will come, while also giving you agency in how you experience them. Rather than waiting to feel better, you create an environment that supports you through it.

Why Kindness Needs to Be Louder

Andy also touches on a broader cultural challenge, the way negativity dominates attention.

He compares it to marketing.

What we consistently see becomes what we believe is normal.

If negativity is constantly highlighted, it starts to feel like the standard. But if kindness, empathy, and connection are what we amplify, those become the norm instead.

Changing the Narrative

This is where Andy’s message aligns perfectly with Make Kind Loud.

Kindness is not passive. It is intentional. It is repeated. And it is built over time.

The Shovel Metaphor: Consistency Over Perfection

One of the most memorable moments in the conversation is Andy’s story about his son digging holes in the backyard.

The lesson?

Even if you stop digging, the hole doesn’t disappear.

You can always pick the shovel back up.

This becomes a powerful metaphor for personal growth, relationships, and kindness. You don’t lose your progress just because you pause. What matters is that you keep returning to the work.

Why This Conversation Matters Right Now

In a time where many people feel pressure to be perfect, to pick sides, or to stay quiet, Andy Vargo offers a different path.

Be real.
Be curious.
Be consistent.

Owning your awkward is not about becoming someone new. It’s about finally allowing yourself to be who you already are.

And when you do that, you give others permission to do the same.