Real conversations that help you own who you are and how you show up.
The Own Your Awkward Podcast is where personal growth meets real life. Through candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, leaders, and everyday people doing extraordinary things, Andy Vargo explores what it means to embrace who you are, communicate with confidence, and turn what makes you different into what makes you powerful.
This podcast is for you if you are:
Growing as a leader or entrepreneur
Navigating change in life or career
Building confidence and communication
Tired of shallow motivation and ready for real conversations
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From Graphic Designer to Leadership Coach: How Katie Tuite Found Her Real Calling
What happens when your career path looks nothing like the plan you imagined? In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy sits down with leadership coach Katie Tuite to explore how embracing imperfection, curiosity, and authenticity can transform uncertainty into purpose. Together they unpack career pivots, confidence, coaching, and the power of owning your full story to create meaningful impact at work and in life.
Be Unapologetically You: Branding Lessons with Angela DiMarco
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Angela DiMarco, author of The Ultimate DIY Brand Jedi Training Manual and Chief Creative Officer of Phenom Publishing, to discuss the power of authenticity in branding and life. They explore how embracing your unique quirks, stepping out from behind the curtain, and trusting your intuition can transform both personal growth and professional success. Angela shares personal stories of overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing “uncomfortable optimism,” and redefining her business approach to connect more deeply with her audience.
Embracing Authenticity and Finding Your Voice with Amber Bate
On this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, I sit down with storyteller, real estate expert, and modern-day muse Amber Bate to explore what it really means to live authentically in a world full of expectations. From navigating identity and family dynamics to setting boundaries online and caring for mental health, Amber shares how clarity, compassion, and strategy have shaped both her life and business. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that owning your voice is not about perfection, it is about showing up fully, boldly, and human.
From Kentucky to Emmy Awards: Michael Driver on Authentic Storytelling and Impact
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Emmy Award-winning photojournalist Michael Driver to explore what it really means to embrace who you are, quirks and all, while finding purpose through storytelling. From owning a Kentucky accent in the Pacific Northwest to sharing uplifting community stories on Fox 13 Seattle’s True Northwest, Michael reveals how authenticity, curiosity, and positivity can transform both your career and your life. This conversation is a powerful reminder that small stories and everyday courage can create big impact.
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The podcast is where the ideas start.
The Own Your Awkward community is where you get support, conversation, and tools to actually apply them.
Why Your Strengths Can Become Weaknesses, A Leadership Talk with Angie Jones
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with leadership coach Angie Jones for a powerful conversation on creating inner “sunshine,” setting healthy boundaries, and leading with clarity in a noisy, overstimulated world. From managing emotional overload to clarifying values and owning your quirks, Angie delivers practical, refreshing insights for leaders who want to show up with both confidence and compassion. This episode is equal parts mindset reset and leadership masterclass, with a few laughs along the way.
Awkward and Badass: Why Owning Your Messy Self Builds Real Confidence
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo welcomes back neuroscientist Dr. Melissa Hughes for a fascinating conversation about psychological safety, imposter syndrome, and how our brains shape awkward moments at work and in life. With humor and clarity, Dr. Hughes reveals why feeling like a fraud may actually mean you are doing something right, and how small acts of kindness can literally change brain chemistry and connection.
The Neuroscience of Awkward: Psychological Safety, Bias, and Being Human
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo welcomes back neuroscientist Dr. Melissa Hughes for a fascinating conversation about psychological safety, imposter syndrome, and how our brains shape awkward moments at work and in life. With humor and clarity, Dr. Hughes reveals why feeling like a fraud may actually mean you are doing something right, and how small acts of kindness can literally change brain chemistry and connection.
Podcasting, Imposter Syndrome, and the Power of One Listener, with Dave Campbell
In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Canadian podcaster, musician, and media entrepreneur Dave Campbell for a powerful conversation about finding your voice, both literally and figuratively. From overcoming childhood introversion and public speaking anxiety to building a podcasting empire rooted in authenticity and community, Dave shares real, practical wisdom for anyone who has ever doubted their voice or their value. This episode is a masterclass in owning your awkward, turning up who you already are, and using your story to create meaningful impact.
From Awkward to Award-Winning: How Awkward Brewing Built a Thriving Community and Brand
Amanda and Andrew Poliak, owners of Awkward Brewing in Fayetteville, Georgia, join the Own Your Awkward Podcast to share how embracing awkwardness became the foundation of their brewery, their marriage, and their business success. From a silly inside joke to an award-winning brewery, their story blends entrepreneurship, resilience, and community in a way that feels both inspiring and refreshingly real. This episode is a reminder that sometimes your quirks are exactly what make you unforgettable.
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Short reflections, tools, and behind-the-scenes thoughts from the podcast, sent every week to help you rethink the moments you usually try to hide.
Explore Even More Episodes
Catch up on past conversations, discover new insights, and meet more amazing guests from the Own Your Awkward Podcast in the full show archive.