N.S. Businesswoman Uses Podcasting As Therapy During Pandemic
HALIFAX – The past year has been emotionally and mentally exhausting for everyone, but it has been especially taxing for those who have mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. For those long-time sufferers, the isolation and uncertainty brought about by Covid-19 have exacerbated an already difficult condition.
Sam Madore is a Truro businesswoman who struggles with anxiety and depression. She is also an entrepreneur who has faced unprecedented business stress during the pandemic.
But last year she decided to do something productive, and therapeutic, with her lockdown time. She began a podcast called “Let Me Overthink About It.”
“Depression is kind of ruminating over the past and anxiety is worrying about the future,” said Madore. “So, I wanted to normalize these conversations. I’m open about my own mental health struggles and I wanted people to connect with me on that level, and I wanted to connect with others.”
Since August of 2020, Madore has produced more than 30 episodes. In each one, she brings on a guest to talk about a particular topic. The conversations touch on such issues as bullying, setting life goals, sobriety, passion, the importance of dancing, among others.
“I really just wanted to selfishly still connect with people…I just wanted to have some good, real, conversations,” she said. “So, I figured I have more time on my hands now, and if I’m not going to do it now, I’m never going to do it.”
“Let Me Overthink About It” can cover a wide variety of topics with her guests because she lets the conversations flow naturally, as all good podcasts tend to do. Ironically enough, Madore doesn’t tend to overthink the topics before the show.
“I want it to be an organic, authentic conversation,” she says.
In her business life, Madore does marketing and event planning. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced these types of businesses to change course. Madore has found success in using social media for both marketing and events during a time where so much has been shut down.
“I hate to say ‘pivot’, but I can’t think of another word,” says Madore.
Madore has also written and published three children’s books. In her first story, “Hank’s T-Shirt” she used the real-life inspiration of her beloved dog, who had to wear dog shirts to prevent itching and scratching. In the book, the dog is treated differently by the others at doggy daycare because of his shirts, introducing kids to the topic of bullying.
Being self-employed is not easy for someone who suffers from anxiety and overthinking the future. That’s why Madore credits much of her success to having a large support group, which includes fellow businesspeople.
“I struggle with that quite a bit, as you can imagine,” says Madore. “It’s that unpredictability that can make your mind kind of wonder. Honestly, it’s my support system; I’m lucky to have a strong support system with family and friends, and fellow entrepreneurs.”
“If it wasn’t for them, and if it wasn’t for a supportive husband who pushes me in the right direction, then I don’t know where I’d be.”
Ever since Madore started her podcast, she also finds it therapeutic to receive feedback on her episodes. It can be comforting to know you’re not alone in your struggles.
“Hearing people having the same thoughts and feelings as you; it’s just so powerful,” says Madore.