In the second episode of Between the Decades, Tuğba and Caoilainn dive into the topic of authenticity.
What does it really mean to be authentic—as a writer, an artist, or simply as a human being? It's not as straightforward as it sounds. We’re constantly navigating external expectations, internal doubts, and the ever-present influence of others. While we try to forge our own creative paths, it’s easy to blur the line between genuine self-expression and imitation.
True authenticity demands self-awareness, courage, and the willingness to be seen. If it doesn’t feel a little risky, are we really being authentic at all?
In this episode (the first of a two-part conversation!) we explore the many layers of authenticity—how it shows up in creative work, online identities and professional environments. We also reflect on how our understanding of authenticity has evolved over time.
In Part I, we cover:
Writing on Substack
How audience feedback and analytics can subtly (or not so subtly) influence your creative direction.Inspiration vs. imitation
Where do we draw the line between learning from others and losing our own voice?Lessons from other artists
From Ethel Cain to Queen, we look at musicians who’ve challenged expectations to stay true to their vision.Social media personas
How the curated nature of online life can distort—or dilute—our sense of self.The "work self"
The pros and cons of adopting a different persona in professional settings.Authenticity vs. oversharing
Is being real the same as being raw? And when does honesty start to feel like exposure?
You can listen on Apple Podcasts, watch on YouTube, or tune in with YouTube Music (for Android users). Alternatively, if you'd like to add this Substack Podcast to your preferred podcast app, here’s how!
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