More Than a Guest
As an interviewer, you are responsible for facilitating a conversation.
To some, it’s a burden.
To me, it’s an opportunity.
A chance to learn about the complexity of life through the experiences of another’s world. No matter how old I get, I’m a student of perspective. Wisdom can be obtained from all walks of life.
After each of my interviews, I go through a somewhat detachment phase. Spending on average 3.5 hours with an individual talking intimately about their life, I can’t help but distance myself for at least a week after the show.
I think it’s because I feel I’ve already spent too much time with the guests and don’t want them to be overwhelmed by me.
I digress.
Many of my interviewees I consider co-workers. We share a space on the internet; collaborating to create something compelling, irreplicable, and entertaining.
Sometimes, they become something more.
Months ago, I was laying in bed at 2 am. My cellphone illuminates with a discord notification which is weird because I’ve muted every server I’ve ever joined (I'm sorry you’re finding out this way). Oddly enough, I open the notification and it’s a direct message from a former guest.
Those two sentences spoke volumes.
I already valued Wallibear as a fellow Filipino brother in this space, but building the identity as “the guy who interviews content creators” I was taken aback by someone reaching out to me.
Most importantly, there was no prerogative. No angle.
He just wanted to make sure I was okay.
In my line of content, I meet many faces both as guests and viewers.
I’m always surprised when a bit of humanity comes about from my work.
Wallibear, this next part is directed at only you…
Thank you for checking in. It meant the world to me even though I was doing well. It’s nice to know when you crossed someone else’s mind, even if just for a moment.
