Where Are We Now? Post - SEASON 1!

“It wasn’t the fear that mattered in life. It was the choices made when you were afraid. You were brave because of your fear, not in spite of it.”

―Kristin Hannah, The Four Winds

ALEXA:

This project was a dream I didn’t even know I really had. Years of conversations and countless rewrites have not only deepened my relationships with my best friends, but blossomed a community of fellow wannabe “That Girl” ‘s (by Emei). 

I grew up with a long leash; and with that came a lot of making my own mistakes. If there is one thing I always wanted to do with my life, it’s making sure no one feels as lost as I do. I started off this journey terrified that no one would be interested in my opinions, but I’m realizing more and more now that doesn’t make them less important. I have always been a creative, with absolutely no chance of morphing myself into something else, but developing this series helped me understand what that actually means. It means I create; no matter the reaction; no matter the form. I feel creative when I cook a new recipe and when I add more to an unfinished script. I’ve even been developing a slow appreciation for the creativity overflowing on social media; something I have NEVER been good at. More than anything though, I will take away from Season 1 of Now What? A Podcast that life is always going to present opportunities as long as I have the courage to take them. I can’t wait to continue growing and learning with all of you!

NINA:

When I left the cow farm, I didn’t think I was leaving with a company. It’s surreal that five months after seeing highland cows in the rain, we’re wrapping up our first season of a podcast that had once been a wine dream. Ten-year-old me would be too stunned to speak.

I did not grow up with a long leash. I grew up with no leash and an electric fence. It’s a blessing and a curse, depending on the day, but today, it’s definitely the former. From photography to writing, every single dead hobby from the storage space of my couch, shelves, and brain have all led me here. Every door I’ve opened and walked through, however brief, has led me to a group of girls in our bedrooms, microphones by our lips, and vibes for a script. I never believed that everything happens for a reason (see: my Tender is the Night reflection), but this is as close to a full-circle moment as I’ve ever had. I couldn’t be more grateful for every moment I’ve spent with you all.

NATALIE:

Confidence—a word I once used to describe myself, but somehow lost along the way.

As we wrap up Season One of Now What?, I’m in awe of how far we’ve come. What started as an idea I had at 19 stayed tucked away for five years—until I finally found the courage to bring it to life. Now What? has been the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken, and the best decision I’ve ever made.

At the start of 2024, I felt lost post-graduation. Like many others, I landed a “big girl” job only to quickly realize the corporate world wasn’t for me. So, I did the most irrational thing a broke 20-something could do: I quit, started my own business, and chased a dream I had almost forgotten.

The idea for Now What? was reborn during a girls' trip to North Carolina—now lovingly called our “Mid-Year Review.” It was while recording Season One that I found myself again. Gone was the timid version of me; in her place was the confident, fiery girl I used to be. This season taught me to be unapologetically myself—and to my surprise, people connected with the raw, real version of me.

So, if there’s a project you’ve been sitting on, a business you want to build, or a trip you keep putting off—start. The hardest part is taking that first step, and you’d be amazed by the support waiting for you on the other side.