Well, welcome back everyone to dentistry support the podcast. I'm your host, Sarah Beth Herman. And I am thrilled to kick off season two with each and every one of you.  It has been an incredible journey so far. And after a much needed two week break, we are back and ready to dive in to some incredible content. Amazing guests and starting next episode. Video podcasts. 

 I mean, man, we're bringing it for y'all.  But before we get in to what's ahead, I want to take a minute. To reflect on our journey so far.  This might seem like a rather boring part of our first episode in this season, but. I have to just honor how it's been, how we got here and what it looks like. 

I just want you all to hear about it. I'm proud of it, and I want to be proud of it, and it's exciting to be proud of it.  Our first season ended with just under 5,000 downloads. That's right. Nearly 5,000 of you tuned in to hear our episodes. And for that. We are incredibly grateful. We've also been streaming at number one in five different categories. Number one in dentistry all time. Dentistry monthly. Management monthly entrepreneurship, monthly and business monthly.  It has been an honor. To see our community grow and engage with our content in such a meaningful way.  And here's something that absolutely blows my mind. We are now in 57 countries and 567 cities around the world.  That is the power of community. And I couldn't be prouder of what we have built together.  Our most downloaded app is Spotify. With apple podcasts coming in as a close second.  And even though good pods only accounts for 7% of our listeners. 

Those stats are a Testament to our diverse and engaged audience. Thank you.  

Let's talk about what the break was like for us.  During these two weeks, I have been more connected with our listeners than ever before.  Our Instagram. Is buzzing with messages from dental professionals worldwide. And it has been such a joy to hear from so many of you.  If you are not following us yet, head over to Instagram and follow us at dentistry support underscore podcast.  We have also received numerous requests from listeners, just like you who want to be part of the show.  If you're interested in being a guest, we invite you to submit a request. There are a few requirements and you can find all of the details on the submission form found at www.dentistrysupport.com/beourguest. We would love to have you join us and share your experiences with our amazing community.  I want to also take a moment to get real with you. Starting this podcast. Was a dream that I had for six years before I finally took the plunge. I had so many reservations. The cost. The time commitment. The passion it required. And then nagging question. Of whether anyone would even listen.  I actually created two other podcasts and never even recorded a single episode.  The fear and doubt per real.  I was terrified because I had no clue how I would figure out a microphone sound technology or the apps to use.  So I spent a year researching watching YouTube videos. And listening to other podcasts. 

I even tried asking friends who had a podcast to help me.  But they always ignored me or said that they would help later, but never seemed to reach out.  And, you know, what. I still have people who just watch from the sidelines. Waiting for me to stop releasing episodes so they can see if I actually failed.  You want to know how I know that.  ' cause they just watch my stories. They never subscribe. 

They never cheer me on, they never send me an encouraging quote or send me a text message that they heard my latest episode.  

I'm not too different than you.  I build up in my mind how I think people should reply to me. What I think they should think when I am successful.  But the reality, the harsh reality. Is that no one is proud of you the way you envision a proud person being.  I have had to learn to go at each thing to make me proud of me. To do what I need to do to be the best version of myself. For the community I long to create.  Did you know that 44% of podcasters and podcasts? Stop creating after just three episodes.  And only 720,000 podcasts out of millions of existing podcasts. Have ever recorded more than 10 episodes. That statistic is from resound editor and the social shepherd.  The fear of inconsistency. Getting overwhelmed or simply running out of steam. Our common reasons why podcasts don't make it past their first few episodes.  I mean, it's hard to know if someone's actually going to be listening. Past six minutes and 30 seconds.  But choosing to embark on this journey and sticking with it. Has brought me so much light and confirmation that I am in the right space.  The success we've seen the downloads, the global reach, the engagement. It has all been incredibly validating. And it's taught me that you are the only one in control of your path. 

No one else's happiness for you will ever be at a level that matters enough.  You have to go out there and do what makes you happy?  So if you have a dream, whether it's starting a podcast, launching a business, pursuing a passion, go for it. You don't need a fancy sound system or a big crew.  I have the number one podcast in five categories, and I have no sound system and no crew. I master it all myself.  What matters is showing up for yourself. For your audience. Your passion, your voice, your dedication are what makes the difference.  

As we embark on season two of dentistry support the podcast.  I am encouraging you to chase your dreams. Start something, anything. You have the power to make it happen? The world has so much to offer, and we often forget that we are capable of amazing things. Life is going to continue on day by day, minute by minute, second by second. What are you doing?  Start today being glad for you being proud of you. The journey is worth it. 

And the rewards are beyond what you can imagine.  Thank you. Thank you for being a part of our journey.  Thank you for your support. And for making dentistry support the podcast, such a success. Let's make this next season even better. Than the last.  Until next time, keep striving for excellence. Stay inspired and remember. Together. 

We are stronger. This is Sarah Beth Herman signing off. I'll catch you on the next episode.