In this episode of Wandering Weirdly, we explore the idea that not everything in life, or creativity, is meant to be linear.

Sometimes we start something and keep moving forward. Other times, we just don’t. There are moments when projects and interests pause, stall, or drift into the background, only to return later with new clarity.

We talk about what it means to move through seasons of interest, energy, and focus, and why stepping away from something doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve abandoned it.

Annie shares her experience of wanting to force progress on projects that matter to her, while also recognizing that there are times when she simply can’t. It’s part of learning to trust that the energy will come back. Thomas reflects on how creative work often requires more exploration before it’s ready to move forward, and how those missing pieces tend to arrive in their own time.

Along the way, we explore:

• Why creativity and curiosity tend to move in cycles rather than straight lines
• The experience of setting something down and coming back to it later
• How outside expectations can make us question our natural rhythms
• The tension between wanting control and learning to trust the process
• Why leaving space (instead of filling it) can be surprisingly difficult
• The role of reflection and closure when a season comes to an end
• How different environments—especially travel—can create natural resets

We also talk about how nature offers a useful model for understanding our own patterns, reminding us that growth, rest, and renewal all have their place.

For curious, multi-passionate people, this can be a challenging shift. It asks us to move away from constant productivity and toward something more cyclical, more intuitive.

Because we understand that not everything that pauses is unfinished. Sometimes, it’s just waiting for the right season. 🌿

What’s coming up on Wandering Weirdly:
Fitting in asks you to change, but belonging asks you to be seen. If you’ve ever felt like you could blend in anywhere, but never truly belonged anywhere, this one’s for you.

Next time, we’ll explore belonging vs. fitting in, and why real connection starts when you no longer feel the need to hide parts of yourself.

Connect with your hosts:
Find Annie at explorerannie.com
Find Thomas at thomasbeutel.art

Discover more podcasts about authentic and unconventional living at bolddeparturenetwork.com.

Thanks for wandering with us!

In this episode of Wandering Weirdly, we explore a deceptively simple question: How do we decide what to say yes to?

For curious, multi-passionate people, this question comes up constantly. There are always more ideas, projects, places, and possibilities than time or energy to pursue them.

We talk about the tension between curiosity and commitment, the challenge of choosing one path without closing the door on everything else, and the strategies we use to navigate it all.

Annie shares how she’s learned to pause before saying yes—giving herself space to check whether something truly fits into her life right now. Thomas talks about the difference between surface excitement and deeper alignment, and how creative projects often reveal their true demands only after we begin.

Along the way, we explore:

• Why saying yes to one thing means saying no to many others

• How multipotentialites can experiment without overcommitting

• The value of low-stakes exploration before diving in fully

• Why alignment often matters more than excitement

• The difference between dabbling, experimenting, and committing

• How tools like journaling, mind maps, and “hot lists” help us stay focused

We also touch on the role of intuition in decision-making and why many explorers rely on a feeling of resonance rather than rigid systems.

For people with curious minds and wide-ranging interests, the goal isn’t to eliminate possibilities. It’s learning how to choose intentionally, while still leaving room for discovery.

Exploration isn’t just about what we say yes to. It’s also about what we’re willing to let go.

What’s coming up on Wandering Weirdly:
Not everything is meant to be linear? In our next episode, we wander into seasons, cycles, and the art of stepping away, knowing you’ll come back exactly when you’re ready.

Connect with your hosts:
Find Annie at explorerannie.com
Find Thomas at thomasbeutel.art

Discover more podcasts about authentic and unconventional living at bolddeparturenetwork.com.

Thanks for wandering with us!

What happens when curiosity takes over, and suddenly you’re ten tabs deep, watching videos, reading forums, sketching plans, and imagining what could be?

In this episode of Wandering Weirdly, we talk about depth—what it means for explorers, multi-passionate humans, and endlessly curious minds.

We explore the joy of going deep down rabbit holes: learning everything you can, building new skills, and letting your curiosity fully lead. We also talk honestly about the potential burnout and overwhelm that can come from these periods, and the fine line between meaningful preparation and avoidance.

We share real examples, from building DIY geophones and model railroads to planning long-distance treks through Scotland, and reflect on how depth can:

• help us feel more alive

• support better planning and presence

• turn into avoidance if we’re not paying attention

We also dig into the tension between depth and breadth, the times when it feels nourishing to focus deeply on one thing, and when it’s better to zoom out, sample widely, or take a pause.

Along the way, we talk about:

• How curiosity “pulls” us into deeper focus

• How to notice when planning becomes procrastination

• Why experimentation matters more than certainty

• How generalists build creativity through synthesis, not mastery

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing curiosity “wrong,” or struggled to decide how far to follow an idea before taking action, this episode is an invitation to rethink depth, on your own terms.

What’s coming up on Wandering Weirdly:
If curiosity is our compass, how do we decide which direction to follow? In the next episode, we talk about the tricky balance between saying yes to the things that light us up… and leaving space for the adventures we haven’t discovered yet.

Connect with your hosts:
Find Annie at explorerannie.com
Find Thomas at thomasbeutel.art

Discover more podcasts about authentic and unconventional living at bolddeparturenetwork.com.

Thanks for wandering with us!