Authbition Weekly — More Than “The Poor Man’s David Sedaris”

Written By Andrew DiMeo

Joe Guay joins me and shares his journey to authentic writing

Welcome to the weekly newsletter for Authbition—it’s Authenticity and Ambition. It’s the best of the best, built on vulnerability, non-attachment, caring, thoughtfulness, and whole-mindedness.

A big thank you to Joe Guay for joining me at the infancy of Authbition. Joe is a voice actor and a talented essayist whose words carry both humor and heart. I’m grateful he was willing to show up vulnerably, play The Whole Mind Game with me, and share his story.

We began our conversation with the tension between having a Real Job and being Self-Employed. Together we explored the security and benefits that come with working for someone else, the freedom and purpose that can emerge when you work for yourself, and the shadow side of both paths. It was a perfect example of what I hope Authbition will always be: not either/or, but seeking the best of the best in life’s tensions.

From there, Joe read his essay Realizing I Could Be More Than the Poor Man’s David Sedaris. He spoke openly about comparison — how being likened to a famous writer can be flattering at first, but eventually limiting. What resonated with me most was the moment Joe owned his voice, realizing he could simply be Joe Guay, and that was enough.

We also talked about his work as a voice actor, the courage it takes to attempt fiction when essays feel like home, and the habits that help him protect his voice while still chasing big goals.

I left our conversation encouraged, reminded that whole-mindedness is not about compromise — it’s about honoring influence while stepping fully into your own originality.

This Week’s Highlight Read

Want a laugh? My biggest smile this week came from Robin Wilding’s essay about being a master at Hot Cross Buns but clueless about tax loopholes. It’s a funny, honest reflection on being brilliant in one arena and baffled in another.

In my conversation with Joe Guay, we played The Whole Mind Game with the tension between a real job and being self-employed. One of the truths we uncovered is that self-employment means wearing all the hats — not just the ones that fit comfortably. Accounting, taxes, marketing… the list goes on. Robin’s piece felt like the perfect companion to that theme. It reminded me that while chasing authentic work, it’s okay to laugh at the parts that don’t come naturally.

Read Robin’s Essay Here:

School Taught us Stupid Shit
The school system can shove its recorder up its educated butthole

Thank you for taking the time to read, listen, and watch Authbition. I appreciate you.

Health, happiness, kindness, respect
for every being and all things.

— Andrew

Andrew DiMeo
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