We all have voices that shape us.

Some belong to people we love. Some come from mentors, friends, coworkers, or complete strangers. And sometimes, without even realizing it, we give those voices more influence than they were ever meant to have.

In this episode of Trying to Figure This Out, I reflect on how experience has changed the way I listen, how life has taught me to pay attention, and why not every opinion deserves a seat at the table.

This isn't about shutting people out. It's about learning the difference between being open to wisdom and living at the mercy of everyone else's expectations.

Because in the end, the question isn't just who gets a vote...

How many of the limits in your life are real... and how many are stories you've stopped questioning?

In this episode of Trying to Figure This Out, Clifton explores how experiences become identities, why we often mistake familiar stories for truth, and how a single question can change the way we see ourselves. This isn't about having all the answers—it's about becoming curious enough to question the stories that have quietly shaped our lives.

Why did I start a podcast? In this check-in, I share the story behind Trying to Figure This Out—why I've wanted to do this for years, what finally pushed me to begin, and the kind of community I hope we build together. This isn't a place for perfect answers. It's a place for honest conversations with people who are trying to grow, learn, and make sense of life one conversation at a time. If you've been wondering where this podcast is headed, this episode is for you.