Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Hodges.
Hi Shane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s safe to say that any past version of myself would be somewhat, if not significantly, surprised by who and where I am today. MANY things that have not played out the way I expected. That being said, I will focus on the past few years.
Somewhere in early 2023, after more than a decade as a mental health counselor, and several years of doing my own personal work, I decided to write a book. I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to incorporate my counseling experience or share my own story. In the end, it was both.
“Being YOU! – How to Become Your Most Authentic Self” was published in May of 2024. With 30 chapters of therapeutic tools, thought-provoking questions, interactive exercises, and personal stories, it is a fresh and unique approach to self-reflection and easily one of the most in-depth therapeutic workbooks on the market.
Since publishing the book, I have done speaking engagements, participated in panel interviews, and started an interview series…all focused on authenticity. In just 18 months, we produced 4 seasons of the show with a total of 37 episodes showcasing 42 diverse guests. With each season we’ve continued to grow our following. And now, we are ramping up for Season 5.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think the road to anything meaningful is ever completely smooth. After the book was published, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But if someone would have told me that six months later, I’d make the decision to start an interview series, I likely would have laughed in their face.
Going into it I was not a huge fan of social media, I’d never interviewed anyone, and I knew NOTHING about editing videos. But I decided to do it anyway.
The first big challenge was shifting my mindset about social media and how I was going to use it for my business. The second was teaching myself how to use the video-editing software. My husband can attest that when I’m unable to figure out technology, I can get frustrated pretty quickly. But after 4 seasons and over 200 videos, I’ve become pretty proficient.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself to be many things…a counselor, a speaker, an author, and an educator…just to name a few. But I am most proud of reaching a point in my life where I’m living authentically. I challenge myself to incorporate that into everything I do.
I have been a counselor for nearly 16 years. I truly believe my authenticity has been one of the greatest reasons for my success in that role and why clients continue to work with me.
When I wrote the book, my goal was to write it as if it were ME speaking. I wasn’t striving for perfection or proper grammar. I didn’t want to use big fancy words that most people don’t use in their day-to-day interactions. I wanted REAL talk. I wanted it to be easily understandable. I did not want it to come off as condescending or as if I knew everything. I’d seen that in too many of the “self-help” books I’d read myself and they were NOT helpful.
And when I stand up and speak to people, I’m being ME! Fully and authentically me! Because I want to show them that it’s possible, and liberating, and SO much easier than trying to be someone you’re not.
I am also VERY blunt, direct, and outspoken. I don’t tell people what they WANT to hear. I am honest and up front and there is rarely a topic I am not willing to discuss. I like challenging people to look at things from various perspectives and consider alternatives. And I do so in a way that does not feel attacking or judgmental. I think what sets me apart from others, is that I do my best to provide a space where people feel comfortable being themselves.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I think it was the first book I ever read where I felt the story was meaningful. I’m not sure I fully understood why at the time, but it’s always held a special place for me.
I don’t regularly listen to podcasts. My A.D.D. brain thinks about it and then forgets before I have the chance to look it up. I also worry I could get COMPLETELY sucked into the true crime podcasts and never sleep or put my phone down again.
As for apps, I tend to hop back and forth between Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to check views and messages. I use Mematic for creating ads. I recently got BigVu which is a teleprompter app. That has made making videos MUCH easier. And when I’m just trying to block everything else out I will play Bricks n Balls.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sphproductions.com/Home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanehodgesauthentic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaneHodges76
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-hodges-230260a4/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShaneHodgesAuthentic
- Other: https://beingyou.buzzsprout.com/
