We were lucky to catch up with Timothy Hill recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Timothy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
When I reflect on the risks I’ve taken, one defining moment stands out: the day I packed my life into suitcases and moved across the country from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Los Angeles. Leaving behind the familiarity of my government career, my community, and the comfort of a predictable life was not a decision I made lightly. But deep down, I knew there was more to my story. I yearned to experience life beyond the borders of my home state and pursue my long-held dreams in entertainment, storytelling, and creativity.
When I arrived in LA in May 2021, I worked a job I hated (a few actually), no roadmap, and no safety net. All I had was faith, determination, and a belief that betting on myself was the best choice I could make. Moving to one of the most expensive cities in the world while navigating an entirely new industry—modeling, acting, and building a podcast from scratch—was daunting. There were moments of doubt, where the gravity of the risk I had taken felt overwhelming. But in those moments, I reminded myself of a simple truth: the greatest regrets often stem from the chances we don’t take.
Starting my podcast, What’s the Tea with Tim, was an extension of this belief. Sharing stories of connection, culture, and the human experience felt deeply personal and purposeful. Yet, putting my voice out into the world felt vulnerable—it was a risk in itself. What if no one listened? What if I failed? But for every doubt, there was a louder voice telling me, “Trust that everything will work out.” And it has. My podcast has grown, and the personal connections I’ve made through it have reinforced why I took the leap in the first place.
Another risk I’ve encountered is learning to speak up for myself in professional spaces, particularly in corporate environments where my voice has not always been readily welcomed. Advocating for my ideas and asserting my worth can feel risky when you’re unsure how others will perceive you. But every time I’ve spoken up, even when it felt uncomfortable, I’ve grown stronger and more confident. These experiences have taught me that standing in your truth, even when it’s scary, is never a mistake.
Today, as I pursue creative work in modeling, acting, and voice acting alongside my podcast, I can say with certainty that betting on myself was the best decision I’ve ever made. The journey has not been without challenges, but it has been richly rewarding. I hope my story encourages others to take their own leap of faith. Trust yourself. Trust that everything will work out. And remember, you will always regret the chances you didn’t take.
Timothy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a storyteller at heart. Everything I do—from my podcast, What’s The Tea With Tim, to my work in voice acting, modeling, writing, and poetry—is rooted in my desire to explore and share the beauty of the human experience.
My journey into the creative space wasn’t a straight path. For a long time, I pursued what seemed practical. I worked in government and corporate roles, climbing ladders that didn’t align with my passions. But I always felt a tug in my spirit—a calling to tell stories, to create, and to connect. That calling became undeniable when I found myself burned out, ill, and unfulfilled in a job that no longer served me. It was a pivotal moment. I realized that staying where I was might please others, but it wasn’t honoring my own gifts or the legacy I wanted to build.
Being laid off from my corporate role earlier this year was both a challenge and a blessing. It gave me the space to reflect, recalibrate, and take a leap of faith into my creative aspirations. I launched my podcast, where I hold honest, vulnerable conversations about life, culture, and personal growth. I also began pursuing voice acting and modeling, embracing the opportunities to tell stories visually and vocally.
What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. My goal is not just to entertain but to inspire and connect. Through my podcast, I invite listeners—my “besTEAs”—to laugh, cry, and feel deeply. Whether it’s unpacking current events, sharing personal experiences, or highlighting the stories of others, every episode is crafted with the hope that someone will walk away feeling seen, understood, and uplifted.
One thing I’m most proud of is overcoming the fear of being vulnerable and stepping into spaces where doubt once held me back. Whether it’s being in front of the camera or behind a microphone, I remind myself that my voice and my story matter—and so do the voices and stories of others.
For anyone who follows my journey, I hope they know this: the life you envision for yourself is within reach. The world needs your voice, your story, and your unique perspective. Bet on yourself, invest in your dreams, and trust that everything will work out. The greatest regret is not trying, and the greatest joy comes from creating something meaningful that can inspire others.
In the end, we only have one life, and I intend to live mine fully—creating, connecting, and leaving behind a legacy that reflects the best of who I am. I hope my journey encourages others to do the same.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the freedom to express myself authentically and turn my vision into reality. There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking an idea—whether it’s for a podcast episode, a modeling concept, or a voice-over performance—and seeing it evolve into something tangible that resonates with others. It’s not just about creating for myself but also about sharing my art in a way that connects with people, inspires them, and brings them joy or understanding. That freedom to shape a project from start to finish is priceless.
I also value the time and space to explore my creativity without constraints. Being able to prioritize the work that aligns with my passions and values allows me to pour my whole self into what I create. This was something I simply, couldn’t do working in previous roles where either my personality or light was forced to be dimmed. When I see the impact my work has—whether it’s someone feeling seen because of a story I’ve shared or a listener walking away from my podcast with a new perspective—it reminds me why I chose this path. The ability to create, connect, and inspire is what makes this journey so rewarding.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the most defining moments in my journey—and a true test of my resilience—was being laid off from my corporate position earlier this year. At first, the news hit hard. It was unsettling to suddenly lose the security and routine I had built, and I found myself questioning what was next. But amidst the uncertainty, something in me shifted. I realized this wasn’t the end of my story but an opportunity to rewrite it on my own terms.
The layoff lit a fire under me. It gave me the freedom to embrace the creative passions I had long set aside for practicality. I poured my energy into launching my podcast. I stepped in front of the camera as a model, lent my voice to projects, and returned to writing poetry—all things that had been calling to me for years. Every step I’ve taken since that moment has been about betting on myself and trusting that I have what it takes to build the life I envision.
The experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with purpose. Losing my job may have felt like a loss at the time, but it gave me the clarity to pursue what truly lights me up. Today, I’m not just working to survive; I’m creating to thrive, and I hope my story inspires others to do the same. Your resilience is your power. If they try, your power cannot be taken away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatstheteawithtim.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheteawithtim/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsTheTeaWithTim
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/5yWkjYTSDAScVUPZ7ieova?si=212ad05bb28c4e05
Image Credits
Jeremiah Richardson @JeremiahShoots on Instagram