We recently connected with Daniel Messersmith and have shared our conversation below.
Daniel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Honestly, the idea of starting a podcast was in the talks between my friends and my family. Everyone thought I would be good at it. But my insecurities kept getting in the way of pursuing it. This year, I was sitting at my dinner table and really thought about it. It was like the Holy Spirit was telling me to do this. And When God tells you do something, you just do it. So I did. Here we are , I talk like I’ve been at it for years but it’s only been 7 months. But it’s been super fun and adventurous.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
To start off, I am from Chennai, India and I was adopted. Growing up, I had a million dreams and no one really thought I actually try to pursue them. I was the day dreamer in school. Instead of focusing on my homework, I was thinking of ways I could escape. But as I got older, and I experienced life challenges my focus shifted on how can I tackle tough conversations and help others. I grew up in church and have had a strong spiritual life since. I hope as this podcast grows, More people reach out to share their stories. I want to provide a platform for those who may not have a voice in their areas to share. Its not about being famous for me but about reaching out. I have the honor of volunteering for AFSP (American Foundation of Suicide Prevention) in North Texas. I love the work they do and I am huge advocate. We never know what people are struggling with internally and we won’t until we allow ourselves to be humble and invest.
My podcast is Christian based. I love having people on who have experiences and challenges and talk about those events. And ask them questions that make not only them but listeners to an inventory of their own. Its an opportunity for others to hear encouragement and stories of others who possibly where in the same situation others have or are in. And give them hope that they can make it through.
I want to take this opportunity to shout out to amazing people who have supported me along the way. I never want to go with recognizing them. My amazing wife Brenda, my mom Elaine and my best friends Nicholas, Lyndsie, and Brandon. They have big supporters. Without them, I wouldn’t have this crazy idea actually happen. So I love you and thank you all.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My biggest goal is to reach all people who listen and hope they know they are loved. I mean that genuinely. We have entered an era of life where its all about us and our schedules. But do we actually know the person sitting next to us. Or the person in the drive thru or the waiter or waitress serving us. The goal for my podcast is to have a major impact for people to know God loves them and I do. There are people who love you and care about you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My wife Brenda and I were married in 2017. We have been married for 6 years now. But in 2018, she was 9 month pregnant with our son Alexander Nicholas Messersmith. And one visit for his ultrasound we received some heartbreaking news. Alex had passed away due to complications within the womb. I remember it shattered us to our very core and it still has a somber effect on me after 5 years. But I remember in my prayer time. I told God to not only heal my heart but to show me what He was teaching me. Through all the turmoil and toll it took on our marriage, God brought us even closer and yes I get sad still. But God has brought us a long way and healed us and taught us to trust Him.
I share that story on my podcast and to everyone i have the opportunity with. Taking this chance, I really owe it to my son. Even though he’s not her with us, I know he would want me to help others and share his legacy. Even with the limited time he had om this earth, he made a major impact on us all. He showed me a new way to love and cherish. I only hope to do that to others. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetakeaway2023/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089767222411&mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTakeaway2023
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nNkUm28A4mVz80ynu21kj
- Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-takeaway/id1686778583
- Tiktok: @thetakeaway2023
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Daniel Messersmith