We were lucky to catch up with Dominque Miller recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dominque, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
I have worked in or around the political field since early undergrad and it has had a profound impact on not only my career but how I saw myself. As we all know politics were made for white cis-het (land-owning) men, so as the exact opposite (ya girl is a renter), it can weigh on how you present yourself to the world. I spent a lot of time in the beginning hiding who I truly was. I felt that I needed to act the “right” way, wear my hair the right “way”, talk, respond to jokes, and even EAT the right way! This pressure became way too much. Hiding myself while also trying to excel was one the greatest internal battles I faced… and thanks to my group chat, I knew I wasn’t alone.
When I got to the point where I could no longer fake it , bits and pieces of myself started to shine through and you know what I realize … I’m the shit. My connections became more memorable, and my work became more joyful because I started leaning into every part of myself.
This transition made me see that we all need a little encouragement and support to be who we truly are, to be our true selves.
I feel like I was lucky and I didn’t care about risking telling a little joke in a big meeting, but some people don’t have that type of freedom and flexibility. That’s where UNABRDG was formed. I wanted to introduce my audience to people who had lived there full lives and were able to do amazing things because of it. I wanted them to hear more than just “how to”… but the “why” and the “is it even possible?”
So for a little over 18 episodes, we connected with amazing individuals and shared their stories about what kept them going and of course what it means to them to be completely whole and unedited.
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.
Dom Miller is a Philly native, Political Consultant, and Community Organizer. After graduating from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in 2015, Dom has spent the last seven years working to better the communities and lives of the people in her hometown. As a self-proclaimed structured creative, Dom bridges the gap between politics and what most people see as the “real world”. Having held senior-level positions in both the non-profit and public sectors, Dom has a unique view of the world and, most importantly, how to get things done.
Dom is currently working on her Masters in Information and Knowledge strategies from Columbia University and sits on organization boards dedicated to bettering the lives of women and children.
Miller began her broadcasting career in 2017, co-hosting “Let’s Talk” on WURD radio. She later began appearing on various shows across the city until launching her first podcast, Jawns Who Pod. Now, Miller is launching her first solo project, “UNABRDG,” an interview podcast show aimed at inspiring listeners to be their whole edited selves!
UNABRDG podcast is a journey to wholeness and a true celebration of duality in action. Each episode will dive into the journeys and stories of incredible individuals who have used their whole selves to do amazing things. The goal is to show listeners they can and should lean into all parts of themselves, no matter where they may be. Having struggled with identity in the past, show host Dom Miller will take you on a journey to inspire your personal growth and inspiration.
Additionally, in the spirit of leaning into ourselves, Dom will dig into pressing topics and information in the “Let’s Get Into It” segment and always tie it all together with the “That’s It.”
Join us every other Monday for a new story and an incredible example of what we can do when we show up as our whole edited self.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
“OMG, I heard your interview with (blank), it was so inspiring”; “The one episode with (blank) was so inspiring, I’ve listened to it so many times”….while these are a bit paraphrased, I will never forget those reactions to my show. I have been supportive of so many other’s dreams for most of my career, so to see something I created solely have an impact on people has been so rewarding!
I never wanted UNABRDG to just become a part of the “noise” online, but to be a space where people can learn, feel inspired, and of course laugh a lot.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
When I began seeing myself as a “creative” I wanted to hide my work from those closest to me. I didn’t care if strangers did not like something I made but if my mom or mentor disagreed… soul-crushing. However, I was extremely wrong and had to learn that the people closest to me were my best resources on this creative journey. They pushed, supported me in more genuine ways than a stranger ever could, and most of all showed up for me. Some of my most loyal listeners and thus trusted soundboards are members of my family. Their ideas or critiques have allowed me to make the show what it is today (plus they’re some loyal subscribers lol)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://UNABRDGpodcast.com
- Instagram: UNABRDG
- Linkedin: Dom Miller
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UNABRDGPodcast
- Other: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2200094
Image Credits
1.MamaPhotog
2-3. – Ilovette Productions