We recently connected with Emily O’Brien and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Innovation comes in all shapes, sizes and across all industries, so we’d love to hear about something you’ve done that you feel was particularly innovative.

The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is creating and publishing my debut book, Things I Heard While Dating. It’s a bold, unique project that curates over 100 verbatim lines from real-life dates, marriages and failed pickup attempts, paired with backstories and dry dating advice. The book not only taps into the power of short storytelling but also captures a universal human experience in a fresh, relatable and often humorous way. This project pushed me to think differently about storytelling, blending entertainment with meaningful insight, and it’s been a fantastic way to explore and expand my creative boundaries. Compact and easy to share (it’s perfect for wine night laughs!), the book offers more than just entertainment. It’s a lighthearted reminder of the value of self-worth and a celebration of resilience in navigating the highs and lows of dating today.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a writer and magazine editor based in Raleigh, where I currently serve as managing editor for SUCCESS magazine, a publication dedicated to personal and professional growth. My work spans lifestyle, architecture, travel and wellness genres, collaborating with both magazines and businesses to tell engaging stories.

Over the past decade, I’ve honed my editorial skills across a range of publications, from serving as senior digital editor for Old House Journal, New Old House, and Period Homes to managing editor of Traditional Building. I also led the editorial vision as director for Boulder Lifestyle and Cherry Creek Lifestyle.

My passion lies in telling the stories of remarkable people—Olympians, small business owners, dessert cookbook authors and world-renowned architects—each with their unique journey and craft. Living in Sydney, Australia, added a global perspective to my work, allowing me to explore and share inspiring narratives from around the world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a passion for storytelling and fostering meaningful connections. I see my work as connecting the dots between people, their stories and the world around them. With Things I Heard While Dating, I aimed to create a sense of shared experience—bringing together voices from around the globe to celebrate the humor, vulnerability and humanity in our collective missteps at connection. It’s a reminder that even in our awkward moments, we’re part of a larger story.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being creative is the ability to connect with others through shared experiences. With Things I Heard While Dating, I’ve been able to share moments with strangers in a way I never expected. It’s been amazing to have people from all over reach out to share their own dating lines and stories. There’s something uniquely special about how a simple line can resonate across cultures and spark connection. Knowing my work can inspire that kind of understanding is deeply fulfilling. It’s a reminder that creativity isn’t just about making something—it’s about fostering community and bringing people together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thingsiheardwhiledating.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_tells_stories/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyobrien/
• Other: https://emilytellsstories.com/

Image Credits

Emily Bennett Creative
Nicola O’Brien