This is a Metaphor

Mo Houston

There are so many ways to be a person. This Is A Metaphor is what happens when a curious creative can’t stop connecting dots. Life hands you a breakup, a bird call, a bagel? Boom. That’s a metaphor. This show isn’t therapy, and it isn’t theater, but it is art. It’s an existential treasure hunt—with jokes. Hosted by Mo Houston, a sharp-witted, soul-deep storyteller who views life through many lenses. She who knows the world makes sense… if you squint really hard. She’s lived out of suitcases and studios, built brands and burned out, laughed onstage and cried in voice notes. This podcast is kind of a memoir, a mirror, and definitely a metaphor.

  1. Musings: Vroom, Vroom

    1d ago

    Musings: Vroom, Vroom

    In the season finale of This is a Metaphor. Mo get’s her motorcycle endorsement thinking the class would teach her how to ride. But reality showed up with 90-degree heat, a course full of cones, a too-big bike, and a series of stalls that had her feeling like a real dummy. Her instructor’s big note? Loosen up, Momo.  The more she tried to look competent, the stiffer she got, and the harder it was to do the most basic things like easing out the clutch and trusting the bike. What messed with her the most was the ending. She f*****g passed, but she didn’t feel proud. She felt shame, like she’d been handed something she hadn’t earned, and that kicked up a bigger conversation about imposter syndrome, performance anxiety, and the way scorekeeping can ruin learning.  Mo didn’t want to know the points, the marks, the numbers. She wanted the moment where it all clicked, the difference between doing something with your body and understanding it in your head. It turns out, sometimes you’re rewarded for moving before you feel ready. This is the season finale, and she’d love to make the next season better. Listen through, then subscribe, share it with a friend who’s learning something hard, and maybe leave a review? Most importantly, send her feedback on what’s working and what isn’t, and tell her who you’d love to have on next season.  She probably doesn’t have the clout to acquire them, but she’s gonna try anyway. Endorsement, or no endorsement.  Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    15 min
  2. Two Truths At Once w/Twin Essence

    Jun 13

    Two Truths At Once w/Twin Essence

    Part 2 with sister duo Twin Essence! A loud warehouse door tried to kill the recording, so we took it as a sign and went even deeper. Marley and Lacey from Twin Essence return to unpack how intuition shows up in real life: the flow state you can’t force, the “random” epiphany that hits while brushing your teeth, and the way synchronicity sneaks in through music, movies, and TV when you least expect it. We also get into energetic boundaries and spiritual hygiene, including why crowded spaces can feel draining while a concert can feel like the most cleansing collective experience imaginable. Then the conversation takes a sharp turn into night terrors, fear versus excitement in the body, and their idea of being “amplifiers,” people whose presence can magnify your gifts, your instincts, and sometimes the stuff you’ve been avoiding. If you’re into spiritual awakening, starseeds, channeling, light language, energetic cleansing, and navigating polarized times with a clear mind and open heart, you’ll get a lot out of this. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s in their “signs” era, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re holding now. Use code METAPHOR50 to book a Twin Magic Reading for 50% off. Limited spots available with this discount code. Book at https://twinessence.as.me/twin-magic-reading Join The Starseed Portal Membership at https://www.twinessence.com/starseed-portal-membership Connect with them further at http://www.twinessence.com Follow Twin Essence on:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinessencellc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwinEssenceLLC/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twinessencellc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwinEssenceLLC Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    1h 5m
  3. Musings: Have You Tried Patience?

    Jun 6

    Musings: Have You Tried Patience?

    Your plan can be solid and yet—fall apart. Mo begins with a simple question, “How does the word patience make you feel?”, then follow the thread into what happens when timelines slip, progress looks messy, and you’re tempted to decide it “isn’t meant to be.” If you’ve ever felt foolish for believing you could control the outcome, you’re not alone and you’re not broken.  In this episode Mo talk’s about patience as an active creative practice, not passive waiting: the kind that keeps you learning guitar, writing music, painting, or building any skill when your results don’t match your taste yet. We get into the ego cycle that shows up mid-practice, the brief flashes of “oh wow, this is why I’m here,” and the darker moments when self-doubt gets loud enough to make you quit. Mo share’s the gentler, repeatable self-talk that helps her return tomorrow, take rest days without shame, and keep faith intact while she’s still in the mess of the middle.  You’ll also hear how learning style matters, especially for kinetic learners who need movement and hands-on repetition to retain information, plus why structured lessons and fundamentals can actually create more freedom later. The truth of this episode is in the uncomfortable question of: Why do we need reassurance if we truly trust this will work out? If this hits home, subscribe, share the episode with a friend who’s building something, and leave a quick review so more creators can find it. Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    21 min
  4. Negative Film, Negative Space & Positive Thoughts w/Stephen Zane

    May 23

    Negative Film, Negative Space & Positive Thoughts w/Stephen Zane

    Uncertainty is everywhere right now, and it can either shut you down or sharpen you. Mo sit’s down with Stephen Zane, a portrait photographer and the owner of Ybor City’s Coastal Film Lab, in Tampa Bay Florida. Together they talk about what it really takes to build a creative business while protecting your mind. We get into the boundaries that keep you informed without getting swallowed by news, and why a little positivity is not naïve, it is necessary fuel. Before you dive into this wonderful episode, please know we recorded in the bustling studio space and took ample time to figure out the best Audio editing in order to see to this conversation being published. If there are any hiccups in the sound—we’ve done our best and feel the conversation is worth the busy background! They also pull back the curtain on the unglamorous side of analog photography and film development: leases, staffing, backlogs, and the constant game of fixing what is most broken. Stephen shares how he approached risk without taking on debt, how the lab grew faster than the space could hold, and what happens when an open concept shop becomes both a community magnet and a chaos amplifier. If you are building any kind of small business, the lessons on systems, efficiency, and gradual improvement translate fast. Then they go deep on craft and focus. How do you master the technical side of photography so you can stop thinking about settings and start making intentional images? What does a creative plateau actually mean, and why do warm-up periods happen before you hit flow? Mo and Stephen talk ADHD, hyperfocus, walks and showers as reset tools, competitiveness turned into steady improvement, and why your attention span might be the most valuable asset you have. You can find Stephen & the whole crew over at https://www.coastalfilmlab.com/ or him directly at https://stephenzane.com/ And see all the cool film things at https://www.instagram.com/coastalfilmlab  If you have ever felt pulled between ambition and burnout, this one is a doozy. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share it with a friend who is building something, and leave a review so more creative people can find the show. Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    1h 11m
  5. Musings: Better than Branding

    May 11

    Musings: Better than Branding

    Two strangers at a coffee shop say “branding is everything,” and one of them tries to prove it with a straight face: she’s been wearing black since before black was “a thing.” That tiny, ridiculous claim opens a much bigger question Mo can’t ignore anymore. When did personal branding become a substitute for having a personality?  This week, Mo digs into what brand strategy should be anchored to: integrity. Not a perfect color palette, not a flawless logo, not a curated “shtick,” but the harder stuff like follow-through, honest course correction, and alignment between how you show up online and how you treat people in real life. We talk about why “cohesion” can be a trap when it’s used to mask inconsistency, and why authenticity isn’t a vibe you buy, it’s a behavior you repeat. In the world of purchasing power, money matters, but Mo calls it what it really is: a resource for busy people, an efficient shortcut when time and energy are limited. She explores bartering, community support, and the underrated power of kindness, connection, and a real network. Mo also looks at the places and brands that are beautiful on the surface but feel off, versus the ones that last because they do what they say they’ll do. If you’re building a personal brand, a small business brand, or any kind of public identity, this conversation is your reminder that the real work is visible in your actions.  Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review with your take: what does integrity look like in your brand? Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    16 min
  6. Starseeds in the Studio w/Twin Essence

    Apr 25

    Starseeds in the Studio w/Twin Essence

    Welcome back to This is a Metaphor — it’s been a few weeks and in this episode, Mo sits down with Twin Essence for a fast, wide-ranging talk that moves from paranormal childhood stories to Starseed identity, ascension work, and the real-world challenge of staying sovereign inside everyday systems.  A Starseed is: A lightworker, Star People, Old Soul, Galactic Soul. They have a deep intuition, deep interest in space and stars, and are focused on spiritual healing and ascension. This week was a wonderful teaser for a follow up conversation between the Mo, Lacey, and Marley. Until then, you can find out more about their work and how to connect below: Join The Starseed Portal Membership at https://www.twinessence.com/starseed-portal-membershipConnect with them further at http://www.twinessence.comFollow Twin Essence on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinessencellcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwinEssenceLLC/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twinessencellcYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TwinEssenceLLC Do you have some questions and follow-up curiosities you’d love for Mo to ask next time? Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    52 min
  7. Musings: Good Grief Girl

    Mar 27

    Musings: Good Grief Girl

    Mo hit a point where she couldn’t tell if she was gathering insight or just collecting noise, so she pulled out the one tool she can’t escape: discernment. With the Pisces new moon overhead, she talks through what happens when astrology, tarot, and “readings” start to replace your own knowing, especially when you’re low-key trying to survive a breakup you don’t want to admit mattered. The emotions are honest and a little funny, because that’s the Pisces way sometimes: laugh so you don’t cry, and then cry because you can. She unpacks the grief that isn’t only about a person, but about losing a witness to your life. The simple nervous system comfort of sleeping beside someone, having a built-in sounding board, and sharing the extraordinarily ordinary. She also names the weird loneliness that can show up when friends get back into relationships and you feel the lopsidedness. From there, Mo looks straight at avoidant attachment patterns, the tug of love that keeps pulling away, and how avoidance often isn’t about “the thing” at all, it’s about avoiding a feeling. Then we pivot to creation and self-trust: making music by feeling instead of technique, learning to recognize the body’s unmistakable “this is it” signal, and facing a big decision about investing in space for art. Our hostess talks about crying as somatic release and nervous system regulation, why gratitude can bring tears too, and the idea that fear and joy may live in the same root system.  Plus, there’s a Spotify playlist treat waiting for you called “Good Grief Girl.” Download and listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ltGbMTWEC5nRgctaYhAg?si=gk86nAEfTdODrFmuZns9_A&pi=ahZyyYKyQkOUk  If this hits, listen through, share it with a friend who’s rebuilding, and leave a review so more people can find it. What feeling are you ready to stop avoiding? Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    33 min
  8. She Said What? w/Madeline Sargent

    Mar 17

    She Said What? w/Madeline Sargent

    Recording a podcast is one of the fastest ways to meet yourself, especially when the Wi‑Fi lags, Riverside refuses to cooperate, and you still decide to hit record. Mo sits down with Madeline Sargent, creator of the She Says It Podcast, to talk about the unglamorous truth of starting a podcast: the tech hiccups, the nerves, the editing spiral, and the pressure to market something that still feels tender. What surprised them most is how quickly all of that friction turns into momentum once they kept showing up.  They get into the craft and the business in a very real way. Madeline shares how she thinks about podcast editing, solo episodes that feel like journal entries, and the confidence boost that comes from finally accepting your voice as it is. They also unpack the push-pull between creativity and podcast SEO: titles, episode length, discoverability, and how to make “content” without letting the word drain the art out of it. Threads (the anti X platform) comes up as a rare bright spot for community building, guest booking, and finding talented indie shows that deserve more attention.  The conversation widens into self-compassion and discipline: journaling prompts for clarity, what to do when writer’s block hits, and why half marathon training mirrors the long game of creative work. We talk visibility fears, handling low-validation weeks, and the quiet power of choosing kindness as a standard in your work and relationships.  If you’re building a show, a brand, or a braver version of yourself, listen through and then share this with a friend who needs the push. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us: What part of podcasting feels hardest right now? Do you want to be on This is a Metaphor? Send Us a Text! Instagram: @tiam.podcast &  @joyscout.mo  For Guest Inquiries, collaborations, and questions: Email Mo: mo@joyscoutstudio.com “Don’t get Deterred, get Inspired”

    1h 11m
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About

There are so many ways to be a person. This Is A Metaphor is what happens when a curious creative can’t stop connecting dots. Life hands you a breakup, a bird call, a bagel? Boom. That’s a metaphor. This show isn’t therapy, and it isn’t theater, but it is art. It’s an existential treasure hunt—with jokes. Hosted by Mo Houston, a sharp-witted, soul-deep storyteller who views life through many lenses. She who knows the world makes sense… if you squint really hard. She’s lived out of suitcases and studios, built brands and burned out, laughed onstage and cried in voice notes. This podcast is kind of a memoir, a mirror, and definitely a metaphor.

Information

  • Creator
    Mo Houston
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 This is a Metaphor
  • Show Website
    This is a Metaphor