Episode 218 | Building Worlds with Dapper Dan Midas

Explicit content warning

06/05/25 • 26 min

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email.

In this episode of The Art of Letting Go, I’m joined by my friend and collaborator DDM (aka Manny), a genre-defying artist who’s built his own creative universe rooted in authenticity, boldness, and evolution. We talk about his journey from battle rap to redefining queer artistry in hip-hop, navigating identity, and what it means to measure success on your own terms.

I also reflect on my return to the basketball court at a recent gay tournament, what it taught me about presence and self-acceptance, and why we have to meet ourselves where we are.

This episode is for anyone learning to own their story—on the court, on the mic, and in life.

🧘🏾 Meditation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods
🎶 Music by Mike Brown
🎙️ Produced by Mike Brown
🔗 Learn more about DDM and his work on SoundCloud

Support the show

Let's stay in touch!
Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast
Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com
Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email.

I also reflect on my return to the basketball court at a recent gay tournament, what it taught me about presence and self-acceptance, and why we have to meet ourselves where we are.

This episode is for anyone learning to own their story—on the court, on the mic, and in life.

🧘🏾 Meditation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods
🎶 Music by Mike Brown
🎙️ Produced by Mike Brown
🔗 Learn more about DDM and his work on SoundCloud

Support the show

Let's stay in touch!
Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast
Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com
Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Previous Episode

Episode 217 | Becoming a Liberated Creator with Talib Jasir

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email.

In this episode of The Art of Letting Go, Mike Brown is joined by Talib Jasir—creative entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival—for a powerful conversation about reclaiming your voice as a creator. They dive deep into the realities of independent podcasting, bridging the gap between mainstream and indie creators, and what it truly means to be a liberated creator.

Mike also opens the episode with a personal reflection on accountability, the power of community, and silencing the inner critic. Whether you're a podcaster, artist, or simply navigating your purpose, this episode is an inspiring reminder to keep showing up for yourself, your voice, and your vision.

Plus: a meditation moment from James “DatYogaDude” Woods to help you ground and reset.

🎧 Featuring:
– Talib Jasir (Founder, Afros & Audio)

www.afrosandaudio.com

www.vanguardpn.com

www.talibjasir.com

Mediatation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods (15 Seconds of Freedom)
Hosted & produced by Mike Brown

Support the show

Let's stay in touch!
Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast
Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com
Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

The Art of Letting Go Podcast - Episode 218 | Building Worlds with Dapper Dan Midas

Transcript

SPEAKER_1

00:00:00

What's going on, y'all?This is Mike Brown, and I want to welcome you to this week's episode of The Art of Letting Go.If you haven't already, please make sure you hit the subscribe on whatever service that you're listening to this podcast.Also, rate the show and review it.Got a really special show in store for y'all.I have a conversation with my friend and collaborator, DDM.He is one of the dopest artists that I've met from his visuals to his music and just everyt