Meet Mac & Hailey Potts, our double storytellers this month for the I KNOW LONELY Project. Born totally blind, Mac discovered his love for music as a young child. While music quickly became a big part of his life, he shares that he often felt like a kid who struggled to find a place of belonging. But when he discovered he could just be authentically himself, he also discovered music could be used as a tool for connection. That connection with music is how he met Hailey, his now wife.

Hailey’s early story also starts with music. As an extremely shy child who struggled with a lot of social anxiety, she found her voice through music. Music became her dream and although she almost gave up on it at one point, she has learned to be authentic with her story as well. Together with a sense of humor and their three little girls, Mac & Hailey share their journey.

This is their story.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Hailey’s Story

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: Mac’s Story

Subscribe on your favorite listening platform, so you don’t miss it.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

READ THEIR STORIES: On The Blog

CLICK HERE TO READ HAILEY’S STORY

CLICK HERE TO READ MAC’S STORY

SHOWNOTES & RESOURCES

Connect with Mac: @macpottsmusic

Connect with Hailey: @eighthnote

Recommended Resources:

I Know Lonely Guide: Feeling lonely? This is a free download that explores what to do when you are feeling lonely. We have some tips to help you build your resilience for loneliness and some recommendations for where to start if you are feeling loneliness.

Meetup: Looking to find some connections with a common interest like Mac & Hailey did? Check out Meetup, and find connection with people who share your interests through online and in-person events.

Social Anxiety Resources: If social anxiety is a part of your story like Hailey experienced, here is a master list of some incredible resources.

3 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT THE I KNOW LONELY PROJECT:

1. Intentionally connect with someone you care about! Who is the first person that comes to your mind right now? Send them a text, give them a phone call, set a time to grab lunch. As Mac & Hailey’s story shares, connection is vital to our ability to thrive.

2. Rep the I KNOW LONELY merch! The holidays are coming up and what is a better way to share the project with someone you care about by getting some merch from the I Know Lonely collection under the tree. From cozy hoodies and sweatshirts to sticker packs or hats, you can shop the full collection here.

3. Become a monthly donor! We know there are so many more stories like this that need to be told. Stories that share their own experiences through topics like anxiety and depression, addiction, mental health struggles, incarceration, losing loved one to suicide… everybody has a story worth telling. And you can help us share these stories with the world by supporting the I Know Lonely Project. Even the smallest gifts can make an impact. Give here!