Episode

Writing Through The Storm

Podcast: Friends from Wild Places
Published: Apr 18, 2026
Duration seconds: 1559
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Summary

When COVID-19 derailed his aviation career, Franklin Moya used the unexpected downtime to finally pursue a lifelong dream of writing. This episode explores how to transform professional instability into a catalyst for creative reinvention and personal purpose.

Topics

Career Reinvention
Creative Writing
Mental Health
Aviation Industry
Self-Improvement
Publishing
Resilience
Illustration

Highlights

Main idea: Unexpected career disruptions can serve as necessary catalysts for long-dormant creative ambitions
Practical takeaway: Use periods of professional downtime to build the foundational skills needed for your next venture
Failure mode: Relying on disorganized or unstable publishing partners can compromise the quality of your creative work
Lesson: Protecting your mental and emotional energy from toxic environments is vital for long-term physical health
Main idea: A stable job can serve as a 'means to an end' that provides the resources and schedule necessary to build a secondary passion

Chapters

1:00 The Pandemic Pivot: Franklin describes how losing his cabin crew training due to COVID-19 forced him to confront his long-held writing ambitions.
3:00 Publishing Challenges: The difficulties of working with a struggling publisher and the importance of editorial quality.
5:00 Redefining Success: A conversation about shifting perspectives on what it means to be successful in life and career.
7:00 Creative Expansion: Discussing the transition from author to illustrator and the nuances of bilingual creative work.
10:00 Signs and Synchronicity: Reflecting on the recurring themes of travel and Switzerland in Franklin's life journey.
14:00 Building the Foundation: How Franklin uses his current role to fund and facilitate his growth as a public speaker and artist.
21:00 The Cost of Toxicity: A powerful lesson on the physical and emotional toll of absorbing negativity in high-stress service roles.