“It’s not necessarily that I got over the fear, but that the desire to go for it just got to a point where it overrode the fear of failure.”

What happens when you stop waiting for the perfect moment and decide to go for it?

This week, as we mark National Coming Out Day, I’m especially glad to share this conversation with queer artist Brittany Ann Tranbaugh.

In 2023, Brittany made a big leap: she left her day job to pursue music full time. Since then, she’s played more than 300 shows, toured nationally, released her debut album Lucky Broke Girl, and earned recognition from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, American Songwriter Magazine, and No Depression Magazine, which named her a “Queer Country Artist to Watch in 2026.”

But Brittany’s story is about much more than becoming a successful musician. It’s about having the courage to be who you are, pursue what matters to you, and redefine success along the way. We talk about moving through fear, taking small steps toward what you want, the power of community and generosity, and letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out.

We also talk about Brittany’s beautiful song “For Caroline,” an “existential lullaby” inspired by her niece and her desire to keep building a beautiful world with hope in it. And you’ll hear the song in the episode.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m too old, too late, too practical, or too scared to start,” this conversation is for you.

Because sometimes courage isn’t about getting rid of the fear. It’s about deciding that who you are and what you want matter more.

Sometimes you don’t need a five-year plan. You just need the next small step.

To learn more about Brittany Ann, please visit her website brittanyanntranbaugh.com

If you’re navigating a loss/Taktransition, wondering what’s next, or simply ready to create more joy, purpose, and connection in your life, I’d love to stay connected. Visit donnayferris.com to sign up for my newsletter and learn more about my books, coaching, and other resources.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might want to listen to episodes with other artists including Episode #83 with singer Vienna Teng and Episode #18 with Caldecott winner Micha Archer.

And if you’re looking for mental health resources, please click here or reach out to your insurance provider. If you are in crisis, please dial 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or dial 988 for the suicide hotline (US only). If you are transgender, the 24/7 Trans Lifeline in the US is 1-877-565-8860, and in Canada, it is 1-877-330-6366.

#BounceBackStronger #BrittanyAnnTranbaugh #QueerArtist #QueerCountry #CountryMusic #FollowYourDreams #TakeTheLeap #RedefiningSuccess #OvercomingFear #NationalComingOutDay #positivepsychology

Background music is “Some Kind of Wonderful” by NuAlkemi$t

“For Caroline” by Brittany Ann Tranbaugh is shared with permission of the artist