Aug 12, 2026
35 min
Criticism Hurts Less When You Train For It, with Dick Wybrow
Making something in private can feel lonely, but sharing it can feel even more exposing. That tension is the heart of our conversation with author and former radio host Dick Wybrow, who has spent years creating in a room by himself and then releasing stories into a world full of opinions. We talk about what people misunderstand about the writing life, why quiet and “boredom” are often the doorway to real creativity, and how deadlines can turn freedom into a daily grind.
Dick opens up about criticism from every angle: the random drive-by comment, the inner voice that gets sharp at the worst moment, and the painful sting that can linger longer than it should. He shares how his background in stand-up comedy and rock radio helped him build thicker skin, and why most negative reactions say more about the critic than the creator. We also dig into a practical approach to feedback: keep a small circle whose opinions truly count, let the rest roll off, and when there’s a real point hidden inside a harsh note, use it to improve the work rather than shrink from it.
We get concrete about staying steady, too, from using exercise as a mental reset to preparing for the “60 to 70 percent” slump where many writers suddenly believe their draft is terrible. Dick’s most freeing advice is simple and powerful: give yourself permission to be awful in the first draft, finish the book, and revise from something real. If you’re building anything alone and then handing it to the world, this one will land. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review with the criticism you learned to stop carrying.
Connect With the Guest:
Website: https://www.dickwybrow.com
Substack: https://dickwybrow.substack.com
Books: Available on Amazon and in select indie bookstores
Get 50% off the first 6 months of YouEx.ai!
Friending, Inc
Offer: 15% off our coffee as stated above | Code: Podcast10 Find friends in real-life in a verified
Extraordinary People LLC
All free so we can get to know each other!
Convergence
Offer: 50% off | TRANSFORM50
AEtherbal
Offer: 20% off | Code: Tryfor20
Jen Katsev
Offer: 5 Day "Wake Up IN LOVE With Your Life" Challenge.
The Soulfluence
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? 👉 DM me on PodMatch
💬 Want to come on the show? Be a Guest
🌐 Explore the full network | 📨 Newsletter | 👥 LinkedIn Community
This isn't self-help. It's self-honesty.
💼 Sponsor Our Show | 🎬 Check Our Services
📌 Disclaimer This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. Guest views are personal and do not represent the host or Healthy Mind by Avik™. The Network does not verify or endorse guest statements. Nothing here is medical, legal, financial, or professional advice, please consult a qualified professional. Engage critically. Third-party content referenced under fair use. Guests are responsible for their own statements. Concerns? Contact us | Full disclaimer.
By listening, you accept this disclaimer in full.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!