Let’s kick this one off with a dad joke.
Q: What do you call a fake noodle?
A: An impasta!
Impostor Syndrome is a semi-universal self-esteem block. It’s the feeling that you’re not really qualified to do whatever you’re doing; that you don’t really deserve the love of those close to you. Everyone has been fooled by your ability to pretend to be that lovable, capable person. It’s a sense of paranoia that everything you have, any success or respect, will crumble in an instant if the “real” you, the terrible, flawed, honest, complicated version of yourself, ever shines through.
Spending any time on social media, it’s easy to start to feel that way. Everyone projects a perfected happy vision of themselves, and it’s intimidating. People are posting photos of their beautiful families (or beautiful Animal Crossing islands- everyone seems to have one or the other), and all my friends on Twitter are quick to chime in expert opinions on conversations that elude me. It starts to feel like you’re the only one who thinks dark thoughts or who doesn’t always understand what’s going on.
My brother (whose birthday is today) directed me toward a shining light on Instagram, beaming through the clouds of impostor syndrome - and here at Mashups Made to Order, we managed to snag an exclusive interview with Club Dad Dan:
I caught up with Club Dad Dan over Zoom for safety’s sake. The Club Dad did not disclose his age, and I didn’t ask. He looks healthy and enjoys an active lifestyle. When not in quarantine, he spends his nights enjoying the music and nightlife of Denver. Though he had a jolly attitude, he did have some difficulty operating the video chat application, and I spent a good part of the interview speaking to Club Dad Dan’s solar plexus. But he was excited to talk about his life and his upbeat digital presence.
AS: Hi Club Dad Dan - I’ve been a fan for a while, but how do you introduce yourself to folks who might be hearing about you for the first time? What is a “club dad”?
CDD: Hello there, thank you for having me today. I am just a person that would like for the kids to party responsibly. Everyone parties in their own way, but balance and moderation sometimes get left behind - as the club dad I try to provide advice to everybody in the concert-going community to guide them towards being safe, but I also believe that a good parent needs to leave some room for kids to learn from their mistakes.
AS: Clubs across the country are closed for quarantine. What have you been doing in the meantime? What recommendations do you have for club-going kids during these difficult times?
CDD: The clubs being closed has given me more nights to catch up on interesting television shows and documentaries. Did you know we are living in the golden age of television? What a life! I have also been enjoying live streams of my favorite artists. Enjoying a front row seat to an artist's living room, balcony, or wherever the camera is, has been very entertaining!
I hope that the kids out there are learning how to adapt and won't rush to break social distancing guidelines too early. It's a great time to read, plan careers, and catch up on television.
AS: What is the best way to celebrate a birthday during quarantine?
CDD: Oh I would bet that everyone has their own preference - I usually like to bowl with a friend or two in the afternoon and then have a quiet night in, so during quarantine my plans would just leave out the bowling. Maybe I would substitute a Zoom call for the bowling, but I don't know. Have you used Zoom? What a platform.
AS: Yes, we are using Zoom now.
CDD: (laughs)
AS: What advice - or memes - would you have for someone who is turning 27?
CDD: That is an oddly specific age - I would advise that person to drink plenty of water and to make sure they take care of their mind and body so that they can build momentum and finish their third decade strong.
AS: Impostor Syndrome is when people don’t think they are good enough to merit their own accomplishments. People with impostor syndrome experience spirals of doubt and a constant fear for being “exposed” as a fraud. Have you ever experienced impostor syndrome?
CDD: I haven't experienced impostor syndrome in the club, that is probably my most honest self. I think everyone encounters some degree of impostor syndrome in their personal or professional life though. Learning how to work with self-doubt is part of growing up.
AS: What advice would you have for someone experiencing impostor syndrome?
CDD: Take a deep breath. Get off of Instagram and the Tik Tok. Focus on your reality. You belong, you are loved, drink some water.
You can keep up with Club Dad Dan’s wholesome content and clubgoings on Instagram by following @clubdaddan.
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