SHOW / EPISODE

Finding Purpose in the Unexpected: Bringing GEDFest to Buffalo

Episode 340
1h 20m | Oct 27, 2026

This week on the show,Ā I'm getting personal and raw about an incredible,Ā whirlwind past year.

It all started with a simple Instagram scroll that led me to GEDFest.Ā From there,Ā life took some massive,Ā unexpected turns—including bringing the event to the U.S.Ā for the very first time,Ā navigating a breast cancer diagnosis,Ā and seeing how every single piece of this journey ultimately tied into a greater purpose.

Despite major and minor pivots along the way,Ā it turned out to be the most seamless event I’ve ever put together.Ā Tune in as I break down the story behind GEDFest Buffalo,Ā the resilience it took to bring it to life,Ā and why this chapter means so much to me.

Key Takeaways & Highlights

  • The Spark:Ā How a chance discovery on Instagram led to getting involved with GEDFest and planting its roots in the United States.
  • Navigating the Unexpected:Ā Opening up about my breast cancer diagnosis and how facing life head-on shifted my perspective on this event and its mission.
  • The Power of Community:Ā Why the inaugural U.S.Ā event—benefiting the Breast Cancer Network of WNY—came together so seamlessly,Ā proving that when you're aligned with your purpose,Ā things fall into place.
  • Embracing the Pivots:Ā Lessons learned on rolling with the punches,Ā managing large-scale events,Ā and trusting the process.


Video from the event available this Thursday on YouTube:Ā https://www.youtube.com/@datcmediacompany8281

* SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 16TH 2027, BUFFALO GEDFEST YEAR TWO! *

------

šŸŽ¶: THE STRICTLY HIP: https://www.thestrictlyhip.com/

šŸ’–Ā DONATE DIRECTLY:Ā https://givebutter.com/gedfest-buffalo-vje1zp/donate

šŸ”Ā ENTER TO WIN COTTAGE STAY:Ā https://sundanceofblantyrelodgegedfestbuf.cheddarup.com

šŸŽŸļøĀ VENUE WEBSITE:Ā thecazbuffalo.com

šŸ’—Ā SUPPORT THE CAUSE:Ā Learn more about BCN of WNY atĀ bcnwny.org

šŸ“²Ā FOLLOW ALONG ON SOCIAL:

• Instagram:Ā @buffalogedfestĀ |Ā @gedfest_officialĀ |Ā @datcmediacompany

• Facebook:Ā GEDfest BuffaloĀ |Ā GEDfest OfficialĀ |Ā DATC Media

🐟: Swim Drink Fish: swimdrinkfish.ca

Swim Guide:Ā theswimguide.org

🌊: Waterkeeper Alliance: waterkeeper.org

Biinaagami:Ā biinaagami.org

Mark Mattson on Substack:Ā waterkeepermark.substack.com

šŸ’œĀ The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund:Ā https://downiewenjack.ca/

Article mentioned in this episode: https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/a-report-from-the-gord-downie-tribute-event-gedfest/#google_vignette

-----------

Follow DATC Media:

https://datcmediacompany.com

https://www.facebook.com/datcmedia

https://www.instagram.com/datcmediacompany/

Follow Dropped Among This Crowd Podcast:

https://www.instagram.com/droppedamongthiscrowdpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/droppedamongthiscrowd/

Email:Ā droppedamongthiscrowdpod@gmail.com

Book a conversation on "Dropped among this Crowd":Ā https://datcmediacompany.com/contact/ola/services/be-on-dropped-among-this-crowd-podcast

Follow Sara J:

https://www.facebook.com/sara.till41/

https://www.instagram.com/sarajachimiak/

Donate to DATC Media Company:Ā https://datcmediacompany.com/support

Join the community on Patreon:Ā https://www.patreon.com/Datcmediacompany/gift

Now a member of the Boneless Podcasting Network! Check out their library of shows:Ā https://bonelesspodcasting.com/

Paused
Audio Player Image
Dropped Among This Crowd
Loading...