Worth the Read
Kirk’s Book Club
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
This is 50
Kirk Sheppard is turning 50 and reckoning with a lifetime of hiding, control, and desperately wanting to be seen—on his own terms.
This podcast follows his threshold year: separating what to keep from what to leave behind. Featuring "Under the Hood" self-care check-ins (car metaphors for inner work), "Worth the Read" book discussions, and "Walk Me Through It" conversations with others navigating their own thresholds—plus honest reflections on vulnerability, therapy, creativity, and the terrifying prospect of dancing in public.
This isn't a guide. It's a journey. You're invited to ride along.
Hello, World!
My Threshold Year in Song
As I approach my 50th birthday, I've been curating a playlist for this milestone year — songs that speak to where I've been, where I'm going, and everything I'm leaving behind and carrying forward. This is the soundtrack to my threshold year.
This Is Me — Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble The declaration. After decades of hiding behind roles and walls, this is me stepping into the open and claiming my place.
Dog Days Are Over — Florence + The Machine The shedding. Something is shifting, and it's time to run toward it — not away from it.
Breakaway — Kelly Clarkson The hope. Standing at the edge, ready to spread my wings, believing something bigger is waiting.
Corner of the Sky — Matthew James Thomas The searching. Where do I belong? What's my corner of the sky at 50?
Born — Over the Rhine The beginning. A quiet meditation on arriving — being born into your own life. Plus, they're my Cincinnati people.
Vienna — Billy Joel The patience. Slow down. You're doing fine. The destination isn't going anywhere.
I Hope You Dance — Lee Ann Womack The blessing. The wish someone speaks over you before you take the leap.
Landslide — Fleetwood Mac The reflection. Looking back at who I've been, wondering if I'm strong enough for what's ahead.
Light of a Clear Blue Morning — Dolly Parton The dawn. After the reckoning, a clearing in the sky. Hard-won hope.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody — Whitney Houston The desire. The wanting rises. I'm ready. I want this.
I'm Still Standing — Elton John The survival. I did the terrifying thing, and I'm still here.
My Way — Frank Sinatra The ownership. Looking back at the whole journey and claiming it — all of it — as mine.
Bonus Tracks:
🎵 Boogie Shoes — KC and the Sunshine Band The song I want to dance to first when I finally cross that threshold.
🎵 December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night) — The Four Seasons The #1 song the week I was born. A little birthday Easter egg.