Meet Shannon Traphagen | Owner of Write Life Media and the top rated Game On Glio Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Traphagen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea was inspired by my life experiences. I am a published author, and had started a social media “handle” named write life. The meaning behind the words were, and are to this day, to write about life; to be real, authentic, passionate. When life became messy and chaotic, I didn’t know how to walk through it, so I started writing about it. After my husband’s death I started the only (at the time) storytelling podcast on brain cancer and young grief and loss. But I need to have a good place to “house” the podcast, so I created Write Life Media Marketing LLC. Since its inception, we have produced 3 seasons of Game On Glio Podcast, I have worked with many business clients, helping them shape their story to show others who and what their business is, and we’ve won the 2023 Ignite Award for community impact. Write Life and subsequently, my podcast is all about life–real, raw and passionate stories that tell a journey, that teach advocacy, and that show passion for what we do.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting my own business was not easy, nor did I come to it methodically. This career, it found me. At my core, I’ve always been a storyteller and a bridge for others. I always wanted to make a difference in the world, to help others. However, no matter the path I chose, it never felt quite right, like Goldilocks finding what was “just right.” As a social worker, I found it hard to help others while also fighting a broken system that seemed to make circumstance worse. During this time, I was freelance writing for magazines and newspapers. One of my articles was picked up nationally and a woman out west wrote to the publication to thank me for my article–that it helped her navigate a very difficult work situation. I soon realized that I could have a voice on a larger scale. That I could help and impact others by my words and my passion. That led to my transition into marketing work which I did for various organizations for years. Then I landed an associate publisher job at a health and wellness magazine. During that time I wrote and published my first fiction novel, a novel that weaves in mythical storytelling with real-world issues like anxiety and low self-esteem. I also studied at Yale University, getting certified in storytelling in modern media. When my husband died, I knew I needed to find purpose in the tragedy. I need to find my voice, I needed to do more for others. That has led me to where I am today. So, the road was never straight. The twists and turns along the way all contribute and shape the person I continue to grow into. I had to overcome significant challenges along the way. Any time a boss or colleague told me I was no good or when someone else got promoted over me, I relied on my own truths to guide me. I had to find my own confidence in the work I do, and honestly, a large part of that came from my late husband. He believed so much in my writing, my media work, my way of storytelling. He saw something in me. That belief, that faith in me carried me through when the road was bumpy. I had to learn that the road will not always be straight. You may not always be able to see what’s around the next corner. That doesn’t mean give up. We can’t control everything, not even in business or career. Sometimes all we can do is believe in ourselves, our passion, our purpose and let the road unfold as we walk it.
I am most proud of the work we do at Write Life Media and the show (Game On Glio Podcast) that we continue to put together. It helps others, it gives them hope and inspiration, it gives a voice to so many, it gives stories, it gives period.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much of what I currently do to those who lift me up and support me on this journey. That starts with my producer Kevin Minorczyk. From the start, he’s had my back and has worked tirelessly alongside me to create the show. We recently also added producer Chris Sniezak who has been a wonderful addition. I also wouldn’t be able to put this show together without our sponsors, who continue to support our production of the show and support my efforts to grow. GT Medical Technologies/GammaTile Therapy, UB Neurosurgery, MimiVax LLC, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and Imvax Inc. are all huge partners of the show and the work I do and we support each other’s efforts to help others. Lastly, without my friends and family, I probably wouldn’t be standing right now. The last four years have been very challenging; they continue to believe in me and support me, they are there whenever I need them. All of these individuals are my pillars of strength.

Website: https://www.thegameongliopodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameongliopodcast

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shannon-traphagen

Facebook: https://facebook.com/gameonglio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gameongliopodcast

Other: https://www.smtraphagen.com

Image Credits
Tara Bazilian Chang photographer credit for Ignite Award photo–only.