BETTING ON MYSELF. For nearly eight years, I had the privilege of telling stories for a school district and a community I care deeply about. I’m proud of that work. I’m grateful for the relationships, the opportunities, and especially the leadership and support I experienced during my first seven years. That chapter of my life gave me a lot. And I’ll always appreciate it. But that chapter ended. I’m unemployed. I’ll be 50 in a couple of weeks. And for the first time in a long time, I’m figuring out what comes next. It’s exciting. It’s terrifying. Some days it’s both before I’ve even had my morning coffee. But I’ve spent more than three decades writing, reporting, creating, and telling stories. So I decided to bet on myself. That’s what Chivo Media is. Independent journalism. Personal essays. Music. Sports. Culture. Commentary. Stories about family, community, memory, and the things that make us who we are. Some will make you laugh. Some might make you uncomfortable. Some have been difficult as hell to write. But they’re stories I believe are worth telling. And here’s something I don’t want to overlook. We already have 12 paid subscribers. Every single one is a friend. People who have supported my writing, my creativity, and my work for decades. Long before Chivo Media existed. I know who you are. I know what your support represents. And I don’t take a single dollar of that investment for granted. Thank you for believing in me. Again. Now I’m hoping we can build on that foundation. This week, we’re making our first real push for paid subscribers. I’m not putting the stories behind a paywall. I want people to read them, share them, and talk about them. But building something independent takes time, resources, and a community willing to invest in the work. If you’ve enjoyed Chivo Media so far, consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’re not just supporting a newsletter. You’re helping a storyteller build his next chapter. And you’re helping me make a bet on myself. Welcome to the Chivoverse. Built on culture. Powered by community. chivomedia.substack.com/