Exploring Life & Business with Danny Mazzeo of Weekend Conversations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danny Mazzeo.  

Hi Danny, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Shortly after my first son was bored, it dawned on me just how much I didn’t know about being a dad. I quickly recognized a theme when talking with other parents. Everyone’s circumstances and experiences may be unique, but the underlying themes are consistent. Yet, for whatever reason, a lot of those themes remain unsaid. Welcoming my second son into the world only stressed this further. At that point, I felt a need to share some of those themes with other parents-to-be. 

My wife and I started to use the hashtag #weekendconversations online as we shared our journey. As hard as some of it was, we strived to find humor in the chaos. Then, as our boys’ personalities began to show, the hilarity spiraled. We’d share some of the “he said WHAT?!” moments online as a way to keep our friends and family posted about our family since we didn’t get to see them often. After several years of these conversations and posts, a number of people encouraged me to put them in a book. I didn’t see the logic in just sharing these moments with the world; I needed to include those “why didn’t you tell me this?!” lessons and part of my own experience along the way. Ultimately, this resulted in the release an unfiltered early-parenting book, “Weekend Conversations: Real Talk by a Real Dad.” 

The Weekend Conversations concept has since evolved pretty substantially. The weekend implies “time away from work,” while conversations imply some level of interaction between people. The goal is to not take life too seriously, enjoy this wild ride for what it is, and leave the world a little better-a little happier than when we arrived. That now includes several different aspects in addition to the ongoing parenting saga. 

I’ve developed a huge passion for photography, capturing life one conversation at a time. As an avid music lover, I’ve ventured into media and press, most recently working with a locally-based group called Pit Crew. I’ve continued to fine-tune what I consider the Kindness Contagion, an opportunity to spread kindness and inspiration like confetti. 

As I think we’ve all experienced over the last several years, life can be extremely rough. For whatever reason, we were chosen to be here in this world at this point in time, though, and we should make the most of it. This is still and will always be-a sweet life. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth roads are always relative in hindsight. Sometimes, the road is paved and straight, but realistically, it’s a gravel road full of potholes, and I’m driving blindfolded. 

There’s the perpetual struggle of time and money, both of which needing to be allocated strategically. I’ve also struggled with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, worrying about if I really am good enough to be doing any of this. Similarly, if I do pursue these goals, am I doing it with the right mindset? 

There’s also been a huge learning curve on all of this. I don’t have a background in any of these areas, just a passion. I’m learning as I go. The world is evolving at such a rapid pace it’s impossible to keep up. Just when you get used to one algorithm, it changes, and you start over. I take that for what it is and have had to redefine what I consider to be a success in any of this. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Weekend Conversations?
This may feel a bit redundant from the earlier question, but seeing Weekend Conversations evolve to what it is today has been wild. It started as a silly hashtag between my wife and I and has blossomed into something I feel is truly beautiful, capturing the chaos of life with a positive attitude, a sense of humor, and a zest for living. I’ve been able to take these things I enjoy so dearly – writing, photography, and music – and bring smiles to so many others. 

All of this centers around life. I believe we all have a story to tell and a longing be heard and seen. Be it a written review of work or photographing an event, that story is as important as it is unique. I strive to understand the why, so the world can truly see the what. It all starts with a conversation. 

Of everything I do, I’m most proud of my photography. It’s truly a work of labor to bring out the essence of whatever the subject happens to be. I have a passion for events. They all have a unique flair. School community nights, graduations, horse shows, concerts, and weddings – I love them all and would love to help make those special moments last a lifetime. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
There are so many others that have helped me get to where I am today. First and foremost, if it weren’t for a God who loves me, none of this would be a thing. My amazing wife Tiffany has supported me pursuing these opportunities even though she likely cringes anytime I come to her with a new idea at this point. Tiffany and my kids deserve so much credit here. Weekend Conversations wouldn’t be a thing without them. (Seriously…think about it.) 

My family deserves an immeasurable amount of recognition. My parents helped develop my moral compass early on and layered it with a deep-rooted love and loyalty for family and friends. My mom never met a stranger and lived a life full of kindness and humility. My dad’s love for photography and music further inspired me well before I realized the seed had been planted. My siblings, my in-laws, and my entire extended family have further impressed upon me the importance of making memories that last a lifetime. 

From mentors to supporters, there’s no way I could do any of this alone. Many of them don’t understand just how much they’ve pushed me in such a wide variety of ways. It’s noticed, it’s felt, and it’s appreciated. In no particular order, and recognizing this is far from an exhaustive list, the following have graced me with a loving hand up along the way: Antonio and Barbara Palmer, Luis and Debbie Lobo, Sherman and Lori Gaines, Jamie Robinson, Aleyna Ray, Brian Francis, Anita Marshall, Jeff Weir, Thomas Blue, Missy Wood of Creative Music Management, William “SpooN” Foy and the ICoN Pit Crew, Jonathan Slye and the team at Blue Ridge Rock Fest. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weekendconversations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weekend_conversations/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeekendConversationsOfficial/