Birthdays — for me, at least — are always a time for reflection. I like to think about what has happened in my life during the last year and what might be coming in the next 365 days.

I want to do the former in this post. As a 29-year-old, I poured a good amount of my energies, creativity, drive, and personal travel budget (!) into learning about and engaging in social media. It’s a place where I’ve found my voice, where my professional ambitions lie, and where I meet the most fascinating people.

In the end, my work in this space always does point back to the people — to the new colleagues I have gained and the new friends I have made because of blogging, podcasting, geek meetups, and *Camps (BarCamp, PodCamp, CaseCamp).

So as I turn 30 today, I give you the names of 30 people that I have met — most of them in person, and others virtually — for the first time in the last year whose work, passion, and friendship help fuel my dedication to new media:

  1. Laura Allen – You’ve helped me to say what I do in 15 seconds, and now you’re helping to bring PodCamp to New York City.
  2. My son Amani – You’re not yet three weeks old, and thanks to social media, you’re already a star.
  3. Michael Bailey – Thanks to you, anybody can attach an audio comment to this post. Your big break will come. I know it.
  4. Jenny Attiyeh – Thank you for coming to PodCamp.
  5. Leesa Barnes – Next time you drive down to Boston from Toronto, remember to bring a road map.
  6. Mike Bellina – I was much better at sticking to a consistent podcasting production schedule when I had you on board :)
  7. Chris Brogan – You landed your dream job — and you earned it.
  8. Christopher Carfi – So this is what fatherhood is like.
  9. Ted Demopoulos – Featuring me in a book? Dangerous.
  10. Terry Fallis – Enjoy your insight into PR — and proper English.
  11. Doug Haslam – Keep leading the charge in Boston for PR’s adoption of social media.
  12. Joseph Jaffe – crayon is your life after Life After the 30-Second Spot. Screw a second book.
  13. Mitch Joel – My mentor. I’m seeing the “six pixels” in everything now.
  14. David Jones – Thanks for the PR schoolin’. After all, you “know stuff.”
  15. Reid Givens - A like-minded social-media-driven traveler.
  16. John C. Havens – I appreciate not only your commitment to podcasting, but to helping other dads.
  17. Neville Hobson – Indeed.
  18. Shel Holtz – I like mornings, too, but getting up at 5am every day?
  19. Lee Hopkins – New Comm Road appreciates your “God” voice.
  20. Ed Lee – Can’t wait to share a pint or two with you up in Toronto.
  21. Andrea Mercado – You’re easily the most entertaining librarian I’ve ever met … unless we’re counting Ms. Dewey.
  22. Jay Moonah – You drove from Toronto to Boston to play podsafe music at the first-ever PodCamp. That just rocks.
  23. Christopher Penn – I’ve listened to more episodes of the Financial Aid Podcast than any other show. Five or six podcasts every single week. I’m always impressed.
  24. Nicolas Pin – The best WordPress designer I know. Gracias por tu ayuda.
  25. Steve Runner – I’m still not a runner, but that doesn’t stop me listening to you podcast all about it. Run long and taper, Steve.
  26. Guido Stein – Thanks for reminding us at PodCamp that we all have a unique story to tell.
  27. Stephen Turcotte – I’m grateful for your encouragement and advice. Congratulations to Scout and Spherion on your award.
  28. MaryHelen Votral – You’re going to be one hell of a blogger.
  29. Adam Weiss – Watching and listening to you hold court at PodCamp Boston was a thing of beauty.
  30. Dan York – Great chat over breakfast in September.

Yes, this is a veritable love fest. But, hey, it’s my birthday. I’m allowed.

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