Sean of the South
by Tanner Olson
writtentospeak.com

If you know me well you know I like to be at home and on the couch by 8 PM.

What can I say?

I know how to party.

But last night we left the house at 9:15 PM.

I even drank a beer.

A friend was in town.

A friend who is also a hero.

They say to never meet your heroes, but I’ve never been good at listening and we went anyway.

He was playing the Grand Ole Opry and Sarah and I attended the afterparty.

Sean Dietrich plays music and writes books and tells stories and reminds his readers and listeners that everything is going to be okay.

More people read his work than he could have ever imagined, but that’s the thing about honest and humble words: they always find a way.

Last year I was introduced to Sean while on a podcast with Troy Mclaughlin.
“Are you familiar with Sean Dietrich?”
“Who?”
“Sean of the South! ”
“I’ve never heard of him. Should I check out his work?”
“YES. You have to. You’ll love him.”

Troy was right.
After the podcast I checked out Sean’s work and I haven’t been the same since. 

Sean’s words ignite something within me.
They slow me down and leave me feeling more hopeful.
He reminds me of grace and forgiveness and the goodness that is fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits.
His stories move me and remind me I can only be me and that it’s okay for me to only be me.
Sean tells me there is still good in the world and you know what?
I believe him.

Months ago I messaged Sean and asked him to be a guest on my podcast. Sean agreed and one November afternoon we talked for an hour and half about life, creating, breakfast food, and God.

We’ve been friends since.

Last night I waited in line to congratulate my friend for playing the Grand Ole Opry. The room was packed full of people who had been changed by Sean’s work. There was dancing, singing, and drinking. It was a little glimpse of heaven.
The ladies next to me were giddy with excitement.
One woman was shaking as she anticipated meeting her favorite author.
A man on the other side of the room held up two of Sean’s books as he tried to get his attention.
I snapped a few photos for some fellow fans before Sean grabbed me by the arm and hugged my neck.
“You made it!” Sean exclaimed.
“Of course!”
I patted his back the same way my friends pat mine, with a little force, but a lot of love.
We took a photo and chatted for a few seconds before agreeing to text each other later.

And then I went home because it was way past my bedtime and the one beer I drank made me sleepy. 

They say to never meet your heroes.

Maybe we just need to have better heroes like Sean.

With hope,

Tanner Olson
@writtentospeak

Listen to the Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Sean Dietrich

About the Author

Tanner Olson is an author, poet, speaker, and podcaster living in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is the author of I’m All Over the Place, As You Go, Walk A Little Slower, and Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope.

You can find Tanner Olson’s books on Amazon.

His podcast is The Walk A Little Slower Podcast with Tanner Olson and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

Tanner Olson travels around the country sharing poetry, telling stories, and delivering messages of hope.

You can follow Tanner Olson on Instagram (@writtentospeak) and Facebook where you’ll daily find encouraging words of faith and hope.