Dial-a-Dream

a gallery of voicemails that feels like a hug

Recently, my wife and I opened an art show in Saugatuck, Michigan.
It’s called We Hope You Fail Better.

One part of the show has grown into something bigger than we originally intended.
It’s called Dial-a-Dream.

It’s an 800 number.
You call it.
You leave a message you would’ve needed to hear
on your roughest day.

Not advice.
Not a TED Talk.
Just… kind, honest, truth.
Soft. Strange. Silly.

“Hey. You’re not too much.”
“You matter.”
“Get up. Keep going. You’re not alone.”

Hundreds of people have called in.
SERIOUSLY. I AM CLOSE TO 1,000 VOICEMAILS.
In the gallery is a screen.
And a pair of headphones.
You listen.

And something happens.

Strangers become helpful friends.
Voicemails become tiny lanterns.
A random phone line becomes a lifeline you didn’t know you needed to grab.

Some people stay for a few minutes.
Some stay for an hour.
Some laugh. Some cry.
Some have said it feels like a hug.

Many of the voicemails are deeply personal. Raw, tender, and full of quiet courage.
It’s been a gift to listen and I *love* that this many strangers (and a few friends) have felt safe enough to share their honest selves with this odd little project.

People of all ages have been calling. Please listen to one of my favorite voicemails of all time:

If you want to call, you still can:

1-888-435-7163

All these wonderful voices are making Dial-a-Dream more meaningful than I could’ve imagined. Not only has it made the project better…
it’s made me better.

For you amazing Enthusiasts, I wanted to share an exclusive sample listen. A short audio glimpse. Put on some headphones and be encouraged:

We’re working on a way to carry these voices beyond the gallery walls. The show is on display in Michigan until May 16. After then, I’d like to put the Dial-a-Dream submissions together onto a site anyone anytime can access to just sit and experience. (If any of you have extensive web-building wisdom, please let me know.)

Kristi and I are very proud of this entire art show. It’s currently on display until May 16 at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts in Saugatuck, Michigan. Go see it.

Want to spend the day with me and several other dreamers and doers surrounded by art and fun? Get your ticket for Curiosity in Action: A Conference for Doing. It’s happening April 26 and I cannot wait! Let me know if you’ll be there.

So whether or not you call in,
whether or not you’re able to visit the gallery,
I hope you’ll still find a way to leave a little light in the world for someone else.

Because maybe the message you carry
is the one someone else has been waiting to hear.

1. Be part of the Curiosity in Action event! Get tickets here.

2. More about the exhibit can be found here. Some pieces are for sale.

3. This week I’m heading to Abilene, Texas for an event inspired by my book The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination! It’ll be a two day agent training with students. Excited to share more from this with you soon.

   p.s. THE EVENT LAST WEEK IN HAWAII WAS INCREDIBLE. 1600 entrepreneurs. 56 countries. Still processing all that happened. Will be sharing more from that soon.